Senior Information Management Officer – Afghanistan

Organization

iMMAP is an international not-for-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides targeted information management support to partners responding to complex humanitarian and development challenges. For more than 15 years, we have promoted measurable change in people’s lives through our core philosophy: better data leads to better decisions and, ultimately, better outcomes. Our expertise in data collection, analysis and presentation has revolutionized the decision-making process for our diverse, multi-sectoral partners who seek enhanced coordination and sustainable solutions through information management. iMMAP’s mission is to be the first port of call for Information and Knowledge Management expertise within the humanitarian and development community.

iMMAP was formed in late 1998 to lead the first internationally coordinated effort to combine information management, sociology, and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to define the scourge of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and measure their impact on communities. In 2001 the United Nations asked iMMAP to take what it had learned and developed in addressing the ERW threat and apply this to coordinating humanitarian activities in Afghanistan. Since that time, iMMAP has deployed at the request of the United Nations and international donors to most major humanitarian crises on the global scene.

Background

The Senior Information Management Officer (SIMO) is a position in Afghanistan (currently home based because of context related constraints) with support responsibility for all individuals and organizations designated by the iMMAP scope of work defined by the Information Management (IM) Manager and the Country Director for Afghanistan. The SIMO will participate in establishing an effective information management unit that will support all goals and strategies of the iMMAP Afghanistan Program, national partners, and applicable donor agencies.

Additionally, the SIMO is tasked to improve the accuracy of the data held by iMMAP and to improve and effectiveness the distribution of materials.

The SIMO will support all goals and strategies of the iMMAP Afghanistan Program in its work with national partners, international partners, and applicable donor agencies.

The work of the SIMO should benefit iMMAP Afghanistan country programs. Insights gained from working alongside partner agencies should help formulate the future.

The SIMO will develop and maintain constant and good contacts with humanitarian partners.

Presentation

• The SIMO will work with the iMMAP Afghanistan team to meet the Information Management (IM) support requirements of the Humanitarian Clusters, Working Groups, OCHA, BHA and other

partners in a timely and efficient manner for the areas of work delineated below.

• The SIMO will attend periodic Information Management meetings with the iMMAP IMO team and Country Director to share updates on ongoing IM products and activities and promote good practices in the organization.

• The SIMO will promote the effective use of the designated information system, including the production and dissemination of situation reports, newsletters, infographics, maps, and application tools.

Cluster/Working Group Support

• The SIMO will lead the iMMAP IM Team to identify gaps in current implementing partner participants and will engage with NGOs, humanitarian, and development organizations to restore renew or join participation in data sharing or IM support.

• Provide support to the IM Manager in identifying partners (within government ministries, departments and agencies, donors, national and international NGOs, research organizations, Red Cross/Red Crescent, the academia) on issues of strategic engagement to co-operate on humanitarian, recovery, and development aspects of common importance.

• The SIMO will proactively gather information from sector partners, government authorities which may be of use to the sector for informing decisions.

• The SIMO is responsible for integration of Cluster‐related and BHA partner data on the Information System developed by iMMAP.

• The SIMO will create and develop custom reports and map layers requested by either the clusters, working groups or BHA Implementing Partners or Country Director.

• The SIMO will advise on the design, development and/or customization of databases/dashboard from the reporting Clusters, Working Groups or BHA Implementing Partners or Country Director.

• The SIMO will work with the iMMAP Afghanistan team to ensure that all support requirements of iMMAP, BHA, OCHA and other organizations are met in a timely and efficient manner.

Common services

• The SIMO will identify gaps in current Implementing Partner participants and will engage with NGOs, Humanitarian, and development organizations to restore, renew, or join participation in data sharing or IM support.

• The SIMO will ensure timely preparation, generation and publication of predictable information products and summary highlights (monthly, quarterly, half-year and annual updates), working with the Afghanistan IM Team.

• The SIMO will support and promote on information sharing and product dissemination to all relevant Humanitarian implementing partners through various web platforms and/or social media.

• The SIMO will provide specific, sometimes dedicated, support to Clusters/Partners/Working Groups, when required or on ad-hoc requests.

• The SIMO will develop standard formats for, and regular output of publication of materials and statistics highlighting the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as required by BHA and the Clusters.

• The SIMO will conduct iMMAP demonstrations and training sessions related to Information and Data Management when required.

• From time to time, represent iMMAP at fora and meetings, provide information about iMMAP’s activities, discuss, and negotiate partnership and support possibilities with partners and stakeholders.

National capacity building

The SIMO will mentor iMMAP IM team to build capacity to include but not be limited to:

• Data management and visualization

• Infographics and dashboards

• GIS, geospatial and data analysis

Others

• Support the iMMAP IM team in Retrieve and Analyze Data, identify IM needs and Gaps in the relevant partner, propose adoption of new tools for Information Products.

• Participate in IM meetings with the IMO team and the Country Director to share updates on ongoing IM products and activities and to promote good practices in the organization.

• The SIMO shall perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the IM Manager and Country Representative.

• Adhere to iMMAP branding guidelines for all iMMAP products and correspondence.

• Additionally, the SIMO is tasked to improve the accuracy of the data held by iMMAP and to improve and effectiveness the distribution of materials.

• The SIMO will support all goals and strategies of the iMMAP programme in its work with national partners, international partners, and applicable donor agencies.

• The SIMO will develop and maintain constant and good contacts with humanitarian partners

Requirements

• Education

• Graduate of an Institute or University in the field of Information Technology, Information Management or Computer Sciences.

• At least 5 years of working experience with GIS on-field operational level and in a multi- cultural environment.

• Experience

• In-depth knowledge of database and GIS software, and computer networks, Good knowledge of related hardware and peripheral equipment.

• Very good ability in topographical map reading.

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian information management, GIS, database management/Administration (familiarity with PHP, HTML or any other programming language), data visualization, or data analysis is required.

• Understanding of data QA/QC processes for information management are essential.

• Possess advanced skills in MS-Access, MS SQL Server, Web design.

• Advanced knowledge of software engineering theory and applications would be an asset.

• Advanced knowledge of programming theory and relational database principles.

• Soft skills

• Ability to coordinate with local administrators, government, NGOs working with community projects and agencies involved in mine-action.

• Ability to work under pressure and long hours at different locations.

• Flexible and adaptable to any situation.

• Self-reliant and able to work independently.

• Programmes

• ArcGIS

• QGIS

• PHP and HTML

• GIS systems and supporting software ESRI ArcMap10.2

Guiding Principles

Personnel is expected to conduct itself in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and iMMAP’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all Countries.

iMMAP has zero-tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, human trafficking, child abuse and exploitation. Any violations of these principles and policies will be treated as serious misconduct.

iMMAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background.