Information and Data Management Associate

UNHCR ZAF organization mission TBD

The Information and Data Management Associate will support both UNHCR's protection mandate and the coordination functions of the inter-agency Protection Working Group (PWG) and Gender Theme Group (GTG). The assignment combines information management, data analysis, reporting and systems support with inter-agency coordination, enabling evidence-based planning and decision-making that strengthen protection outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Hosted within the UNHCR South Africa Country Office, the National UN Volunteer will contribute to the management of operational information, population data and reporting systems while supporting coordination among UN agencies, government counterparts and implementing partners. The volunteer will assist with the preparation of analytical products, information-sharing mechanisms, meeting documentation and monitoring of joint work plans for the PWG and GTG.

This assignment offers a unique opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in humanitarian protection, information management, digital systems, inter-agency coordination and knowledge management within the United Nations system. Through structured mentoring, coaching and workplace learning, the volunteer will develop technical and professional competencies while contributing to more effective protection programming and coordinated UN action.

Under the direct supervision of the designated UNHCR Supervisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support programme coordination and implementation
● Support the implementation of UNHCR protection programmes by assisting with information and data management processes that strengthen programme planning, coordination and service delivery.
● Assist with coordinating data collection activities, maintaining operational information systems and supporting programme teams in managing information required for effective implementation.
● Contribute to the implementation of approved work plans and support the timely delivery of programme outputs.

2. Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms
● Support UNHCR's participation in the Protection Working Group (PWG) and the Gender Theme Group (GTG) by assisting with the coordination of meetings, preparation of agendas and background documentation, recording minutes, maintaining action trackers and following up on agreed action points.
● Contribute to information sharing and collaboration among participating UN agencies to strengthen coordinated protection, gender equality and human rights programming under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
● Support the documentation and coordination of PWG and GTG activities that promote inter-agency collaboration and knowledge sharing.

3. Conduct research, data collection and basic analysis
● Support the collection, validation, compilation and organization of operational and programme data to strengthen evidence-based planning and decision-making.
● Conduct basic analysis of programme information and prepare statistical summaries, dashboards, factsheets and other information products under the guidance of technical staff.
● Assist in maintaining data collection tools, reporting templates and information management systems to improve data quality, consistency and accessibility.

4. Support monitoring, reporting and results tracking
● Assist in monitoring programme implementation by maintaining activity trackers, compiling operational information and supporting the collection of programme performance data.
● Contribute to the preparation of programme reports, analytical updates and coordination reports by compiling administrative and technical inputs.
● Support monitoring of PWG and GTG work plans by tracking implementation progress and documenting achievements against agreed priorities.

5. Support knowledge management and documentation
● Organize and maintain programme documentation, operational records, electronic filing systems and information repositories.
● Support the organization of data products, reports, presentations and other information resources that strengthen institutional knowledge and information sharing.
● Document lessons learned, good practices and programme achievements to support organizational learning across UNHCR and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.

6. Support stakeholder engagement and operational coordination
● Assist in coordinating engagement with government institutions, UN agencies, implementing partners and other stakeholders involved in protection programming and information management.
● Support the organization of meetings, consultations and coordination activities, including logistical and operational arrangements.
● Maintain stakeholder databases and support follow-up on agreed collaborative actions and requests for information.

7. Support communication and visibility
● Assist in compiling programme information, analytical summaries and activity highlights for internal reports, presentations and information-sharing purposes.
● Support the preparation of maps, dashboards, infographics and other information products that facilitate programme implementation, coordination and evidence-based decision-making.
● Assist in documenting coordination activities and maintaining information products that strengthen visibility of programme results and inter-agency collaboration.

8. Provide general administrative support
● Provide administrative support for programme operations, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, records management, filing systems, correspondence and document preparation.
● Assist in maintaining information management systems, operational databases and programme records in accordance with UNHCR policies and procedures.
● Perform other programme support and administrative duties as assigned by the supervisor.