Information Management Systems Expert
UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks a highly qualified individual for the following position:
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code
UNOPS/AFO/SNOC/012/2011
Post Title
Information Management Systems Expert
Post Level I-ICA 1
Position status Non-rotational
Project Title Africa Adaptation Project (AAP)
Org Unit AFO / SNOC
Duty Station Dakar, Senegal with frequent travel throughout Africa
Duration 1 March 2011 to 31 December 2011
Closing Date 18 February 2011
Background
Climate change threatens the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. African countries contribute only about 3.8% of total greenhouse gas emissions, but are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa – up to 90% of which is rain-fed – accounts for 70% of the region’s employment and 35% of its gross national product. With the agriculture sector playing a critical role in economic development in Africa, changing climatic conditions affects food production, health, water resources in many countries. Current models of climate change suggest that crop yields could fall by up to 20%. Water shortages are projected to worsen, with as much as 10% less rainfall predicted in interior regions. Higher temperatures will increase water losses due to higher evaporation rates. As much as up to 40% of all development assistance and public expenditures could be lost due to climate change.
In April 2008, African Ministers of Finance committed to “effectively integrate and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into “national and regional development frameworks”. Most African governments are yet to develop adaptive policies to: i) protect climate-sensitive public goods, such as water supply and costal protection; ii) adjust fiscal and regulatory policy to create private sector incentives for adaptation; and iii) establish performance standards and codes so that private and public investments of long-lived capital and infrastructure remain robust under future climate.
In 2009 UNDP launched a US$ 92.1 million Climate Change Adaptation Programme for the African continent, titled “Supporting Integrated and Comprehensive Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation in Africa” (hereafter called the Programme). Under this Programme supported by the Government of Japan, UNDP will assist 20 countries across the African continent in incorporating climate change risks and opportunities into national development processes to secure development gains under a changing climate.
The Programme aims to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Countries have introduced dynamic, long-term planning mechanism to cope with the inherent uncertainties of climate change.
• Countries have built leadership and developed institutional frameworks to manage climate change risks and opportunities in an integrated manner at the local and national levels.
• Countries are implementing climate-resilient policies and measures in priority sectors.
• Financing options to meet national adaptation costs have been expanded at the local, national, sub-regional and regional levels.
• Knowledge on adjusting national development processes to fully incorporate climate change risks and opportunities is being generated and shared across all levels.
The Inter-Regional Technical Support Component (IRTSC, $8.96 million) will assist in the early analysis, design and implementation of national projects. The Component has the following key outputs:
• Access to the best available data and information on climate variability and impacts is facilitated to support dynamic, long-term national planning and decision-making mechanism.
• Support is provided to institutional and leadership development in a manner responsible to the unique circumstances and needs of each country.
• Best practices, experiences and technologies are identified and exchanges among countries on implementing climate-resilient policies in priority sectors.
• Innovative financing options are identified and key partnerships are facilitated at the national, sub-regional and regional levels.
• Region-wide knowledge and learning mechanism are established to raise awareness, engage stakeholders, inform decision-makers, and promote exchange and cooperation between countries.
By December, 2009 most countries had completed the drafting of their AAP Project Document.
By September 2010, all countries have conducted the Inception Workshop, and are in the Implementation Phase. However most remain limited in their ability to implement the projects because of insufficient capacities. Given the timeframe for the implementation of the AAP project, extensive implementation progress monitoring will be undertaken on a regular basis.
A major objective for the coming months concerns the development of an AAP genuine Internal Information Management System, which would give the IRTSC and the Field Advisory Teams a better capacity to work together and would reinforce the support provided to the countries. Many levels of action are concerned: management methods, working practices, tools that are to be shared by all staff. The use of electronic mail and of the web will be extended too to improve operations and communications. At the moment, first steps are being taken to develop a shared virtual space in order to make available to all AAP staff and Field Advisory Teams the fundamental texts, data bases, topical documents and information on the administrative procedures and practices.
To facilitate access to data and information across the African continent, IRTSC is planning to establish a platform for common knowledge based on a web portal and an information network. This will help sharing best practices, experiences and technologies to manage climate change in priority sectors among countries, and to aid communications across AAP national projects. A dedicated knowledge management system (the Adaptation Learning Mechanism) will also be used to encourage knowledge sharing and dissemination of results through local, national, regional and global fora and networks. Knowledge management will contribute to developing leadership and institutional capacities. Leadership for results and other capacity development initiatives will provide a platform for learning.
