Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.
This temporary job opening is being published for the position of Information management Officer/Head of Unit, based in Bujumbura with OCHA Burundi. The Information Management Officer/Head of Unit, reports to the Head of Office, OCHA Burundi.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Information Management Officer/Head of Unit will be responsible for the following duties

 COORDINATION

• Establish and maintain an information management network in accordance with IASC guidance to facilitate humanitarian information exchange and the promotion of data and information standards.
• Monitor and analyze trends and developments affecting the humanitarian situation in the assigned country, and undertakes research to expand and validate available information to improve situational awareness and analysis; support and contribute to inter-agency needs assessments and analysis, including the development of the Humanitarian Needs Overview and the Humanitarian Response Plan.
• Lead and/or participate in large, complex projects, including the establishment of information management systems, assessment and analysis tools and methods; support coordination of international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations; ensures necessary support to inter-agency.
• Engage with a wide range of humanitarian partners, actors and other stakeholders, both formal and informal, to ensure that information activities are coordinated and consistent with national standards and practices.
• Provide training and expertise on the use and development of information management tools and platforms to OCHA staff and humanitarian partners.
• Advocate for the use of data standards and common platforms, and for the open exchange of information.
• Identify in-country activities that could benefit from remote information management capacity.
• Coordinate remote IM/ IT support provided by other OCHA offices.

 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT UNIT AND MANAGEMENT OF IMU TEAM

• Advise the OCHA Head of Office on operational information management, including strategic and immediate priorities.
• Support the development and implementation of a strategic approach to managing information around the humanitarian programme cycle, including supporting common information processes such as preparedness, needs assessment, strategic planning, resource mobilization, implementation and monitoring.
• Provide strategic and day-to-day management of the information management and public information unit (IMU) and related staff, including deployment of surge and other short-term staffing.
• Take overall responsibility for the management of information and the production and dissemination of high-quality information products, tools and services.
• Liaise with external actors, including senior staff in Government , in humanitarian and development agencies.
• Advise the OCHA leadership on strategic use of communications and information.
• Provide leadership and vision to the IMU. Enable a collaborative approach between different areas of expertise within the team, foster innovation, stimulate early adoption of tools and technologies, and support team building and capacity development through continuous coaching and training of team members. Ensure cross-sections collaboration
• Oversee the drafting, stylistic design, editorial coherence and production of all information and reporting materials intended for external use, such as maps, infographics, reports, press releases, bulletins and situation reports.
• Recruit staff, taking due account of geographical balance; manages, guides, develops, trains and fosters teamwork and communication among staff under his/her supervision.
• Carry out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the section, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters, reporting on budget/programme performance and evaluation of staff performance.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the management of information in complex emergencies, disaster preparedness, disaster response and early recovery; Ability to identify issues, analyse humanitarian trends and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Ability to conduct data collection using various methods; Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and competence in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

LEADERSHIP:

• Serves as a role model that other people want to follow empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS:

• Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in information management, information systems, social science or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in information management, information systems, disaster management, humanitarian affairs, or other related area is required.
• Experience in humanitarian planning cycle and the monitoring of the implementation of humanitarian activities for at least two (2) years is required.
• Experience in managing information in disaster response or complex emergencies is required.
• Experience in supervising team of information management and public information officers is desirable.
• Relevant experience in the region is desirable.

Source:https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=137130