Information Management Assistant - UNISDR

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has around 100 staff located in its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people's lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as Prevention Web, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organization of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Under the overall guidance of the UNISDR Regional Head of Office and direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the Information Management Assistant supports the provision of ICT and communications services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.

     

The Information Management Assistant works closely with the Operations and Programme staff in the Regional Office and with UNISDR AU Liaison Office, Addis Ababa, Headquarters and other relevant offices to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Provide ICT/technical support

Support to external communications

Support to internal information management

Perform other duties as assigned

• Ensures provision of ICT/technical support, focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Act as the focal point for receipt and processing of user requests for different ICT services.
• Liaise with the service provider to ensure closure of requests.
• Provide basic technical support on relevant hardware and software systems applications.
• Assist in the development and migration of software including the transfer and backup of data, installation of specialized software.
• Assist and guide users on software, mobiles and other devices including preparation of technical documentation and training materials, and conduct end user training.
• Conduct research on new technologies as requested.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Assist in testing and evaluation of new products and technologies.
• Supports external communications, focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Update the UNISDR Regional Office for Africa website.
• Provide a robust web presence for the UNISDR Africa Office by working closely with the communications and content team and other UNISDR departments.
• Serve as the gatekeeper for the UNISDR Africa website ensuring editorial and web quality, timeliness and accuracy.
• Generate and implement innovative web ideas to promote Disaster Risk Reduction. 
• When required, provide Surge Capacity to support the Desinventar Project focusing on development of data loss database capacity with governments.
• Supports internal information management focusing on achievement of the following results: 
• Maintain up to date directory of Disaster Risk Reduction focal points in both government agencies and other partners.
• Update Share Drive in a timely and consistent manner to ensure all relevant UNISDR Africa Office information is current and easily retrievable.   
• Develop in-house office tools such as CD-ROMs, Excel worksheets and Forms.
• Performs other duties as assigned focusing on achievement of the following results: 
• Act as back up and perform other related duties as required, e.g. logistical and information management support to UNISDR Africa Office convened meetings and workshops; participation at exhibitions disseminating information on Disaster Risk Reduction; inventory management and reporting.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM

• Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. 
• Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units.  
• Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. 
• Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 
• Shows pride in work and in achievements.
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
• Remains calm in stressful situations. 

TEAMWORK

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise.
• Is willing to learn from others.
• Places team agenda before personal agenda.
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

CLIENT ORIENTATION

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view.
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.
• Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.
• 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.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS

• Keeps abreast of available technology.
• Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office.
• Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.
• Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Expertise

Education:

Secondary education preferably with a specialized certificate in Information Technology or related areas of Information Management. 

Experience:

3 years of progressive experience in the field of computers, information management and/or IT service desk, of which preferably 2 years in the United Nations.

Language and IT Skills:

Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station. Knowledge of French is desirable.