Duties and Responsibilities
The International Consultant is being recruited to support both the IRTSC Internal Information System, as well as to fast-track the planning and implementation of the broader Information Network and Adaptation Learning Mechanism.
Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the International Consultant (IC) will undertake the following duties through a combination of AAP-IRTSC in Dakar and AAP countries interventions:
AAP Internal Information Management System (40%)
• In consultation with the Institutional and Leadership Development Expert, plan, implement, monitor and maintain a project management system and software to support the IRTSC staff and activities. The focus of the system and software will be on monthly and quarterly monitoring to identify bottlenecks and constraints in project implementation (delivery rate, activities log, risk log, lessons learned).(Implementation: March to April, further configuration, monitoring, maintenance and development: ongoing)
• Implement a file server for use by AAP IRTSC staff, both Dakar based and remote. This will include the physical installation, software installation and configuration according to the needs of AAP, and the configuration of any supporting equipment such as switches or routers. This must be done in conjunction with SNOC staff and UNOPS HQ ICT staff. (March to April) The file server must be administered and maintained to fully support the needs of the IRTSC throughout the length of this contract. (May to December)
• Establish an AAP IRTSC website to support AAP staff, Field Advisory Teams and AAP national projects. A rapid development process is necessary to quickly establish base functionality which will then need to be extended to provide additional services. (March to April). Features must be developed in close collaboration with other programme elements to ensure coordinated delivery. Additional features should be determined throughout the year and implemented where practical. Monitor and maintain the website. (May to December)
• Manage the AAP IRTSC helpdesk, ensuring prompt responses to queries, complete followup, and statistical and qualitative reporting. Implement technical solutions to support the management and use of the helpdesk. (ongoing)
• Assist in the monitoring and management of the UNOPS network to aid the IRTSC staff. In particular, managing relevant user accounts and group settings within a MS Windows Domain and subject to relevant authorization and UNOPS ICT policies. (ongoing)
• Provide support to senior experts to facilitate efficient programme implementation through good use of information management systems. (ongoing)
• Manage the procurement, installation and configuration of desktop and corporate based IT systems and software, including laptops, desktops, servers, backup solutions. (ongoing)
• Any other task that comes to light or as requested by the Programme Manager and agreed upon.
Cross country Information Management Network (40%)
• Assist the Programme Manager in implementing a preliminary Cross Country Information Management Network. Features should include the ability for AAP national projects to be able to share documents through an internet portal, email discussion groups integrated with protected bulletin boards, and any other features agreed with the Project Manager. (March to May)
• Assist the Programme Manager in planning and executing a needs assessment to determine detailed requirements for the Cross Country Information Management Network (April to June). This should be based on:
o Preliminary information provided by the IRTSC
o Consultation with IRTSC senior experts,
o Discussions with national project representatives
o Discussions with IRTSC consultants that have spent significant time in AAP countries
o Global best practices
o The consultant’s experience
• From the needs assessment, a plan must be developed for the full implementation of the Cross Country Information Management Network (June to July). The plan must address the following:
o perceived challenges for IRTSC/AAP countries
o Information-based country needs in consistency across all countries
o Potential primary targets
o Integration with Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, and Data Collection IRTSC components
o Budget
o Timeframe
o Monitoring tools of the effectiveness of the strategy
• Assist the Project Manager in implementing components of the plan that are achievable within the given timeframe. (July to December)
• In conjunction with the Institutional Leadership and Capacity Development Expert and Knowledge Management Expert, assist the Programme Manager in developing the overall e-Learning strategy, including HW and SW specifications, methods of course development, scope of project. (May to August)
• Pilot the implementation of the e-learning strategy. (August to December)
Training and Support (20%)
• Assist the Programme Manager in finalizing the development of a toolkit for AAP national Projects website development.
• Provide formal and informal training and assistance to IRTSC programme and operations staff on an as-needs and ongoing basis.
• Provide advice and support to AAP national projects subject to their requests.
• Respond to requests or questions from the AAP helpdesk related to information management.
OUTPUTS
AAP Internal Information Management System
• A fully functioning fileserver for internal and remote access which supports the needs of the IRTSC
• AAP webpage
• Project management software and a well-functioning project management system
• Efficiently managed helpdesk
• Configure and maintain email distribution groups for internal and external use
Cross country Information Management Network
• Initial implementation of essential factors in the cross country information management network (see above)
• Needs Assessment for setting up the cross country Information Management System.
