VACANCY ANNOUCEMENT / UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR THE CORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS / Information Management Officer, P-4, Geneva- Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

 

 

 

 

VACANCY ANNOUCEMENT / UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR THE CORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS / Information Management Officer, P-4, Geneva- Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

 

 

 

 

 

Information Management Officer, P-4, Geneva

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

DUTY STATION:     Geneva

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 08-IMA-OCHA-418948-R-GENEVA

 

 

 

 

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the ReliefWeb Project Coordinator in New York, in the Information Analysis Section of the Advocacy Information Management Branch (AIMB) – UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the incumbent is responsible for managing the technical oversight, management and development of the ReliefWeb site for timely accessibility of humanitarian information. This entails the following

duties: 1. Develop and implement the ReliefWeb’s technical work plan as part of the overall Strategic Plan of the project; 1.1 Manage the implementation of the strategy and technical upgrades or projects, based upon user centered web design principles for short and long-term technical requirements including new technology, automation, software and site architecture developments, user interfaces, system and web design, reliability and interoperability. Through site web-analytics, surveys and usability testing, develop site navigation and information architecture. 1.2 Develop terms of reference, request recruitment, supervise and evaluate all expert technical staff and consultants. 1.3 Manage the tendering process, write technical specifications, monitor deliverables for technical development projects and expert consultants. 1.4 Provide detailed site metrics/analytics and usage reports to ReliefWeb and OCHA Senior Management and stakeholders. 1.5 Act as the ReliefWeb focal point for all technical trouble-shooting, functionality 24/7, identification of problems; reliable services of email, personalization and RSS, in collaboration with Information Technology Section staff and technical contractors. Establish and support the regional ReliefWeb technical capacity to publish information. Maintain oversight to ensure appropriate solutions for site infrastructure, servers, search engine, services (email, RSS) database and technology upgrades. 2. Supervise the ReliefWeb Antenna Technical Team, and expert consultants. 2.1. In line with ReliefWeb’s Strategic Plan, and annual workplan, supervise the day-to-day work of the technical staff and set priorities. Analyze resource requirements and balance workloads accordingly. 2.2. Act as the First Reporting officer for PAS of technical staff, build competencies (coach) through access to development and training especially related to latest web technology and ensure the ReliefWeb Coordinator, New York, is systematically informed of all relevant staffing needs and actions, and participates in selection of new staff as appropriate. 2.4 Participate in Project-wide development of ReliefWeb staff guidelines especially develops technical guidelines. Actively participate in all ReliefWeb and ITS standard operating procedures, including the roster for 24/7 coverage during sudden onset emergencies. 3. As the ReliefWeb technical focal point and in support of the interoperability assist in the development of ReliefWeb as an institutional tool within OCHA, headquarters , regional and field offices and other stakeholders. 3.1. Support OCHA’s surge/rapid response by providing ReliefWeb as a response tool including information exchange and interoperability with other web platforms of OCHA, such as the web portal (field web sites, other tools), the Global Disaster Alert Coordination System, Virtual Operations Centre and Humanitarian Information Centers, Humanitarian Information Network activities, and others. 3.2. Support partnerships by sharing ReliefWeb standards in source development, content management, editorial practices, technical advice and data structure models in the development of humanitarian information network models in the field.

3.3. Develop mechanisms for effective dissemination of ReliefWeb information and engage in a community of practice with humanitarian information partners, professionals and technical experts, to strengthen IM standards, principles and practices. Represent the project at meetings and conferences.

4. Undertakes administrative and liaison functions in Geneva duty station in collaboration with the Geneva Managing Editor. 4.1 Prepares the work and cost plan for Geneva ReliefWeb Project with emphasis on the technical plan of the site, in close cooperation with the Project Coordinator, New York.

4.2 Develop detailed cost plan, fundraising and communication strategies for the Geneva office. 4.3 In line with the yearly cost plans and in cooperation with the Coordinator and as required ITS, initiate procurement requests for hardware, software and related supplies and track expenditures, recruit staff and expert consultant. 5. Perform other duties as may be required by the ReliefWeb Project Coordinator.

Competencies

Professionalism – Knowledge of the use of information management and web technologies, particularly in the use of the internet; knowledge of principles of records management, including records in electronic media, maintenance and disposition of records, including appraisal, conservation and migration management; records preservation and description; knowledge of the principles of information architecture design and web usability; ability to analyze, evaluate and articulate the information requirements of complex situations, such as humanitarian emergencies, requiring the coordinated response of a specialized user community and ability to translate same into the delivery of information services. Technological Awareness – Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the Office; In-depth knowledge and experience of relevant technologies, including web technologies, systems design and database applications relevant to managing information on the web. Ability to understand and apply system’s theory to the advancement of humanitarian information management technology, standards and practice at the headquarters and field levels. High level computer skills and use of relevant software and applications; experience in managing the use of internet technologies to deliver online services. Knowledge of the latest web and content management technologies required. Experience with Lotus Notes Domino an asset. Demonstrated ability to draft complex technical proposals for web site upgrades. Knowledge of the use of GIS and mapping software for visual representation is desirable. Ability to supervise technical staff required. Ability to write clearly on both technical and non-technical subjects for internet professionals is desirable.

Judgment/Decision-Making: Ability in identifying the key issues in complex and multifaceted situations. The ability to make sound and timely decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the OCHA field office and translate objectives into tangible and sustainable results. Proven capacity to judiciously consider positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to implementing them. Managing Performance: Proven track record in delegating appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority to junior staff as well as ensuring that roles and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Excellent ability to accurately judge the amount of time and human resources needed to accomplish technical assignments and match tasks to skills. Extensive experience in supervising teams with the ability to coach them, tutor, motivate and appropriately delegate workload.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Systems, Mass Communications, Computer Science, Digital Repositories, Library Management Systems or a combination of relevant academic background (at least a first level university degree Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area, may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Minimum 7 years of progressive responsible professional and managerial experience in Information Management, Database Development or Web Development, including experience in application of information architecture design and web usability principles and practices to ensure accessible information services. Experience in managing technical projects, including oversight of the design and implementation of information management and web site projects related to strengthening humanitarian assistance or other related area is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is essential; knowledge of a second official UN language, particularly French, is an advantage.