Database and GIS Associate (DRR/CCA)

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. With 175 member states, it is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. Established in 1951 and now active in over 400 field locations worldwide, IOM works with partners, government and civil society to: 1. Assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration and human mobility; 2. Advance understanding of migration issues; 3. Encourage social and economic development through migration; and 4. Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants and mobile populations. 

IOM has been working on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction (MECR) for over 30 years. IOM’s MECR activities bolster local and national initiatives to prevent and prepare for disasters and related population movements, provide emergency assistance and protection where displacement cannot be avoided and foster post-disaster recovery solutions and resilience-building

In line with the IOM Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2021-2030, the Organization pursues three broad objectives in managing environmental migration, intervening at each stage of the migration cycle: 1. “Solutions for people to move” - Managing migration in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards. 2. “Solutions for people on the move” - Assisting and protecting migrants and displaced persons in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards. 3. “Solutions for people to stay” - Making migration a choice by building resilience and addressing the adverse climatic and environmental drivers that compel people to move.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Officer in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) and the direct supervision of the DRR-CCA Risk and Information Management Senior Associate, the incumbent will assist in the implementation of the DRR/CCA portfolio by supporting database and geospatial activities. The role will be carried out in close coordination with the DTM Programme Officer to support the development and integration of geospatial products into DTM tools, as well as the use of DTM datasets.

Responsibilities

1. Assist in the production of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) products, including maps, spatial layers and basic cartographic outputs, for operational planning, reporting, and information sharing.

2. Support operational data collection and data management activities, including data mapping, encoding, storage, cleaning and processing, in order to produce visual and geospatial information products.

3. Assist in the maintenance and update of interactive data visualization platforms, including geoportals, web maps, dashboards, factsheets and infographics.

4. Support the uploading, updating and organization of datasets and spatial layers on the national multi-hazard data mapping GeoNode platform[1], in line with agreed standards and guidance

5. Support the maintenance of DRR/CCA project databases, including collection and consolidation of data from project teams to contribute to tracking progress against key performance indicators in the project logframe, in collaboration with the M&E focal point.

6. Assist in the processing and compilation of data from IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) tools, service providers implementing multi-hazard disaster risk assessments, and other primary and secondary data sources, including the integration of geospatial and GIS products (maps, layers and spatial datasets) to populate databases and contribute to maps and related information products.

7. Assist in maintaining the consistency, accuracy and timely availability of displacement-related data for GIS and database products.

8. Undertake field missions as required to support monitoring, data collection and verification, GPS referencing and follow-up activities. 

9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned
    

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with five years of relevant experience; or, 

• Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Information Management, Geography, Computer Science, Statistics, Demography, ICT, Social Sciences or a related field from an accredited institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience working with structured datasets and simple relational databases (e.g., Excel/Access/SQL-based systems), including supporting routine updates and basic validation checks.

• Demonstrated experience supporting database and GIS activities, including handling, processing and updating spatial and non-spatial datasets.

• Experience in data processing for non-spatial datasets, including data entry, cleaning, validation and basic checks, to support database preparation for reporting and further analysis.

• Experience conducting basic geospatial data checks, including coordinate verification, duplicate identification, and simple consistency checks between spatial layers and associated attribute tables.

• Experience producing maps, spatial layers and GIS outputs to support operational planning, data visualization and reporting activities.

• Experience supporting the compilation of datasets from multiple sources (e.g. DTM tools, partner assessments, service providers and secondary data), including assisting in harmonizing identifiers, administrative boundaries and attribute structures.

• Experience using mobile data collection tools (e.g. KoboCollect) and GPS devices for field-based data collection and geo-referenced assessments.

• Basic familiarity with migration, disaster risks (hazard, exposure, vulnerability) or climate-related data in a humanitarian or development context is an asset.

• Prior experience with international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs or government institutions in a multicultural environment is an advantage.

Skills

• Practical skills in GIS software (e.g. QGIS and/or ArcGIS) to produce maps, spatial layers and basic geospatial outputs for operational planning, visualization and reporting purposes.

• Experience working with databases and structured datasets, including data entry, cleaning, processing, validation and basic data checks of spatial and non-spatial data.

• Ability to support data visualization products, including geoportals, web maps, dashboards, factsheets and infographics, based on existing templates and guidance (e.g., Power BI).

• Practical skills in mobile data collection and GPS use, including basic configuration, testing, and data extraction from tools such as KoboCollect and GPS devices.

• Ability to apply established data and GIS standards, including file naming conventions, metadata documentation, coordinate reference systems (CRS), and version control for datasets and map products, under guidance.

• Experience organizing and publishing spatial datasets with complete metadata (e.g. title, source, date, CRS, methodology and limitations) on GeoNode or similar geospatial platforms, under guidance.

• Basic skills in summarizing data and identifying simple patterns, to support reporting activities.

• Ability to apply responsible data and data protection principles, including access control, anonymization/pseudonymization and secure storage and transfer of sensitive datasets.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and collaboration tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and SharePoint).

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to produce accurate outputs within agreed timelines.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team under close supervision, within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

• Willingness and ability to undertake field travel and work in sometimes challenging operational environments.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English, French and Kirundi is required (oral and written)

Working knowledge of Swahili is desirable.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

Job info