Communications Specialist - Digital and Content (Data Analysis and Visualization)

Project Information

Given the dire situation on the ground and high dependency on incoming assistance, a new mechanism to coordinate incoming non-humanitarian aid flows has become necessary to respondent to new realities. In Security Council Resolution 2626, the UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) has been delegated the authority to take over more functions to monitor and coordinate incoming financial flows in support of ongoing non-humanitarian aid efforts. Concerted efforts will ensure synergies, enhance efficiency and effectiveness of aid, ease economic strains, build strong relations and trust with local communities as well as foster acceptance of the authorities to the modalities and types of assistance provided, tailored to the changes in the context. 

Job-Specific Information

The Data Visualization/Infographic Specialist will be part of an integrated team within the Aid Coordination and Effectiveness Section/Resident Coordinator’s Office of the UN in Afghanistan supporting the implementation of the new aid architecture and will assist with data analysis and conceptualizing of infographics and data visualizations for a range of products and materials of the UN and its partners.

The staff will report to the Head of Aid Coordination and Effectiveness Section/Resident Coordinator’s Office, and will submit activity reports to UNOPS to ensure due process.

• Organizes, designs, analyses and evaluates data and datasets needed for UN in Afghanistan and its partners information products using applicable techniques and tools, to include spatial baseline as well as operational data and datasets.

• Participates in the development of data visualisation standards, advising on the application and roll out of such standards across the UN 

• Maintains a repository of spatial and operational data and datasets accessed by all OHCHR platforms, keeping all relevant documentation as needed.

• Researches, collects, reviews and shares best practices from UN

• Produces quality data visualizations, infographics and maps from UN and other relevant data sources on a regular basis for analysis, communication, and accountability purposes.

• Produces policy analysis and undertakes analytics for information and communication products, drawing from UN data platforms.

• Provides technical and substantive support to UN in Afghanistan to develop policy analyses and communication products based on various data sets and information.

• Directs research of relevant data sets to support coordination and communications efforts of the UN in Afghanistan.

• Produces policy materials and communications adapted to the target audiences, including information for public use and understanding.

• Collaborates with relevant UN entities and external partners, platform managers and data analysts to ensure integrated research, data analytics and policy analysis.

• Researches, analyses and evaluates new applications of information technology for data management, visualization, and modelling.

• Develops detailed system and other functional specifications and standards from the knowledge-management perspective and user documentation for new systems of results reporting in UN in Afghanistan

• Develops training materials and user manuals; trains staff in use of information and knowledge-management systems utilised in UN in Afghanistan 

• Advises internal and external users and other information management specialists about access to UN reporting, communications and data visualization platforms.

• Performs other related duties, as required. 

a. Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, information science, information systems, social science or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

b. Work experience 

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in information and knowledge management, results and online reporting or related area is required.

• A minimum of two years of experience in data analysis systems, collection and visualization is required.

• Experience in information and knowledge management within the UN common system or another comparable international organization is desirable.

• Experience in data analysis, collection and visualisation systems, to include geographic information systems (GIS), within the UN common system or a comparable international organization is desirable

• Experience working in Afghanistan is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of information management and data analysis tools and techniques, including those related to spatial and operational data management.

• Ability to conduct research and provide policy recommendations based on data and information analysis and management trends. 

• Ability to demonstrate conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills and conduct independent research and analysis, identifying and assessing issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations. 

• Proven track record in designing visually engaging infographics on complex issues including qualitative and quantitative research and evidence

• Expert knowledge in graphic design and graphic design software, including but not limited to: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After effect, Final Cut Pro, Flash, Flex Builder, and the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Advanced knowledge in concept and creation of specific graphic design assets, including infographics/factographs (for print and digital), data visualization, animation.

• Creativity and innovation to produce high quality products

• Ability to adapt designs according to feedback quickly and efficiently 

• Ability to work independently and remotely, meeting tight deadlines as required

• Demonstrated analytical, time management and client orientation skills

• Attention to detail

c. Languages

• Excellent command of English, particularly written; other UN languages an asset.

Contract type: Staff
Contract level: P3
Contract duration: One (1) year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
  
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.