Chief of Section (OpDataSy&Su)

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Chief of Operational Data Systems and Support Section

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 envisions that by 2025 UNHCR becomes a trusted leader on data and information related to refugees and other persons of concern (POC), thereby enabling actions to protect and to empower them. The Strategy stipulates investing in four complementary priority areas: data management and governance; information systems; capacities and skill development; and culture for evidence-informed decision-making. The strategy envisages data and information management functions in UNHCR carried out in a complementary and inter-linked manner between Headquarters Divisions and Services, Regional Bureaux, country operations and key external partners, including PCO.

UNHCR needs to continue prioritizing and standardizing quality data collection based on identified needs and institutionalize interoperable and efficient system development with an increased focus geared towards better analysis and visualization of data and information for evidence-based decision-making linked to operational priorities.
The Operational Data Systems & Support Section will, in relation with DIST and the business focal points in headquarters and the regions, coordinate designing, building and maintaining the necessary platforms for data collection, storage, analysis and dissemination for data related to UNHCR¿s POC and operations.  The Section will operationalize relevant data rules and policies from the Norms and Standards Section as well as expectations and needs defined for the new Results-based Management System into requirements for UNHCR corporate data systems.  The Section will lead the design and development of corporate population statistics systems based on requirements from the Statistics and Demographics Section, as well as providing system user support.  The Section will work collaboratively with the Digital Identity and Registration Section for integration of case management data other operational data systems, including but not limited to data warehousing and data visualization products.
The Section will work closely with the Division of Strategic Planning and Results on developing global information management systems, provide data support, data visualisation and external engagement on information management systems development.
The Chief of Operational Data Systems & Support Section will ensure that the global systems the Organization needs are built, functional, fit for purpose and available for users in UNHCR or other agencies/partners. The incumbent will ensure that the systems developed by the Business Analysis team are rolled-out, documented and supported in addition to building a community of practice around the different systems to ensure the sustainability of these systems. S/he will be responsible for UNHCR¿s geodata and combine it with diverse raw and non-raw data into more accessible visual information products that convey specific message or serve as a basis of decision making such as graphs, static and online maps, infographics and dashboards. The Chief of Operational Data Systems & Support Section directly reports to the Director of Global Data Service. S/he will directly supervise staff at the Professional and General Service category.


All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Manage and lead the different units of the section based in different locations.
- Provide overall direction and oversight of global systems. Further design and develop multisectoral platforms that will allow UNHCR data systems to be brought together.
- Support the information and data management functions in regional hubs and bureaux as well as any other de-centralized capacity in the various operations;
- As business owner of the Dataport, ensure requirements for further improvements are communicated to the PRIMES Business Analysis & Development team; advocate for the proper use of the Dataport and deliver high quality training for its use by IMOs, ODMs and non-technical staffs.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of the Global Data Service¿s operational systems for non-individual data collection, processing, storing, analysis and dissemination;
- Coordinate with all data systems¿ owners in Headquarters and the Regional Bureaux the effective use of standards for system interoperability and data sharing;
- Advocate for system integration and contribute to the design of solutions for interoperability of data and information systems.
- Pursue collaboration with partners, including academic institutions, foundations and the private sector on research and development and innovative approaches to information management and data inter-operability challenges.
- Be the owner of UNHCR master geodata. Manage, keep up to date and improve UNHCR global geographical core data and ensure access to all field experts.
- In collaboration with DIST, provide feedback and support to ensure the proper usage of UNHCR¿s shared master data assets and adherence to other data governance aspects in all UNHCR systems.
- Oversee the development of visual information products in support to emergencies including crisis location maps, story maps, dashboards, infographics and corporate publications like Global Trends, Statistical Yearbook, Global Appeal, etc
- Contribute to data literacy by designing and coordinating the delivery of high-quality trainings for data use;
- Decommission redundant or non-functional data systems in a systematic and orderly way.
- Liaise with DER to provide informed data pieces for external dissemination.
- In accordance with the GCR and in close cooperation with other HQ divisions, maintain good relationships with main partners, eg. UN partners, States, World Bank, JDC, UN Statistics Division, etc.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Information Management Information Systems Business Administration Management Social Science,
Geographic Information Systems Project management Systems Analysis and Development or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR ODM Module 7 Registration
HCR Protection Learning Prg
Operational Data Management Learning Programme
Information Management
Evaluation Training
Global Learning Programme
HCR Risk Management Basics & ERM Programme
HCR Leadership for Humanitarians
UNHCR Needs Assessment e-Learning
Protection Information Management Training
JIPS Profiling Coordination Training
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
At least 8 years of substantive experience related to data and information management in humanitarian and/ or development contexts. Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment. Relevant work experience in the area of business analysis, data visualization and user support. Hands on experience with design and implementation of related systems. Demonstrated ability to innovate and design procedures, structures and systems which improve the efficiency and effectiveness UNHCR data systems. Ability to effectively present complex information to all levels of management. Proven ability to address multiple tasks in a courteous and service-oriented manner in demanding working conditions that often have short deadlines. Demonstrated leadership, coordination experience and technical expertise with emergency information management in humanitarian context, including in displacement situations. Demonstrated experience in systems development. Strong managerial, coordination, representation and teambuilding skills. Technical expertise in developing enterprise-scale operational data systems.
Field experience, preferably in a humanitarian context. Strong understanding of the principles and concepts of international protection and UNHCR. Strong team-building, managerial, planning, coordination and representation skills. Experience with phases of the data management lifecycle and associated methodologies. Demonstrated data literacy, especially the ability to derive information from data and present evidence to decision-making.  Ability to design and implement policies and procedures which are adapted to the data protection, standards setting and capacity building needs. Familiarity with planning, programming, strategic planning, project development, budgeting and resource mobilization. Demonstrated ability for leadership in the context of partnership building and consensual decision-making. Experience working with partners, including host and donor Governments, humanitarian and development partners.
Desirable:
Experience in I.T. Project Management, business analysis and software development. Experience with data sharing, data management, and data analysis. Experience with UNHCR¿s corporate applications and operational data. Demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR and interagency policies, standards, programmes and operations.  Experience working in both cluster coordination model and refugee coordination model contexts.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
DM-Data Management
PR-Civil Registry System
MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation
IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications
MG-Leadership
PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)
MG-Project Analysis/Development/Implementation/Management/Coordination
UN-UN/UNHCR Interagency Policies, Standards, Programmes, Partnerships, Humanitarian Ops
ER-Inter-Agency Coordination Mechanisms
CO-Data Visualisation Techniques/Software
DM-ArcGIS (Geographic Information System)
DM-Data Interoperability
EX-Field experience with UNHCR and/or with other humanitarian organizations
EX-HQs experience with UNHCR and/or with other humanitarian organizations
DM-Database Management
UN-UNHCR Operations, mandate, principles and policies
MG-Coordination
MG-Representation
EX-Field experience with UNHCR and/or with other humanitarian organizations
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.


This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X003L4 - Technological Awareness Level 4
X008L4 - Stakeholder Management Level 4

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

Please note that the closing date for vacancies in this Flash Global Data Service is Wednesday 8 April 2020 (midnight Geneva time)