GIS Associate UNDP Jobs in Kenya 2012

Job Title: GIS ASSOCIATE, UNOCHA
Location : Nairobi, KENYA
Application Deadline : 04-Apr-12
Type of Contract : TA Local
Post Level : GS-7
Languages Required :
English
Duration of Initial Contract : Six Months
Expected Duration of Assignment : Six Months
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Background
Given the current crisis in Somalia, OCHA has to scale up support immediately to support the Humanitarian Coordinator in mobilization and coordination of an effective and principled humanitarian response. OCHA is particularly concerned about vulnerable communities and those at risk due to current drought and conflict. Under the leadership of the UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator for Somalia, OCHA maintains an office in Nairobi and a field presence inside Somalia; the primary objectives of OCHA Somalia include the following:

Advocate for access to basic services, especially water, sanitation, education and health for vulnerable communities, including collection, analysis and dissemination of information and negotiation of access.
Coordinate the implementation of humanitarian response in Somalia with UN agencies and programmes, national and international NGOs and local authorities/communities as appropriate with focus on strengthening the Cluster Approach.

Under the overall supervision of the Information Management Officer, the GIS Associate works closely with Clusters and units within UNOCHA Somalia to support the collection, storage and analysis of humanitarian information.

Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:

Data Collection and Analysis
Mapping by providing GIS support
Preparation and update of Somali reference maps
Develop GIS and related info-graphic products for stakeholders
Facilitation of knowledge building and management
Knowledge Transfer

Perform data collection and analysis, focusing on the following results:

Supports the Office in the collection of relevant information and data from key humanitarian partners, including Cluster Chairs, representatives of national governments, UN agencies, donors, local and international NGOs, in order to facilitate and maximize the exchange of information and data between humanitarian partners, and support the creation of appropriate information products for decision-making and humanitarian response.
Promotes the collection, collation and standardization of baseline datasets. Compiles and disseminates these, in particular demographic and vulnerability data, in different formats (including GIS).

Provides mapping and GIS support, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Provides GIS support to the Office in general and Clusters assisting in the development of appropriate maps to support humanitarian decision-making and reflect humanitarian response.
Support the maintenance of an inventory of UNOCHA produced maps and geo-datasets and, where possible, those available from other humanitarian partners.

Preparing and updating Reference Maps of Somalia:

Production and update of reference maps for Somalia based on available data.
Preparation and maintenance of descriptive maps that provide inventory of local resources such as infrastructure.
Management of the development, quality control and production of maps
Provision of GIS information and maps in appropriate formats to be used in seminars and workshops.

Supporting the IMO in developing GIS and related info-graphic products for stakeholders:

In close collaboration with the Information Management Officer, determine the primary data, mapping and info-graphic elements required internally and externally to support humanitarian decision making.
Develop and maintain a client-oriented approach with all relevant stakeholders to help identify their mapping requirements to ensure that information and maps are relevant for planning.
Regularly review and seek feedback from clusters to regularly review product suitability

Ensures Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge transfer, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to the Office’s goals and activities.
Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Provision of training and advice to OCHA staff on Information Management issues and products.
Regularly review and seek feedback from clusters to regularly review product suitability

Ensures Knowledge transfer focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Provision of training and advice to OCHA staff and partners on mapping systems such as google earth, GPS.

Impact of Results:
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the Country Office including improved business results and client services. Forward-looking ICT management has an impact on the organization of office management, knowledge sharing, and information provision

Competencies
Functional Competencies:

Building Strategic Partnerships
Maintaining information and databases

Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Basic research and analysis

Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
Documents innovative strategies and new approaches

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
Identifies new and better approaches to work processes and incorporates same in own work
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Promoting Organizational Change and Development
Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions

Design and Implementation of Management Systems
Data gathering and implementation of management systems

Uses information/databases/other management systems

Client Orientation
Maintains effective client relationships

Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
Responds to client needs promptly

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management
Gathering and disseminating information

Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems

Core Competencies:

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
Self-development, initiative-taking
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
Creating synergies through self-control
Managing conflict
Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
Informed and transparent decision making

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

Completion of secondary education. Certification in GIS, statistics or economics is required. University degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) or geometrics or economics, statistics or related fields with relevant experience is desirable but not a requirement.

Experience:

7 years of relevant experience in data processing, analysis and mapping utilizing popular statistical and mapping software packages (e.g. ArcGIS, Google Earth, SPSS etc.)
Field experience in the use of GPS for mapping
Experience with graphic/ publishing software (preferably Adobe suite)
Experience in the application of Microsoft Office software packages (Word, Excel, Access) and handling web based management systems
Experience in managing and updating website content
Experience in management of data harmonization systems with special emphasis on data quality control
Familiarity with the UN system is desirable

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English is essential
Knowledge of a second official UN language is desirable.

How to Apply:
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=29083

Deadline:4th April 2012