• Detailed plan for implementation.
• Fully developed Cross Country Information Management Network
• Mission reports
• E-Learning strategy
• Piloted e-learning implementation
Training and Support
• Toolkit for AAP National Projects’ website development
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies
• Understanding of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
• Knowledge of the UNDP and UNOPS systems and policies. In particular, a strong understanding of UNOPS ICT and policies practices and structures.
• A good understanding of UNOPS Procurement policies and practices, particularly their execution in Africa.
• Strong understanding of internet and web technologies.
• Strong understanding of computer hardware and software architecture.
Leadership and Self-Management
• Builds strong relationships with colleagues, both local and remote.
• Very strong problem solving abilities, and highly responsive to the needs of colleagues.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively.
• Builds strong relationships with clients.
• Good team player, self-starter, has ability to work under minimum supervision and maintain good relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at the same time essential.
Education/Experience/Language
The consultant should:
• Possess a Master’s degree in Engineering, Science or a related IT field. Additional years of relevant work experience preferably in combination with a bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree.
• Have a minimum of four years professional experience in a technical/IT field.
• Have previous experience working in a developing country in Africa a strong advantage.
• Exhibit management initiative and dependability, follow directions, and have pride in good work.
• Possess creativity, innovativeness, and technical problem solving and resource management, mentoring and advisory skills.
• Previous experience working for a UN agency essential and knowledge of AAP an asset.
• Possess experience in project management, including planning, developing and implementing technology based projects.
• Have a strong understanding of internet and web technologies, networking infrastructure and protocols.
• Previous IT helpdesk experience, whilst not necessary, would be valued.
• Experience in using Active Directory.
• Previous experience administering MS Windows Server and Linux based systems.
• Previous experience planning and developing an e-learning project.
• Understand core concepts and practices in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, with experience in consultation processes and presentation of knowledge products.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; commitment to team work and to working across disciplines.
• Excellent knowledge of English. Fluency in French an asset.
• Full computer literacy.
• Acquire a technical overview of office information systems, computer hardware and network administration.
• Understand the systems and procedures of organizing and planning office work controlling employees' performance, and exercising leadership skills that make the modern employer-employee relationship a pleasant, reward and successful experience.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.
Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code
UNOPS/AFO/SNOC/012/2011
Post Title
Information Management Systems Expert
Post Level I-ICA 1
Position status Non-rotational
Project Title Africa Adaptation Project (AAP)
Org Unit AFO / SNOC
Duty Station Dakar, Senegal with frequent travel throughout Africa
Duration 1 March 2011 to 31 December 2011
Closing Date 18 February 2011
Background
Climate change threatens the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. African countries contribute only about 3.8% of total greenhouse gas emissions, but are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa – up to 90% of which is rain-fed – accounts for 70% of the region’s employment and 35% of its gross national product. With the agriculture sector playing a critical role in economic development in Africa, changing climatic conditions affects food production, health, water resources in many countries. Current models of climate change suggest that crop yields could fall by up to 20%. Water shortages are projected to worsen, with as much as 10% less rainfall predicted in interior regions. Higher temperatures will increase water losses due to higher evaporation rates. As much as up to 40% of all development assistance and public expenditures could be lost due to climate change.
In April 2008, African Ministers of Finance committed to “effectively integrate and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into “national and regional development frameworks”. Most African governments are yet to develop adaptive policies to: i) protect climate-sensitive public goods, such as water supply and costal protection; ii) adjust fiscal and regulatory policy to create private sector incentives for adaptation; and iii) establish performance standards and codes so that private and public investments of long-lived capital and infrastructure remain robust under future climate.
In 2009 UNDP launched a US$ 92.1 million Climate Change Adaptation Programme for the African continent, titled “Supporting Integrated and Comprehensive Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation in Africa” (hereafter called the Programme). Under this Programme supported by the Government of Japan, UNDP will assist 20 countries across the African continent in incorporating climate change risks and opportunities into national development processes to secure development gains under a changing climate.
The Programme aims to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Countries have introduced dynamic, long-term planning mechanism to cope with the inherent uncertainties of climate change.
• Countries have built leadership and developed institutional frameworks to manage climate change risks and opportunities in an integrated manner at the local and national levels.
• Countries are implementing climate-resilient policies and measures in priority sectors.
• Financing options to meet national adaptation costs have been expanded at the local, national, sub-regional and regional levels.
