Geographic Information Systems Associate

Background:

In order to meet the increased requirements for coordination support, humanitarian advocacy and information, the OCHA Office in the occupied Palestinian territory will improve the capacity of Information Management, Advocacy and information dissemination in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, amongst humanitarian partners, local and international media, policy makers, governmental and non-governmental actors.
The Geographic Information Systems Associate will be expected to work closely with the
Information Management, Research and Analysis, Advocacy, and Field Coordination Units.
The GISA will contribute to the development and improvement of cartographic outputs,
spatial analysis, and the quality of spatial data produced by the Information Management
Unit. The GISA will ensure that UN OCHA oPt’s map products and spatial analysis provide
the best possible functionality and usability to OCHA clients and stakeholders.

1-ACCOUNTABILITIES:
-GIS cartographic production
   1-Produce maps and related mapping documents to effectively support OCHA’s coordination, research and advocacy role in the oPt;
  2-Contribute to the operation and maintenance GIS systems;
  3-Prepare and distribute spatial data in maps, reports and documents in various formats
as required;
  4-Contribute to maintaining OCHA oPt’s map archive and catalogue using GeoNetwork;

-GIS database management:
  1-Play a lead role in the on-going maintenance, design and development of the GIS
databases to effectively support OCHA’s coordination, research and advocacy role in the oPt;
  2-Archive mission geographic data and maintain minimal data preparedness datasets
using OCHA Metadata standards and GeoNetwork;
  3-Ensure that correct metadata is appended to the geographic datasets produced;
  4-Ensure that geographic data is available in a compatible format for data sharing with
partner agencies and organisations;

-Spatial Analysis:
1-Provide GIS and spatial analysis to support UN OCHA oPt’s research and
publications;

-Report production:
  1-Assist the Publication Design focal point in laying out reports and publications for printing and electronic distribution;
  2-Devise reports and presentation formats using GIS and Remote Sensing;

-Other responsibilities:
  1-Contribute to the application of OCHA Geographic Information Management Policies
and Record-Keeping Policies, including but not limited to the application of metadata
standards, project documentation standards and document management conventions.
  2-Maintain a client-oriented approach that ensures the IMU provides high-quality
information management services and products to the OCHA office and to members
of the humanitarian community;
  3-Any other duties as may be requested by the OCHA Head of Office and IMU Manager.

2-QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor degree in one of the following fields:
i. Geographic Information Systems;
ii. Remote Sensing or related field; And four years of progressively responsible experience in GIS (GIS systems integration, GIS modelling, geographic terrain analysis, remote sensing, mapping, GPS, geospatial related technologies; OR Master’s degree with minimum of two years of experience.

Skills and Knowledge :
1. Strong practical background in GIS and cartography, including the knowledge of current GIS software: ArcInfo, ArcView.
2. Proven experience in GIS project management and evaluation of existing GIS projects;
3. Practical knowledge of standard software packages (MS Office– MS Access–MS Visio –Adobe Acrobat);
4. Practical knowledge of graphic design techniques, color management and software (Adobe Indesign);
5. Other skills: Working experience in a development or humanitarian environment is required. Technical knowledge of MS-SQL server database management and knowledge of the use of GIS in online applications is desirable. Technical knowledge of OCHA Field Information Management tools is desirable.

Language Requirements:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required; fluency in one or more official UN languages is desirable, particularly fluency in Arabic and/or Hebrew.

UN COMPETENCIES:
a) Professionalism – Advanced knowledge of the use of information management to
improve the business processes; proven and demonstrable experience in analysis
of information and capacity to articulate the information management requirements of complex situations requiring a coordinated response between disparate actors; demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to ensure the effective and timely completion of complex tasks; ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment
(e.g. civil strife, natural disasters).
b) Communication – Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills including
the ability to convey complex information management concepts and recommendations to staff at all levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style that can be readily understood by non-information management practitioners.
c) Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational
goals; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance
with final group decision.
d) Planning and Organising – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed
strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
e) Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules; supports subordinates and peers, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
f) Client Orientation – Considers all those to whom services are provided to be
“clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; designs solutions and
basis recommendations on the principles of usability; establishes and maintains
productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; 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.
g) Judgment/Decision-making – Identifies the key issues in a complex situation,
gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision.
h) Commitment to Continuous Learning – Demonstrated history of keeping abreast
of new developments in the field plus a commitment to continuous learning.
i) Technology Awareness – Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the Office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new
technology.
How to apply:
Candidates interested in applying for this position should provide the following:
1. A complete Personal History Form (P11) in English providing full details on
education, present and past employment, language skills, computer skills, etc. P11
form can be found on OCHA’s website below.
2. A short letter in English (max 300 words) explaining why you think you are qualified
for this post and why you would like to work for OCHA. Also indicate when you can start work. Only qualified candidates should apply and only those who have been short listed will be contacted.Please e-mail your cover letter and application (P11) to the following e-mail address: [email protected] or send your application by fax to: (+972) 2-582 5841. Applications received after this date will not be considered.