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Data Literacy Advisor

Home Based - May require travel

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Home Based - May require travel
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Statistics
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has established a Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague, the Netherlands to help increase the use and impact of data in the humanitarian sector. The vision is to create a future where all people involved in a humanitarian emergency have access to the data they need, when and how they need it, to make responsible and informed decisions.

The Centre will focus on four areas: data services, data policy, data literacy, and network engagement. The Centre’s data services work includes direct management of the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) platform and the Humanitarian Exchange Language (HXL) data standard. The data literacy work will focus on in-person and remote training programmes as well as a Data Fellows Programme with the first class of fellows expected in The Hague mid 2018. For data policy, the Centre will work with partners to develop institutional agreements for sharing data in crisis settings. Finally, the Centre will further build and engage an active community in support of its mission and objectives through a number events and communication activities.

The Centre requires the support of a Data Literacy Advisor to develop a data literacy curriculum covering a two-year period. The Advisor will conduct research with OCHA and partners to understand priority needs in terms of improving data skills, both for technical and non-technical roles. Following this research, the Advisor will develop a plan with areas of focus, a timeline, and resource recommendations.

We are looking for an Advisor who is self-motivated and can thrive in a remote, international, multidisciplinary team. The right candidate has the skills and abilities that together comprise various levels of data literacy: to turn data into action, be proficient with the methods of humanitarian data research, and think strategically about how to use data and appropriate capacity building tools to create value for humanitarian emergency and crisis response.

Reporting Relationships
The consultant will report to the lead for the Centre for Humanitarian Data, who is based in The Hague. He or she will be expected to work closely with the Centre’s team including the product manager and technical lead for HDX and the head of the data partnership and data systems teams. 

Functional competencies

The consultant will be responsible for the following: -Research existing data literacy initiatives in the humanitarian and development sectors
-Identify effective practices based on interviews with leading organizations
-Develop library of online courses focused on improving data literacy and develop outreach strategies to ensure key audience are aware and able to access it
-Lead research with tech and non-technical audiences to understand their priorities needs with data skills
-Develop broad-based survey for assessing current skill levels in the sector, to be distributed through OCHA and partner channels
-Research potential implementing partners and donors for the data literacy workstream
-Develop materials to explain and promote the Centre’s data literacy activities to key audiences.
-Draft quality project proposals and concept notes for partnership building and resource mobilisation.

-Represent the Centre for Humanitarian Data at meetings and events; participate in partner calls and team meetings as required.
Deliverables:
-A research plan
-A 2-year plan for the Centre’s data literacy curriculum, including a timeline for key deliverables, prioritization of audiences, and recommendations on training methods.
-A sample training programme to pilot (online course, or in-person training, etc) with recommendations on how to scale the pilot programme.
-Communications material to introduce the data literacy work to target audiences.
-Identification of partners to support implementation of the plan.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

EDUCATION An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics, engineering or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area, is required.

- Five years of relevant experience at the international level is required.

- Relevant experience working in a humanitarian crisis is desirable.
OTHER DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Working knowledge and experience in data science, big data and/or open data
- Prior experience in conducting capacity building and training programs
- Previous experience and demonstrated results in curriculum development
- Experience in developing innovative strategic partnerships and resource mobilization
- Adept at the use of office communication tools

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

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International ICA Contract level: IICA-3/ICSC-11
Contract duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)



For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • 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.

How to prepare for competency based interviews:

https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3-WKWpNl3I

Background Information - UNOPS

 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.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Background Information - Development Group Cluster

Based in New York, the UNOPS Development Group Cluster supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. The cluster also supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations in the delivery of project management and implementation services.
This vacancy is now closed.
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