Data Collection and Coordination Information Management Officer

UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Preamble: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

1. UNV Assignment Title: Data Collection and Coordination Information Management Officer

UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017; Outcome 1, Output 1.2: ‘Volunteerism is integrated within UN entities’ programming through the implementation of UNV-UN partner joint programmes/projects in four priority areas: (a) youth; (b) peace building; (c) basic social services; (d) community resilience for environment and disaster risk reduction’

1. Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer
2. Project Title: UNV Assistance to UNMEER, ID no. 00092053
3. Duration: 6 months (with possible extension depending on Mission’s mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance)
4. Location, Country: Sub-national UNMEER office –Sierra Leone
5. Expected Starting Date: Immediate
6. Brief Project Description: Support UNMEER mandate
7. Host Agency/Host Institute: United Nations Mission to Ebola Emergency Response

(UNMEER)

1. Organizational Context: UNMEER was established in September 2014

http://www.un.org/ebolaresponse/mission.shtml

1. Type of Assignment: Non-family assignment
2. Description of tasks:

Under the overall direction of the UNMEER Field Crisis Manager of the sub-national district office but with a technical guidance and direction being provided by the Chief of the Information Management Unit in Accra, Ghana the UN Volunteer Data Collection and Coordination Information Management Officer will undertake the following tasks. In the light of the start-up of the mission and the setup of the UNV Field Unit, the Description of Assignment (DoA) may change in the course of assignment. Provides support to

Ebola responders and Sub-National teams and performs other related duties, as required under the direction of the head of the sub-national office. Duties will include:

 Trouble shooting technical issues with data collection mechanisms of data collection staff and provide supplemental training if necessary

 Collection of contact information for all responders

 Collection of 3W (who does, what, where) data

 Collection of 4W (who does, what, where, and when) data

 Identifying possible data source and ensuring connection into national level data collection mechanisms.

 Distributing products prepared by UNMEER to all responders (reference and thematic maps, infographics, dashboards, contact directories)

 Advocate for the use of data standards and common platforms, and for the open exchange of information

Promotion of the UN Volunteer programme mandate1

UN Volunteers are expected to integrate the UNV programme mandate within their assignment as well as promote voluntary action through engagement with communities (urban & rural) during the course of their work. As such UN Volunteers should dedicate a proportion of their working week to the following in support of and in synergy with their primary role as UN Volunteer.

 Strengthen knowledge and understanding of the influence of voluntary action by the communities serviced directly or indirectly by UNMEER by doing the following;

 Research of the subject matter;

 Develop knowledge of related non-profit community based organizations and promote major issues of these organizations through voluntary actions that will influence development and peace-building initiatives;

 Undertake awareness-raising (promotion) activities in communities that will increase knowledge of issues of interest to UNMEER and UNV mandate;

 Encourage communities to volunteer thoughts and actions to the development of their communities on the basis of core child protection issues of concern.

 Build relationships with a wide range (private/public) of Community Based Organizations, (CBO’s) Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) - to support and/or participate in community driven voluntary activities and assist them to tell their stories to the World Volunteer Web site;

 Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers and fellow UN Volunteers to better understand the connections between UNMEER mandate and volunteerism;

 Monitor on a continual basis the impact of integrating issues, activities and voluntary action at the community level;

 Contribute to articles/write-ups on the peace-building and development process and experiences from the above outlined activities and submit them to UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

 Promote and/or advise CSO’s and Citizens groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), and encourage relevant - groups to use OV whenever – technically possible.

1. Results/Expected Output:

1The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was created by the General Assembly (GA) in 1970 through GA resolution 26/59. Since then, UNV’s mandate has been expanded by GA resolution 31/131 in 1976, GA resolution 56/38 in 2001 and others in the follow-up to the International Year of Volunteers in 2001.

 The UN Volunteer will be expected to facilitate the flow of information from the sub-national hubs to the national level information management units. They will need to be creative and resourceful to ensure that the most accurate and reliable data is being collected at the field level for use in planning and decision making at the sub-national, national and regional levels.

 A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the UN Volunteer assignment, such as reporting on the number of UN Volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

1. Qualifications/Requirements:

a) Qualifications, skills, experience:

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports the host entity with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:

 University degree (bachelor) in information management, information systems, social science or related field, or technical training/college in similar disciplines;  Work experience of 2/3 years in a private company, UN, or NGO dealing with the collection, coordination and dissemination of operational information. Experience working in a developing country as well as previous experience as a volunteer and/or promotion of volunteerism will be an asset.  Excellent English is required; French is an asset.

 Previous working experience in Africa is highly desired. Knowledge of the region will be a strong asset.

 Solid computer skills, including full proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word etc) and other IT applications and office technology equipment;

 Ability to perform duties under stress and in insecure, isolated and potentially hostile environments;

 Have a valid driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 vehicles;

 A demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and dynamic environment;

 Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies and values:

Team Work: Ability to work effectively with the least available resources; ability to work in the remotest areas and ability to work transparently without being politically affiliated; ability to establish and maintain effective professional relations with representatives of the civil society, local governments, media and other target groups with sensitivity and respect for cultural and gender diversity.

Communication: Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Creativity: Takes interests in learning new things.

Professionalism: Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

Organizational skills: Ability to work under pressure, willingness to work flexible hours and visit remote areas

Commitment: Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values

Planning and organizing: Capacity to identify priorities. Allocate appropriate time and resources to complete work, allowing for contingencies; use time efficiently. Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.

Technological Awareness: Excellent computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.

1. Living Conditions:

Sierra Leone enjoys relative stability in the last few years and the living condition is therefore reasonable. Infrastructure, such as transportation and social services is poor in general, and western amenities such as food, restaurants, apartments, etc. tend to be a little bit expensive but it will not be difficult to get by. Electricity and water supplies will remain volatile and many people are relying on generators and private delivery services.

Since May 2014, Sierra Leone is suffering an Ebola Outbreak that has further weakened its health system and its economic growth. Most UN Programmes have been redirected to the Ebola response and UNMEER has been established in Ghana and the 3 most affected countries (Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea) to coordinate the response. The Mission will be temporary and will respond to immediate needs related to the fight against Ebola.

Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff and UN Volunteers in the course of their assignments in Sierra Leone.

1. Conditions of Service

Contracts are issued depending on budget and mission mandate (renewable depending on Mission mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance). Settling-In-Grant is provided. Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) (US$ 2,348 single rate, US$ 2,598 1 dependent rate or US$ 2,798 at 2+ dependency rate) is intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost -of-living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as periodic home leave, final repatriation, and resettlement allowance.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is committed to ensuring gender equity among UN Volunteers and applications from qualified women are strong encouraged.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by completing the UNV web application at the following link: https://ereta.unv.org/html/index.php?module=myprofile . Important: please select the following code from the drop down menu on the first page of the application: “14GHA_DATAEB”. If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at: http://MyProfile.unv.org, click on the “Special Recruitment” option on the left menu, then click on the “Edit” button and select the advertisement code “14GHA_DATAEB” from the drop-down list.

Please only apply, if you fulfill all of the above requirements.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.