Data Manager

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) manages an open data platform – the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX). The goal of HDX is to make humanitarian data easy to find and use for analysis. 

The platform includes a number of technical components including a dataset repository for sharing data from across the community and standards for the exchange of operational data using the Humanitarian Exchange Language (HXL). The HDX team offers a number of data services to partners using the HDX platform in an effort to help increase the impact of data in the humanitarian system.

The HDX team is expanding its network in the Asia region and requires a Data Manager to serve as a focal point for the HDX platform. The Data Manager will undertake outreach to partners in the region to introduce the platform and the services that we offer. The Data Manager will undertake tasks including onboarding new organizations to the HDX platform and processing data so that it is ready to use and visualize.

The consultant will be part of the HDX Data Partnerships team which includes team members based in Nairobi, Dakar and the Hague that are focused on strengthening data collaboration with humanitarian partners, governments, and academia. The Data Manager team will work closely with staff from the OCHA office in Indonesia and the OCHA regional office, based in Bangkok. 

The consultant will report to the head of the HDX Data Partnerships team who is based in Geneva with oversight from the HDX Product Manager. He or she will be expected to work closely with the HDX Data Systems and Development teams. 

The consultant will be responsible for the following:

●     Develop an outreach strategy to introduce HDX to partners in the Asia region.

●     Work with partner organizations to support their data management efforts.

●     Advise partners on the use of data extraction processes for their data systems; develop scripts for data transferring when appropriate.

●     Monitor the use of HDX by partners in the region and offer training or demonstrations to bring new organizations into the HDX community.

●     Ensure that Asia-specific data on HDX is maintained by partner organizations.

●     Promote the use of the Humanitarian Exchange Language (HXL) data standard to increase interoperability of data from partner spreadsheets and systems.

●     Support the distribution of standard reference data, including taxonomies, code lists, and geospatial data for countries across Asia.

●     Organize data skills workshops for partners on the use of the HDX platform, data cleaning and data visualization tools.

●     Take part in HDX team meetings as required.

Deliverables

-Logical processes for sharing data with HDX.

-Agreements with data providers for sharing data with the HDX platform.

-Increased use of HDX and HXL by partners in Asia.

-More connected data systems across Asia.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) degree in computer science, engineering, information management, information technology.
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) plus additional two (2) years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of advance university degree;
• Secondary or High School diploma may be accepted in lieu of university degrees, plus additional six (6) years of relevant experience.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of relevant professional work experience managing data systems.
• Candidate should have proven experience in database management and programming. Demonstrated experience in working with humanitarian data. 
• Experience with the following a plus: the Java and Python programming languages, the CKAN open-data portal. Demonstrated proficiency with Excel and/or Google Suite, knowledge of Tableau, R, ARC GIS, qGIS, ODK, and relational databases. 
• Knowledge of geodata, databases and processes is a plus.

Language:

• Fluency or Professional Proficiency in English is required (both oral and written). Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.  

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

 UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

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Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

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• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
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