Information Management Associate
Organizational Context
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) mobilizes and coordinates effective humanitarian action with national and international partners to alleviate suffering in disasters and emergencies. The OCHA Office of the Pacific Islands, based in Suva, supports Pacific Island countries and territories by providing humanitarian coordination, preparedness, response, information management, advocacy, and financing support. This role focuses on enhancing preparedness and situational awareness through data management and geospatial products in a large, hazard-prone region.
Job Purpose
The Information Management Associate will support OCHA Pacific's efforts to improve humanitarian preparedness and situational awareness across the Pacific Islands. This involves managing and analyzing humanitarian datasets, creating visual information products like maps and dashboards, and contributing to common operational datasets. The assignment will focus on practical data-preparedness and GIS outputs, providing the Associate with direct exposure to humanitarian information management within a six-month period. The role is crucial for effective government-led humanitarian coordination in a region prone to emergencies.
Responsibilities
Under direct supervision, the Associate will support the collection, cleaning, organization, and maintenance of humanitarian and preparedness datasets for Pacific Island countries. Key duties include assisting in the production of maps, dashboards, and infographics using GIS and visualization tools (e.g., ArcGIS, Adobe Suite). The role involves contributing to the maintenance and improvement of common operational datasets, including administrative boundaries and population data. Additionally, the Associate will support remote-sensing and geospatial analysis for hazard assessment, assist with information management during emergencies by consolidating data and producing situation analysis products, and document data sources and methodologies. The position also entails exploring automation for data processing, updating humanitarian partner contact lists, and mapping partners across 14 countries.
Work Experience
While no specific prior experience is required, demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in GIS, remote sensing, data analysis, information management, disaster risk, mapping, or humanitarian action is highly desirable. Familiarity with GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, spreadsheet tools, and the ability to analyze and visualize spatial and non-spatial data are important. Previous volunteer experience or cross-cultural exposure is a plus.
Skills
The role requires strong technological awareness, planning and organizing abilities, and professionalism. Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, commitment to continuous learning, communication, integrity, knowledge sharing, respect for diversity, self-management, and teamwork. Expertise in emergency preparedness and crisis response is essential, alongside proficiency in GIS and data visualization tools.