Date of Issue:22 Dec 2014

Post title:Geographic Information System (GIS) Officer

Department/Office:Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Duration:6 months (with possibility of extending)

Location:Possibility of working remotely with some time in Geneva

Start Date:As soon as possible

Application Deadline:20 January 2015

Background:

This GIS Officer consultant position is available in the Field Information Services (FIS) Section for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the Information Management Program Officer. This section is responsible for the COD FOD Registry and the consultancy is related to improving the quality and interoperability of the Administrative Boundary and Populated Places CODs.

The consultant will provide GIS support the development of COD services (web services including web mapping and features). The development of COD Services will involve working closely with GIS officers in OCHA Regional/Country offices and with Information Technology Outreach Services (ITOS) and partners. The consultant will perform the following duties to improve operational baseline data and metadata.

Duties

• Work with ITOS and OCHA offices to develop web-based GIS services to support expanded use of the common operational datasets;
• Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, GIS and SDI practices in disaster preparedness and response;
• Work with OCHA IMOs to improve data quality, liaison between field and ITOS, including data checks and review, metadata guidance and improvement;
• Develop and facilitate test flow for COD Services for feature and mapping services;
• Where relevant participate in working groups related to data;
• Keep abreast of HDX activities and alignment of COD FOD Registry;
• Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, GIS and SDI practices in disaster preparedness and response; guidance, FAQs, advocacy material;
• Maintain record of communication and activities;
• Identify technologies, practices and processes field offices could use that will improve data quality and distribution in various formats;

Deliverables

• Guidance and reference material based on tested work flow for internal (OCHA IMOs) and external information
• Countries have been processed into COD Services and candidates are made available online
• Test plan for web services (mapping and feature) and resulting report

Competencies

Technological Experience and Awareness:Experience with humanitarian operational data, Use of ArcGIS and open source GIS for data management and manipulation; Experience developing geo-data workflows; Practical development experience with ArcGIS Server; Experience deploying/maintaining geospatial web services, Knowledge of related software and systems (database, word processing, desktop publishing); Understanding of data standards including Humanitarian Exchange Language (HXL), Familiarity with concepts of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and taxonomy.

Professionalism:Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the management of information in disaster contexts. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection and processing using various methods; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve spatial data services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Client Orientation:Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education:Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in geographic information systems, computer science, geography or other relevant field.

Work Experience:Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience

Language:Fluency in oral and written English is essential; Knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Special Note:Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. All posts are subject to availability of funds. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.