Database and GIS Specialist

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. Under the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in close coordination with other UN agencies, UNDP is supporting Afghan people’s aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainability. UNDP is currently implementing its flagship crisis response programme, ABADEI (Area Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives), as part of the ongoing UN-led response to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and the breakdown of Afghanistan’s economy following the August 2021 shift in power.

The ABADEI Strategy is a tailored area-based integrated programming approach to support basic human needs, complementing short-term humanitarian life-saving assistance with the safeguarding of livelihoods and the strengthening of community resilience. It is centered around addressing worsening poverty and vulnerability, supporting community resilience and social cohesion, addressing climatic vulnerability and enabling the rehabilitation of small-scale infrastructure vital for basic human needs. It supports the creation of immediate sources of income through vocational skills training, cash-for-work, cash for market, small businesses and livelihood opportunities with particular focus on agri-business and regenerative agriculture infrastructure and services (critical for food security) that are under threat. It is sensitive to the chronic and newly emerging vulnerabilities of Afghan women and girls and aims at providing them assistance in a manner that does not exacerbate their susceptibility to violence and deprivation of opportunities and rights.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Database GIS Specialist will report to the Program Manager and is based in Kabul. The incumbent will support the implementation and maintenance of ABADEI program Information Management System. S/he will be expected to provide direct support to the CO, ABADEI program team and relevant stakeholders including UN agencies in using information management applications and procedures.

The incumbent will undertake the following to ensure the success of the assignment:

• Engage in geo-spatial data management, analysis and advocacy
• Prepare Projects Coordinates to facilitate the implementation of projects
• Develop Web Story Maps related to projects managed and implemented
• Develop Power BI Dashboards for assessments of ABADEI Programme under implementation
• Develop data collection tools for assessments
• Ensure knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Engaging in geo-spatial data management, analysis and advocacy, focusing on the following results

• Perform geo-spatial analysis to support a systematic analytical approach.
• Develop and maintain geographic databases including satellite imagery and gazetteers.
• Support the development of ABADEI program website.
• Assist in the formulation and implementation of policies, guidelines and standards on data and other information related matters.
• Assist in developing information products to support scenario development, contingency planning and the identification of trends and risks.
• Provide advisory support as requested in the preparation of surveys and assessments by ABADEI program partners and stakeholders.
• Design and implement a structured dissemination plan for all data-related information products and services.

Prepare Projects Coordinates to facilitate the implementation of projects

• Capture the necessary projects coordinates related to those under UNDP/AFG ABADEI portfolio implemented whether old, ongoing or new and store them in GIS database.
• Take google photos and connect the GPS coordinates to the location of the projects and store them in GIS database.
• Use the database to produce static and interactive maps with infographics for presentations and reports.
• Responsible to facilitate the implementing personnel to carry out spot checks by providing them with GPS coordinates and maps.

Develop Web Story Maps related to projects managed and implemented

• Produce Web Story Maps for reporting and sharing with donors and partners on all projects under ABADEI.
• Produce Web Story Map that will use interactive maps, photos, videos, infographics and narrative text to present for UNDP interventions.
• Develop Web Story Maps for different projects funded by donors.

Develop Power BI Dashboards for assessments of ABADEI Programme under implementation

• Produce Power BI infographics for presenting the data in an appealing and interactive way.
• Assist UNDP partners in the assessment to setup the necessary platform to display the data.

Develop data collection tools for assessments

• Develop digital surveys using Kobo Toolbox platform.
• Digitize paper surveys and install them on tablets to collect attribute data and spatial data (GPS) as well.
• Administer the database for assessments working with the team to have reliable and comprehensive assessments.

Ensures knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on the following results

• Provide GIS training and develop training manual, tutorials to support ABADEI program team and partners.
• Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing and provide guidance to all stakeholders on information management.
• Document lessons learned and best practices.

Perform other duties within your functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Digital & Innovation

• Tech literacy: Ability to apply new digital tools or adapting their original use to create new insights, fresh perspectives or develop solutions. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of certain technological developments; being able to identify how technology can add value when it’s used as a “”means to an end””
• Visualisation & mapping: Ability to visualise and clarify ideas, processes or (complex) situations by making quick sketches, drawings or using diagrams, illustrations, photos, videos, animations, three dimensional mock-ups to support group dialogues, reflection, ideation, problem solving or decision making; Using abstraction, analogical and metaphorical thinking to create compelling visuals, maps, models or embodied thinking that provide new perspectives and help a group of disparate actors to find a common language and develop a shared mental model; Ability to quickly grasp the dynamics of a complex system, identify key elements, entities and their relations, create maps or models that help people inside the system, or outsiders, understand its dynamics; being able to swiftly make sense of an undifferentiated mass of information, extract its very essence, and turn that into key messages and visualisations

Business Management

• Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making

Business Development

• Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need
• Collective Intelligence Design: Ability to bringing together diverse groups of people, data, information or ideas, and technology to design services or solutions

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) with specialization in Management Information System, Software Engineering, Database Management, GIS/Geoinformatics/Remote Sensing/engineering or any other relevant fields required.
• A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree) with specialization in Management Information System, Software Engineering, Database Management, GIS or any other relevant fields with a strong background with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with master’s OR a minimum of 7 year of relevant experience with Bachelor’s in applied Management Information System, Software Engineering, Database Management, in GIS/Geoinformatics/Remote Sensing/engineering particularly in the areas of humanitarian/development
• Demonstrated professional expertise in working with statistics and use and maintenance of standard software packages/databases (Excel, Access and other relevant databases)
• Excellent knowledge of Afghanistan statistics, data sets, and geography
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to present accurate information in a clear, concise and visually engaging manner
• Ability to work in a challenging, time sensitive, rapidly changing environment, and to work collaboratively with a diverse team
• Demonstrate experience working with data visualization through GIS
• Demonstrate experience of coordinate collection in the field
• Information management experience from previous UN assignments and/or multilateral and bi-lateral aid organizations would be an asset.

Language Requirement

• Proficiency in English is required – both written and oral
• Fluency in local language of duty station Dari and/or Pashto is required

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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