Associate Geographic Information Officer

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

July 6, 2021August 19, 2021GenevaSwitzerland

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) About

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. We have a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights. OHCHR’s thematic priorities are strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.

Job Description

This position is located in the emergency-response-section" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Emergency Response Section (ERS), Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of ERS, the incumbent will report to the Coordinator of the Information Management & Data Analytics Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Geographic Information Officer will be responsible for the following tasks: DATA MANAGEMENT AND VISUALISATION : Based on emerging information requirements, establishes and maintains databases or other relevant tools to collect, compile and manage relevant spatial data. Furthermore, supports the HQ and field teams in the collection and management of spatial datasets, verification and update of the collected data, as well as monitors the accuracy of collected data. Identifies and addresses information management gaps, and facilitates information sharing between countries in the region, including through the regional web portal. Identifies new information and data requirements to support operations and partners. Creates quality infographics, maps and other interactive data visualisation products to support the effective and powerful presentation of OHCHR's objectives and achievements to both internal and external audiences. Tells stories with web maps / visualizations and creates static visual products to support OHCHR in the delivery of effective assistance to populations of concern and advocacy on their behalf.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) ACTIVITIES: Prepares, conceptualizes and produces GIS products/maps in relation to emergency response operations and reporting in first instance; Identifies map information needs. Produces GIS maps for a variety of purposes and users, including for operational support, advocacy, awareness-raising and strategic planning. Specifically, provides GIS and mapping technical assistance in to the Emergency Response Section (ERS) and engages in other relevant activities as requested by OHCHR. Identifies, accesses and catalogues map information sources. Ensures that accurate linkages between spatial databases and OHCHR data are established and standards for data collection, collation and analysis are followed (e.g. Common Operational Datasets and Fundamental Operational Datasets). Identifies GIS/mapping which can be more effectively integrated into ERS reporting and analysis. TECHNICAL SUPPORT : Deploys to the field as required, including in the context of rapid response missions. Supports OHCHR on the expansion of its GIS capacity and participates in the development of a strategy to use satellite imagery and GIS in the context of human rights monitoring and fact-finding, analysis and reporting and in the more effective presentation of OHCHR's work to external audiences. Strengthens GIS capacity in the context of ERS missions and supports effective visualization and communication of field level information. Contributes towards the identification and implementation of effective and adapted technical solutions and partnerships. The GIS Officer provides technical backstopping to GIS/DB team and provides capacity-building related to database maintenance and advanced data analysis techniques for spatial information. He/she also supports the collection of spatial datasets and integration with OHCHR activities; Ensures the collection and management of data for GIS use is integrated in information gathering methodologies, tools and databases; In collaboration with IMTS where relevant, identifies and maintains GIS hardware and software; installs software and upgrades. troubleshoots software issues and provides technical support. Ensures quality and completeness of program GIS information in compliance with UN GIS/mapping standards. Supports the section in relation to information management activities and other activities as required. EXTERNAL RELATIONS : In consultation with the Information Management Officer of the ERS, acts as a liaison between relevant colleagues in OHCHR and UNOSAT. Interacts with GIS units of relevant UN and non-UN partners at headquarters and in the field. Where relevant, fosters and maintains relationships with key mapping contacts in relation to specific countries (e.g. in the context of an International Commission of Inquiry).

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Knowledge of analytical software packages (R, SPSS, Stata, Tableau, etc.). Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, Create Suite. Knowledge of JavaScript and related libraries (D3, Leaflet) for the development of interactive web-maps and dashboards. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience 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. 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. TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree), in geography, geographic information systems (GIS), international relations or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), database management (sourcing, managing, analysing and/or presenting spatial data) is required. Experience in data visualisation (using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and/or Creative Suite) is desirable. Experience in using JavaScript and related libraries (D3, Leaflet) for the development of interactive webmaps and dashboards is desirable. Experience within the United Nations common system or a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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