Information Management Assistant (IDEA)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. In Afghanistan, FAO is focused on enhancing agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting economic opportunities and resilient livelihoods as outlined in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan.

Job Overview:
The Information Management Assistant (IDEA) plays a crucial role in supporting the operational aspects of the IDEA system within FAO Afghanistan. This position is designed to ensure data quality assurance, provide user support, and strengthen the capacity of field personnel and stakeholders involved in agricultural projects. The assistant will work closely with the Information Management Specialist and will be responsible for troubleshooting operational issues, assisting in the configuration of mobile devices for data collection, and ensuring that data flows are maintained effectively. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to enhancing the efficiency of data management processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Information Management Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Supporting the day-to-day operations of the IDEA system, including troubleshooting and resolving issues as they arise.
• Assisting in the configuration and preparation of mobile devices for beneficiary registration and assistance delivery, ensuring that all necessary components are in place.
• Coordinating with the Information Management Specialist and regional colleagues to deploy forms, conduct testing, and manage version control.
• Providing first-line technical support to FAO field teams and implementing partners, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and guidance during implementation.
• Maintaining a log of technical issues and escalating problems to relevant support teams when necessary.
• Conducting routine data cleaning, validation, and consistency checks across IDEA and related datasets to ensure data integrity.
• Assisting in the consolidation and harmonization of monitoring data streams, contributing to the overall quality of data reporting.
• Preparing basic dashboards, tables, and analytical summaries for internal monitoring and reporting purposes.
• Supporting refresher training sessions for FAO staff and partners on IDEA tools and data protocols, ensuring that all users are well-equipped to utilize the system effectively. 1
• Assisting in the creation of user guidance materials, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and job aids to facilitate better understanding and usage of the IDEA system. 1
• Documenting processes and lessons learned to prepare an operational guidance manual that strengthens institutional memory within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A secondary school diploma with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with 4 years of experience in fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, or Information Management.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in the UN or INGO sector, particularly in Information Management, Management Information Systems (MIS), or digital data systems.
• Proficiency in English and local languages (Dari and/or Pashto) at a working knowledge level (level C).
• Candidates must be nationals of Afghanistan.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a secondary school diploma or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, or Information Management. It is essential that candidates have their qualifications recognized by an accredited institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience if they hold a bachelor’s degree, or 5 years of experience if they have a secondary school diploma. Experience in the UN or INGO sector is highly desirable, particularly in roles related to Information Management, digital data systems, or beneficiary-level data management. Previous experience with mobile data collection systems and humanitarian programs is considered an asset.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include English and local languages, specifically Dari and/or Pashto. A working knowledge of these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the role.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve working under pressure and meeting deadlines in a complex operational environment. The FAO employment website provides additional employment opportunities and resources for candidates.