• Knowledge on adjusting national development processes to fully incorporate climate change risks and opportunities is being generated and shared across all levels.
The Inter-Regional Technical Support Component (IRTSC, $8.96 million) will assist in the early analysis, design and implementation of national projects. The Component has the following key outputs:
• Access to the best available data and information on climate variability and impacts is facilitated to support dynamic, long-term national planning and decision-making mechanism.
• Support is provided to institutional and leadership development in a manner responsible to the unique circumstances and needs of each country.
• Best practices, experiences and technologies are identified and exchanges among countries on implementing climate-resilient policies in priority sectors.
• Innovative financing options are identified and key partnerships are facilitated at the national, sub-regional and regional levels.
• Region-wide knowledge and learning mechanism are established to raise awareness, engage stakeholders, inform decision-makers, and promote exchange and cooperation between countries.
By December, 2009 most countries had completed the drafting of their AAP Project Document.
By September 2010, all countries have conducted the Inception Workshop, and are in the Implementation Phase. However most remain limited in their ability to implement the projects because of insufficient capacities. Given the timeframe for the implementation of the AAP project, extensive implementation progress monitoring will be undertaken on a regular basis.
A major objective for the coming months concerns the development of an AAP genuine Internal Information Management System, which would give the IRTSC and the Field Advisory Teams a better capacity to work together and would reinforce the support provided to the countries. Many levels of action are concerned: management methods, working practices, tools that are to be shared by all staff. The use of electronic mail and of the web will be extended too to improve operations and communications. At the moment, first steps are being taken to develop a shared virtual space in order to make available to all AAP staff and Field Advisory Teams the fundamental texts, data bases, topical documents and information on the administrative procedures and practices.
To facilitate access to data and information across the African continent, IRTSC is planning to establish a platform for common knowledge based on a web portal and an information network. This will help sharing best practices, experiences and technologies to manage climate change in priority sectors among countries, and to aid communications across AAP national projects. A dedicated knowledge management system (the Adaptation Learning Mechanism) will also be used to encourage knowledge sharing and dissemination of results through local, national, regional and global fora and networks. Knowledge management will contribute to developing leadership and institutional capacities. Leadership for results and other capacity development initiatives will provide a platform for learning.
Duties and Responsibilities
The International Consultant is being recruited to support both the IRTSC Internal Information System, as well as to fast-track the planning and implementation of the broader Information Network and Adaptation Learning Mechanism.
Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the International Consultant (IC) will undertake the following duties through a combination of AAP-IRTSC in Dakar and AAP countries interventions:
AAP Internal Information Management System (40%)
• In consultation with the Institutional and Leadership Development Expert, plan, implement, monitor and maintain a project management system and software to support the IRTSC staff and activities. The focus of the system and software will be on monthly and quarterly monitoring to identify bottlenecks and constraints in project implementation (delivery rate, activities log, risk log, lessons learned).(Implementation: March to April, further configuration, monitoring, maintenance and development: ongoing)
• Implement a file server for use by AAP IRTSC staff, both Dakar based and remote. This will include the physical installation, software installation and configuration according to the needs of AAP, and the configuration of any supporting equipment such as switches or routers. This must be done in conjunction with SNOC staff and UNOPS HQ ICT staff. (March to April) The file server must be administered and maintained to fully support the needs of the IRTSC throughout the length of this contract. (May to December)
• Establish an AAP IRTSC website to support AAP staff, Field Advisory Teams and AAP national projects. A rapid development process is necessary to quickly establish base functionality which will then need to be extended to provide additional services. (March to April). Features must be developed in close collaboration with other programme elements to ensure coordinated delivery. Additional features should be determined throughout the year and implemented where practical. Monitor and maintain the website. (May to December)
• Manage the AAP IRTSC helpdesk, ensuring prompt responses to queries, complete followup, and statistical and qualitative reporting. Implement technical solutions to support the management and use of the helpdesk. (ongoing)
• Assist in the monitoring and management of the UNOPS network to aid the IRTSC staff. In particular, managing relevant user accounts and group settings within a MS Windows Domain and subject to relevant authorization and UNOPS ICT policies. (ongoing)
• Provide support to senior experts to facilitate efficient programme implementation through good use of information management systems. (ongoing)
• Manage the procurement, installation and configuration of desktop and corporate based IT systems and software, including laptops, desktops, servers, backup solutions. (ongoing)
• Any other task that comes to light or as requested by the Programme Manager and agreed upon.
