Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypePending
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR3
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff memberโs country of nationality.
ReasonFast Track > Fast Track
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-05-11
Job Posting End DateMay 18, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionOperational Data Management Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 envisions that by 2025 UNHCR becomes a trusted leader on data and information related to refugees and other persons of concern, thereby enabling actions to protect and to empower persons of concern. The Strategy stipulates investing in four complementary priority areas: data management and governance; information systems; capacities and skill development; and culture for evidence-informed decision-making. The strategy envisages data and information management functions in UNHCR carried out in a complementary and inter-linked manner between Headquarters Divisions and Services, Regional Bureaux, country operations and key external partners, including persons of concern. An important element is the establishment of Data, Identity Management and Analysis (DIMA) units in all Regional Bureaux and potentially corresponding units in country operation, led by a senior staff to ensure that UNHCR has a capacity to produce, in line with global standards, quality data, information products, conduct region-level analysis, guide registration and identity management, and advise on responsible and effective data use at country- and regional-levels. Operational data includes the following: population and demographic statistics, case management information, assessment results, situational analysis, protection incidents, vulnerability and risks, and programme response plans, delivery and implementation. It will be both sectoral data and inter- and intra-sectoral data. Systems that manage operational data include registration systems, sectoral monitoring systems, protection and programme monitoring systems, biometrics and identity management systems, case management systems and other data management approaches such as profiling and household surveys that manage the types of data defined above. The Operational Data Management Officer (ODMO) is responsible for supporting the operational data systems and activities that fall under the responsibility of the respective country, regional or global entities. S/He functions under the supervision of the DIMA Coordinator/Senior Information Management Officer /Senior Registration and Identity Management Officer or as delegated. The ODMO liaises closely with the relevant technical units at the country, region or headquarters level for technical guidance on data and application management. The ODMO is closely collaborating with the headquarters technical division responsible for information systems and technology to ensure that global standards relating to operational data systems, including systems that process personal data of the persons of concern, meet the UNHCR global standards, including data security. The Operational Data Management Officer supports data-related activities conducted in the core applications, whether conducted by UNHCR, partners or Governments. The incumbent will provide high-quality, user-focused support services to UNHCR field operations and partners, in line with agreed standards and objectives. S/he also supports and implements provision of user access to systems and applications in accordance with data protection protocols. In addition, the ODMO also supports the monitoring of the quality of data collection in close collaboration with the relevant units and ensures that data inconsistencies are identified and resolved. The incumbent supports building reports, templates and forms out of the operational data systems, including refugee registration and case management systems. S/he also ensures that operational user feedback is recorded and analysed to ensure the relevant applications remain fit-for-purpose. As delegated, the Operational Data Management Officer coordinates closely with information management, registration and other functions in the field, relevant sector leads, the Regional Bureau and relevant divisions in headquarters to promote regional and global consistency in operational data management, including registration, population data and personal data. The incumbent may closely work with partners, including Government users of UNHCR applications. S/he requires extensive experience and understanding of data systems, including database management and production of reports and other products. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Manage and oversee the use, maintenance and technical support of core operational data applications, including systems that manage refugee registration and identity management, including overseeing the quality of data collection and ensuring consistency with standards and guidelines. - Perform database administrator functions in relation to local field server machines that contain operational data, and refugee and other persons of concern data. - Respond and manage user access permissions for UNHCR staff, local government and NGO partners to global applications in accordance with the policies and standards, including the Data Protection Policy and regional or local country data protection protocols. - Design and develop standard reports, templates and forms, while ensuring consistency with global guidance and policies, and in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including business module owners. - Identify, diagnose and escalate for the resolution of technical user errors, bugs and queries related to UNHCR core applications on persons of concern data and other operational data systems, in consultation with headquarters, external developers and support teams. - Oversee capacity building and guidance of technical users and administrators, including provision of training materials and remote webinars and training session for technical staff related to data management, data query and report-building. - Oversee and monitor user management and conduct regular clean-up of user accounts and access permissions in accordance with relevant guidance and procedures of the applications and systems under his/her responsibility. - Oversee and monitor device and user management within local client and field server solutions, including monitoring frequency of data synchronization to prevent and mitigate data loss. - Analyse and respond to user requests and queries, including compilation and assessment of applications enhancements and change requests. - Assist with data quality assessment, data clean-up and data mapping from legacy or external database systems to the applications, as required. - Conduct data collection audits as required. - Conduct field testing of new functionalities within respective applications, as required. - Support the design and strengthening of operational reports and statistics, including provision of training and user guidance. - Support discussions and definitions of business requirements for interoperability of local tools and applications within the core applications, in consultation with business owners and relevant governance structures. - Keep apprised of evolving technology and new business needs to support operational data management systems, including registration, identity and population data management in the country operations; - Provide business analysis for operational needs. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P3 - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Computer Science Information Technology Economics Statistics Social Science or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Excellent computer skills, particularly in data management. Technical expertise in registration, operational data management and individual case management. Knowledge of SQL or Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Knowledge of UNHCR data standards and procedures. Desirable Previous experience in registration or individual case management, including use of UNHCR proGres and/or BIMS software. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position. Functional Skills IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications DM-Data collection methodologies DM-Data Management DM-Database Design & Development DM-Protection Data Management Systems IT-Biometrics IT-Business Analysis (BA) DM-Data Collection and Analysis TR-Training - Virtual and face to face (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile The incumbent should have proven competencies and experience as follows:
- Previous technical experience in data management using the PRIMES suite of tools from UNHCR, including proGres and BIMS software.
- Experience in registration, identity management, and individual case management. Working in refugee emergency settings is an added advantage.
- Demonstrate ability to work with a diverse range of partners, including host Governments, humanitarian organizations, and development partners.
