DATA STORYTELLING OFFICER for JIPS

OVERALL PURPOSE

Efforts in the displacement data space often stop once the evidence is generated and information products disseminated. However, the availability of numbers or charts are not enough to convey insights or to ensure the effective uptake by decision-makers for the design of policies and programmes. This is at the very core of JIPS’ Strategy 2021-2023, and underpins its efforts to communicate in new strategic ways that bring together information, people and places using visual, narrative, and interactive techniques, especially in a digital environment.  

Against this background, JIPS is looking for a Data Storytelling Officer. Under the supervision of JIPS’ Head of Knowledge Sharing & Communications and the overall guidance of JIPS’ Coordinator, they will contribute to JIPS’ data storytelling and data use workstreams, building on work to date but also exploring and testing new approaches that expand on current good practices in the mentioned areas. They will act as the primary data visualization expert within JIPS and support the team on creative and, where relevant, interactive data stories and visualizations that galvanize the integration of displacement data and analysis in decision-making processes, especially in the context of JIPS’ country support. They will also support JIPS in the management of its digital platforms, including its website, the JET and the Interagency Durable Solutions Indicator Library.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Data analysis and data representation

• Develops custom data visualization products (e.g. dashboards, interactive and embedded data visualisations, story maps, etc.), including design and execution, using existing prototyping and story map platforms or custom-made microsites as well as map and data online visualization tools, and applying best practices for data visualization and digital storytelling as well as JIPS’ brand style guide where applicable
• This involves working closely with JIPS’ Head of Knowledge Sharing & Communications and JIPS’ Information Management & Innovation team to conceptualize digital information products, draft, design and develop outputs; find the stories in the complex, technical and sometimes sensitive aspects of JIPS’ work at field and global levels; bring in diverse voices; and tailor messages and data stories to key audiences
• Provides technical support to the JIPS team around data visualization, ensuring high-quality standards and a strategic approach that combines data/analysis, narrative, people and places in order to convey information in clear, meaningful, engaging and innovative ways
• Contributes to JIPS’ M&E process by monitoring/tracking usage and impact of its various digital information products, and by ensuring that lessons learned are incorporated in JIPS’ different areas of work, utilizing available and new M&E tools and analytics
• Consolidates and mainstreams good practices and lessons learned across the JIPS team, including through internal learning sessions, for the continuous improvement and amplified impact of JIPS’ work and services
• Keeps track of trends, available data visualization tools, and good practices in their area of expertise, explores innovative/creative approaches/content formats to communicating about forced displacement and displacement data, in close collaboration and exchange with JIPS’ Head of Knowledge Sharing & Communication

Platforms

• Contributes to the front- and backend management of JIPS’ platforms (website, JET, durable solutions platform, various data stories), by managing their hosting, technical maintenance and debugging, as well as by updating/uploading content as needed
• Contributes to the redesign of JIPS’ platforms and helps ensure a strategic, coherent and integrated approach, including for the maintenance and hosting of JIPS’ platforms and data stories

Other

• Assists with other activities in the knowledge sharing & communications unit as needed and provides cross-unit support to ensure a harmonized and high-standard approach to data representation and data storytelling across JIPS
• Actively participates as a team player, showing initiative and proactivity in support to others.
• Provides administrative support and performs any other tasks as requested by JIPS’ Head of Knowledge Sharing & Communications.

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced university degree in Data Science, Data Storytelling, Data Journalism, Data Visualization, Information Design or other related disciplines / equivalent work experience
• Data Science certification is desirable

EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 years of professional experience working on data dashboards, data journalism, digital data stories, interactive/embedded data visualizations
• Experience combined with a genuine interest in working on forced displacement data/analysis and at the humanitarian-development-peace intersection, in the non-profit and/or international sector
• Proficiency with a modern programming language appropriate for data story applications: Python with experience using the Matplotlib library and/or D3js React are required, and experience with other relevant languages (R, ggplot2 library) is beneficial
• Expertise in data analysis and data visualization, as well as experience using statistical packages for analyzing data and pulling of data/integration of data from multiple sources
• Sound knowledge and experience of data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, etc.; experience using story map platforms such as ArcGIS/ESRI Storymaps and online tools for interactive data visualization tools such as Mapbox, Leaflet, Flourish, etc.
• Experience in creating user-friendly designs and using prototyping tools such as Adobe XD, Figma, etc
• Project management skill set, including directing and reviewing the work of others, and ability to work collaboratively in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Experience in the frontend development of modern, interactive microsites, such as data stories, digital dashboards or similar products that effectively combine data and narrative for appealing data-driven UI

COMPETENCIES

Essential

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and demonstrated analytical skills and written clarity, including ability to understand complex/technical concepts and issues and to convey technical topics/insights effectively in both narrative and visuals, to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Expert in understanding complex data by use of Excel, SPSS or other similar tools, and strong command over data manipulation and aggregation
• Proven experience in crafting, designing and building digital data stories; preferably on topics related to forced displacement and displacement data
• Self-starter who thrives on working independently with a dispersed workforce, is proactive and self-motivated with a problem-solving attitude and the capacity to “think outside the box” and propose innovative ideas/new solutions
• Hard working and highly organized, comfortable working with dynamic timelines and flexible schedule as well as with   an   ability   to   meet deadlines
• A creative thinker with exceptional attention to detail, focused on impact and crafting high-quality, engaging content for diverse audiences

• Effective and resourceful team player, able to liaise and communicate with colleagues at all levels of seniority and from different cultures and areas of expertise
• Native English-speaker, fluency in oral and written Spanish or French highly desirable; knowledge of another official UN language a plus

Desirable

• Advanced expertise and skillset in graphic design and visual communication
• Experience using design software (such as Adobe CC)

CONTRACT ARRANGEMENTS

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

Find the definition of DRC’s Core competencies here

¨Basic: I master the essentials, but may at times need help from others

¨Advanced: I can work independently at full professional level.

¨Expert: I am the go-to person when others need help.

SALARY AND CONDITIONS

The position is placed in Geneva, Switzerland with the Geneva Representation office. This position will be placed at Employment Band – H. DRC offers a competitive salary based on qualification and experience, approximate monthly gross salary is estimated to be around 5’500 CHF. DRC does not pay any additional allowances (schooling, housing etc.). Estimated gross/net calculations can be found online, for instance: https://www.lohncomputer.ch/en/ Following Swiss regulations DRC offers accident and travel insurance. DRC staff pay tax and social security according to Swiss law and health insurance.

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button.   

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. CV only applications will not be considered.   

Applications close Sunday 31st October 2021.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In the light of this, women are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employee. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics. 

However, please note that due to questions related to work- and residence permit Swiss nationals, citizen of Schengen-countries and applicants with existing work- and residence papers for Switzerland have a certain preference. Yet, we want to clearly state that the lack of above-mentioned specifications is not a ground for rejection of applications.