Cross country Information Management Network (40%)
• Assist the Programme Manager in implementing a preliminary Cross Country Information Management Network. Features should include the ability for AAP national projects to be able to share documents through an internet portal, email discussion groups integrated with protected bulletin boards, and any other features agreed with the Project Manager. (March to May)
• Assist the Programme Manager in planning and executing a needs assessment to determine detailed requirements for the Cross Country Information Management Network (April to June). This should be based on:
o Preliminary information provided by the IRTSC
o Consultation with IRTSC senior experts,
o Discussions with national project representatives
o Discussions with IRTSC consultants that have spent significant time in AAP countries
o Global best practices
o The consultant’s experience
• From the needs assessment, a plan must be developed for the full implementation of the Cross Country Information Management Network (June to July). The plan must address the following:
o perceived challenges for IRTSC/AAP countries
o Information-based country needs in consistency across all countries
o Potential primary targets
o Integration with Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, and Data Collection IRTSC components
o Budget
o Timeframe
o Monitoring tools of the effectiveness of the strategy
• Assist the Project Manager in implementing components of the plan that are achievable within the given timeframe. (July to December)
• In conjunction with the Institutional Leadership and Capacity Development Expert and Knowledge Management Expert, assist the Programme Manager in developing the overall e-Learning strategy, including HW and SW specifications, methods of course development, scope of project. (May to August)
• Pilot the implementation of the e-learning strategy. (August to December)
Training and Support (20%)
• Assist the Programme Manager in finalizing the development of a toolkit for AAP national Projects website development.
• Provide formal and informal training and assistance to IRTSC programme and operations staff on an as-needs and ongoing basis.
• Provide advice and support to AAP national projects subject to their requests.
• Respond to requests or questions from the AAP helpdesk related to information management.
OUTPUTS
AAP Internal Information Management System
• A fully functioning fileserver for internal and remote access which supports the needs of the IRTSC
• AAP webpage
• Project management software and a well-functioning project management system
• Efficiently managed helpdesk
• Configure and maintain email distribution groups for internal and external use
Cross country Information Management Network
• Initial implementation of essential factors in the cross country information management network (see above)
• Needs Assessment for setting up the cross country Information Management System.
• Detailed plan for implementation.
• Fully developed Cross Country Information Management Network
• Mission reports
• E-Learning strategy
• Piloted e-learning implementation
Training and Support
• Toolkit for AAP National Projects’ website development
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies
• Understanding of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
• Knowledge of the UNDP and UNOPS systems and policies. In particular, a strong understanding of UNOPS ICT and policies practices and structures.
• A good understanding of UNOPS Procurement policies and practices, particularly their execution in Africa.
• Strong understanding of internet and web technologies.
• Strong understanding of computer hardware and software architecture.
Leadership and Self-Management
• Builds strong relationships with colleagues, both local and remote.
• Very strong problem solving abilities, and highly responsive to the needs of colleagues.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively.
• Builds strong relationships with clients.
• Good team player, self-starter, has ability to work under minimum supervision and maintain good relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at the same time essential.
Education/Experience/Language
The consultant should:
• Possess a Master’s degree in Engineering, Science or a related IT field. Additional years of relevant work experience preferably in combination with a bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree.
• Have a minimum of four years professional experience in a technical/IT field.
• Have previous experience working in a developing country in Africa a strong advantage.
• Exhibit management initiative and dependability, follow directions, and have pride in good work.
• Possess creativity, innovativeness, and technical problem solving and resource management, mentoring and advisory skills.
• Previous experience working for a UN agency essential and knowledge of AAP an asset.
• Possess experience in project management, including planning, developing and implementing technology based projects.
• Have a strong understanding of internet and web technologies, networking infrastructure and protocols.
• Previous IT helpdesk experience, whilst not necessary, would be valued.
• Experience in using Active Directory.
• Previous experience administering MS Windows Server and Linux based systems.
• Previous experience planning and developing an e-learning project.
• Understand core concepts and practices in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, with experience in consultation processes and presentation of knowledge products.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; commitment to team work and to working across disciplines.
• Excellent knowledge of English. Fluency in French an asset.
• Full computer literacy.
• Acquire a technical overview of office information systems, computer hardware and network administration.
• Understand the systems and procedures of organizing and planning office work controlling employees' performance, and exercising leadership skills that make the modern employer-employee relationship a pleasant, reward and successful experience.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.
How to apply
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website) via e-mail to afosnoc.vacancies@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
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