- Demonstrated experience in leading and managing large and diverse teams
- Analytical skills in managing data sets and produce visual reports.
- Well-developed reading, writing, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- Strong knowledge of UNHCR's data management policies, procedures, and guidelines, as well as the organization's overall strategy and goals.
- Completion of relevant UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position.
- Experience working with Somali caseloads is desirable.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
The role of Operational Data Management (ODM) Officer position is very critical in the context of the Bokh operation in Ethiopia. Since hostilities erupted this year in Somalia, close to 100,000 are estimated to have crossed the border into Ethiopia to escape the violence. The UNHCR Field Office in Bokh has been scaling up its activities and protection interventions related to registration and data management of asylum seekers and refugees arriving from Somalia since February 2023, and has recently embarked on Level 2 registration (biodata collection and biometric enrollment).
The Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) is the Ethiopian Government agency mandated to conduct screening, registration and status determination of asylum seekers. The ODM Officer will provide capacity building and technical support on data-related activities in the core applications, whether conducted by UNHCR, partners or Government, managing UNHCR registration equipment, PRIMES servers including the proGres database, technical troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues. He/she will support and implement provision of user access to systems and applications in accordance with data protection protocols, monitoring of the quality of data collection in close collaboration with the relevant units, and conduct regular data quality audit checks to ensure that data inconsistencies are identified and resolved.
The ODM Officer will ensure that UNHCR has reliable and up-to-date data on affected populations, and that the UNHCR PRIMES databases are maintained with high quality for operational planning and producing relevant reports and statistics. The incumbent also ensures that operational user feedback is recorded and analyzed to ensure the relevant applications remain fit-for-purpose.
The ODM Officer will support the operationalization of identity management and digital identity strategies such as the inclusion of refugees and asylum-seekers into host Statesโ digital vital events registration and identity systems. The incumbent will also ensure that identity management systems and practices are actively leveraged to support all UNHCR activities, including identification of specific needs, targeting and delivery of assistance, support to protection interventions, fraud mitigation and response, data protection, case management and conduct of durable solution processes.
As delegated, the Operational Data Management Officer will coordinate closely with information management, registration and other functions in the Field, relevant sector leads, the Representation Office in Addis Ababa, the Regional Bureaux and relevant Divisions in Headquarters to promote regional and global consistency in operational data management, including registration, population and personal data. The incumbent will closely work with partners, including Government users of UNHCR applications, and will supervise registration and ODM staff in Bokh, providing required guidance and support to the team.
Living and Working Conditions:
Further to the conflict in and around the Laascanood area of Somaliland state of Somalia (Sool region) of early 2023, an estimated 100,000 refugees crossed into the Doolo zone of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. In order to respond effectively, UNHCR set up a base in Bokh, a small town located in Doolo zone of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia and headquarters of the Bokh woreda (district), with an estimated population of 50,000 people. Bokh is situated 170 kms from Wardher, the zonal capital of Doolo zone and some 80-100 kms from the Ethiopia-Somalia border. Bokh is also located at almost 700 Kms from Jijiga, the headquarters of the Somali Regional State Government where UNHCR Sub-Office is based.
Bokh is a non-family duty station, yet to be categorized as per UN duty station levels. Given the remoteness of the area and its proximity to the border with Somalia, the security situation in Bokh is considered to be fluid and requires a sense of vigilance and alertness. UNHCRโs Field security Advisor on ground in collaboration with UNDSS provides security advisories regularly to all staff in Bokh and the surrounding field locations to which adherence is expected. All UNHCR international staff are accommodated in the UNHCR Staff Guest House in line with the policy on UNHCR-provided accommodation in the field. Security briefing is mandatory upon arrival at the Guest House. All travel itineraries should report to the radio room before departure and continue reporting their position every 60 minutes, until back to the Guest house. Official working hours are Monday through Thursday: 08:00 โ 12:00 and 13:00 โ 17:00 hours; while on Fridays 08:00 โ 13:30 hours.
Bokh is served by a Government Health Centre and a Level-1 Hospital in Wardher, both of which offering basic medical services. It should be emphasized that the medical facilities in the area are insufficient to treat complicated medical cases. The UN Team in Bokh is working on a plan to establish a UN Clinic with a full-time doctor and nurses to provide onsite medical assistance to staff and also process referrals as may be needed. A medevac plan is also under discussion in collaboration with the Medical Services Team at the Regional Bureau in Nairobi and the UN Health Care Centre in Addis Ababa; the latter provides 24/7 health care services for eligible UN staff and their dependents in different specialized Medical Units. Bokh also has small markets, restaurants and shops from where food and other household items can be purchased. Banking services are very limited in Bokh and it always advisable to carry cash. The only Ethiopian Commercial Bank branch is located 170 kms away in Wardher where financial services, including ATM machines, can easily be accessed. However, a microfinance agent exists in Bokh and facilitates some small financial transactions in the local currency.
Transportation in and out of Bokh is by road. However, the UN Team is mobilizing donors to facilitate the establishment of an airstrip in Bokh so that UNHAS can operate regular flights to Addis Ababa. Land for the airstrip has already been provided by the authorities and technical surveys undertaken by UNHAS. In the meantime, travel is either through Jijiga (served by Ethiopian Airlines daily) or through Kebridehar where Ethiopian Airline flies from Addis Ababa twice a week, and then onward on a road journey of some 7 hours on a dusty road.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsDM-Database Design & Development, DM-Data Collection and Analysis, DM-Data collection methodologies, DM-Data Management, DM-Protection Data Management Systems, IT-Biometrics, IT-Business Analysis (BA), IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications, TR-Training - Virtual and face to face
EducationBA: Computer Science (Required), BA: Demography (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Geography (Required), BA: Statistics (Required)
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
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Compendium FT Ethiopia for Somali Situation
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance