Data Management Officer

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the Organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give more children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

For over 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

The Gambia is the one of the smallest countries in Africa and has border almost entirely with Senegal except the west part with the Atlantic Coast. The total population in 2024 is 2.42 million with the female population being approximately 1.24 million, representing 51% of the total national population. With 272.7 people per square kilometre, this makes it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, especially considering its small land area of just 10,689 square kilometres. Most of the population (65.08 percent) is concentrated around urban and peri-urban centers.

The Gambia Country Programme 2024 – 2028 focuses on strengthening child and adolescent related evidence generation, analysis and dissemination as well as stronger positioning of UNICEF as an advocate of a strengthened children and adolescent evidence generation and analysis system in The Gambia. It is within this context that a Data Management position has been established in the Programme team. This position will ensure the operationalization and implementation of the Country Programme’s ‘evidence and knowledge management’ strategy; to support the successful delivery of the Country Programme and inform its advocacy strategy and strategic partnerships.

Under the supervision of the PME Specialist, the primary function of this position is to strengthen children and adolescent evidence generation, analysis, dissemination and utilization by UNICEF and partners; to effectively advocate for and support the promotion of child rights in The Gambia. The incumbent will further focus on strengthening information/data collection, statistics and data analysis systems, knowledge management and capacities within Country Office and amongst partners, and to improve reporting, evidence-based planning and advocacy.

Under the supervision of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (or delegated supervisor), and working closely with all sections, the UNV Data Management Officer will:

1. Strengthen children and adolescents’ evidence and identify relevant data gaps
• Contribute to identifying key data and evidence gaps related to children and adolescents.
• Support improvements in the availability and use of data, including survey and administrative data.
• Contribute to strengthening national data systems, including efforts to improve data integration and interoperability.
• Provide technical support to ensure data responds to programme and policy needs.

2. Manage data and evidence consolidation and dissemination
• Support the consolidation, organization, and quality assurance of data and evidence.
• Ensure data is consolidated and easily accessible for UNICEF and partners.
• Contribute to the use of data for planning, advocacy, and reporting.
• Assist in preparing timely and quality reports and analytical outputs.

3. Strengthen capacity for data and evidence use
• Support capacity-building activities for staff and partners on data collection, analysis, and use.
• Contribute to strengthening tools, processes and practices for evidence generation and utilization.
• Provide day-to-day technical support to enhance data use in programming and decision-making including training and guidance on data collection, analysis, and dissemination where required.

4. Strengthen knowledge management practices and learning
• Support in documenting and sharing of lessons learned, good practices, and innovations within the Country Office and with partners.
• Contribute to strengthening knowledge management systems, tools, and practices within the office and with partners.
• Promote the use of evidence and learning to inform programme planning and implementation and decision-making.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.