UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva, Switzerland
Closing date: 09 Aug 2012
Post title and Level: Geographic Information System (GIS) Officer (consultancy)
Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland (with possibility to work remotely)
Duration: Six months (with possibility of extension)
Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/46/2012
Deadline for applications: 09 August 2012
United Nations Core Values: INTEGRITY / PROFESSIONALISM / RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
This Geographic Information System (GIS) Officer consultancy is located in the Information Services Section (ISS) within Communications Information Support Branch (CISB) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), based in Geneva. The GIS consultant reports to the Information Management Program Officer.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Within the limits of delegated authority, the consultant will provide GIS support to the OCHA Regional and Country offices and will perform the following duties: Reviews the quality of datasets related to operational humanitarian activities based on current guidelines produced by OCHA offices; Liaises with GIS officers in OCHA offices to improve quality and locate missing datasets; Coordinate with volunteer community in the creation/improvement of datasets; Maintains record of communication and activities; Identifies technologies, practices and processes that OCHA field offices could use that will improve data quality and distribution in various formats; Develops web-based GIS services to support expanded use of the common operational datasets by non-GIS users; Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, GIS and SDI practices in disaster preparedness and response.
DELIVERBALES:
Quarterly report on status of Common Operational Datasets (CODs); Assessment of data quality (standards adherence) for all available administrative boundaries, populated places, and population statistics CODs for the priority countries (currently 36 countries); Of the priority countries, 10 brought up to data quality standards
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM:
Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the management of information in disaster contexts; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Ability to conduct data collection and processing using various methods; 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.
COMMUNICATION:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
CLIENT ORIENTATION:
Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
CREATIVITY:
Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
TEAMWORK:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is Willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS:
Extensive use of ArcGIS for data management and manipulation; Practical development experience with ArcGIS Server; Knowledge of related software and systems (database, word processing, desktop publishing); Familiarity with Remote Sensing and raster – vector integration techniques; Familiarity with concepts of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) geo-data workflows; Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.
Qualifications & Experience
EDUCATION:
Advanced university degree (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in Geographic Information Systems, computer science, geography or other relevant field is required; A first-level university degree (i.e. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in one of the above mentioned academic disciplines in combination with qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
WORKING EXPERIENCE:
A minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience is required; Practical background in GIS and cartography, including knowledge of current GIS software (MapInfo, ARC/Info, ARC/View); Knowledge of related software and systems (database, word processing, desktop publishing); Knowledge of Remote Sensing and raster – vector integration techniques; Familiarity with Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI);
LANGUAGE:
For this position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; Knowledge of French would be an asset.
Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. All consultancies are subject to availability of funds.
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration for this consultancy announcement.
Upon selection candidates will be subject to satisfactory reference checks to be completed by the recruiting department/office which shall include verification of the highest required academic qualification(s) and record with the last employer.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context all staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Applications from qualified female candidates and from nationals of non- and under-represented countries are particularly encouraged.
How to apply:
All applicants are requested to email the following documents to mackinnonk@un.org with a copy to ochavacancies@un.org
Please state your full name and the OCHA vacancy notice number (OCHA/G46/2012) as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every vacancy announcement.
Documents titles should be formatted as follows:
LASTNAME_Firstname_ DOCUMENT;
For example: GREEN_Joseph_PHP.doc; GREEN_Joseph_SUPP.doc; GREEN_Joseph_SPIF.doc; GREEN_Joseph_PAS.doc and; GREEN_Joseph_COVERLETTER.doc.
Note that an applicants’ eligibility cannot be fully assessed if the standard United Nations recruitment documents are not submitted or properly completed i.e. Personal History profile and Supplementary Sheet.
All Application Forms can be found by clicking on the following link: http://ocha.unog.ch/OCHAvacancies/
Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
All applicants are encouraged to subscribe to, create profile, and apply to job openings on Inspira. The personal history profile that is generated from Inspira can also be used to apply to temporary vacancy announcements within the United Nations Common System.
"The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Also, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts".
Geographic Information System (GIS) Officer - Geneva, Switzerland
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