Senior Geographic Information System (GIS) Assistant

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. With 174 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 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 is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and External candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

IOM’s Regional Office for the East and Horn of Africa supports and monitors the following countries: Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Through a team of specialists, the Regional Office supports the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of projects and initiatives undertaken by country offices and regional programmes.

Context:

Established in early 2018 at the Regional Office for East and Horn of Africa, the Regional Data Hub (RDH) aims to support evidence- based strategic and policy level discussion on migration through a combined set of initiatives. These include: strengthening regional primary and secondary data collection and analysis; increasing Information management capacity across countries; providing technical support to ensure harmonization and interoperability of key methodologies used to monitor population mobility; and the engagement of key stakeholders and governmental counterparts in migration dialogue and consultation.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Data Hub Coordinator and direct supervision of the Regional DTM Information Management Officer, the incumbent will support the Regional Data Hub on the GIS related tasks.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

In particular he/she will:

1. Produce spatial analysis, maps and related information products from the regional mixed migration data to support the Regional Data Hub activities including support to regional and country office Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) activities.
2. Assist Regional Data Hub by contributing to the design, development and systematic maintenance of a relevant spatial data infrastructure to facilitate management of the spatial data in the Region.
3. Support in maintenance of the IOM geo-database at regional level in coordination with the county missions and global DTM GIS team to ensure the geo-database across the Region is accurate, up to date and compatible.
4. Harmonize the spatial data used across the region by supporting the country missions with the standard geographic data and infographic and cartographic features.
5. Ensure that the standards are followed during the data collection by providing the necessary geographic data such as administrative units and locations.
6. Identify needs and advise on GIS/mapping tools and products.
7. Support engagement and liaison with IM/GIS focal points in the country missions to promote coordination and knowledge sharing.
8. Provide technical support and inputs into ongoing information management initiatives and partnerships in the Country Offices and the Regional Data Hub.
9. Perform any other duties as may be required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in geographic information systems, geography, computer science, or in other relevant discipline with minimum four years of experience in GIS field; or,
• Diploma in geographic information system, geography, computer science or other relevant disciplines with minimum six years experiences in GIS field.

Experience

• Detailed knowledge of spatial data management, cartographic design and spatial data visualization and analysis is required.
• Experience in the GIS/IM in the context of humanitarian response is preferred.

Skills

• Proficiency in MS office, ArcGIS and one or more designing software is required.
• Skills in Python, MS SQL Server and other MS programming tools are an advantage.
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Hard working, good team player, dedicated, ability to monitor and follow up on pending matters.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision.

Languages

Required: For all applicants, fluency in English and Kiswahili is required (oral and written).
Desirable: Working knowledge of French; and/or any other UN Official language is advantageous.