Information and Database Associate

Background
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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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) actively supports Jordan in achieving sustainable development, leading to transformative change and tangible improvements in people's lives. This is achieved through the design and implementation of policies and programs that address the country's development challenges. UNDP emphasizes considerations such as Gender Equality, Private Sector Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, and Innovation, aligning local development solutions with the 2030 Agenda.

Collaborating with the European Union, UNDP aims to enhance the socio-economic well-being of vulnerable refugees and host populations in Jordan, reducing relative inequalities. This collaboration focuses on effective funding planning, coordination, and management, strengthening institutional capacities at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) to manage Humanitarian, Development, and Syria Crisis Response (HD&SCR) efficiently. The "Project" seeks to align funding management with national priorities, international commitments, and responses to the Syrian crisis, accelerating Jordan's progress toward human and sustainable development.

The objective will be achieved through (1) Supporting strengthening human, institutional, digital, and technical capacities for HD&SCR funding coordination and management within MoPIC, targeting, namely, Foreign Funding Unit and Humanitarian Relief Coordination Unit. Support will also be extended to MoPIC related departments and sections, including the Aid Coordination Section (ACS) (2) Enhancing alignment of aid with national priorities and international commitments through dialogue, empirical data, and research (3) Strengthening partnerships, communication, and ODA diplomacy.

Additionally, in acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the Syrian crisis, Jordan has been significantly affected, with an unprecedented influx of refugees straining resources and infrastructure. Since 2016, the Government of Jordan has actively responded through the "Jordan Response Plan for the Syria Crisis" (JRP), a rolling plan consolidating efforts to respond and mitigate the crisis's impact. The Jordan Response Information System for the Syria Crisis (JORISS) serves as the primary online platform for stakeholders, facilitating the submission, tracking, monitoring, and reporting of JRP-related projects.

The “EMFF” will develop mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of results. The trajectory of the “Project” is envisaged to reconcile new and existing digital tools, along with any third-party interventions that support aid monitoring and funding management at MoPIC; through assessments, upgrading and alignment as needed to construct a wider, unified, and integrated data system leading to improved policy and programme design and delivery, while at the same time enhancing accountability, advancing transparency, and results management. 

In the modern landscape of humanitarian and development assistance, Information Technology (IT) plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency. The “Project” shall support digital transformation including identifying and strengthening capacities and bridging systems' gaps through providing necessary equipment, hardware, software, digital tools and platforms that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in HD&SCR settings.
 

Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work 
 

The Information and Database Associate will be responsible for managing and maintaining databases, information systems, and data repositories to support the efficient operation and monitoring of MoPIC's activities. This position is critical for ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and security of information to facilitate evidence-based decision-making and reporting.

1. The Information and Database Associate will be responsible for data gathering, data warehousing, data flaws and developing a database management system.
2. Information and Database Associate will design, develop, test, implement and maintain the database system.

     Data Gathering:

• Identify and analyze data requirements from various sources within the organization.
• Develop strategies for efficient and accurate data collection.

      Data Warehousing:

• Design and implement data warehouse solutions for storing and managing large volumes of data.
• Ensure data integrity and security within the data warehouse.

       Database Management:

• Design, develop, test, implement and manage robust databases, spreadsheets and other data tools.
• Optimize database performance and ensure scalability.
• Determine the primary data and information elements that are required internally and externally to support the project.
• Understand, document, and ensure the quality of high-value data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.
• Consolidate operational information on a regular schedule to support analysis and design and implement sustainable information management and dissemination systems for data collections.
• Develop and implement proper backup, restore, data validation, and security procedures to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Propose and implement upgrades to the database webpage, data entry and data storing systems.
• Revise the guidelines of using database ensuring clarity and explicitly in terms of using the database and provide visual guidelines.
• Contribute new ideas for improving the design and the data engine, quality and timeliness of current issues. Develop ways of communicating messages and transforming it into web-based products.
• Contribute to the database maintenance and improvement. 

Data Analysis:

• Act as a focal point/central instrument for the collection, analysis and dissemination of information relevant to the project activities.
• Organize, design and carry out the evaluation and analysis of datasets related to the project,
• Develop data standards and advise on the application of these.
• Participate in the development, implementation and management of new indicators.
• Understand, document and ensure the quality of high-value data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.

Documentation:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation for the database system, including data models, schemas, and procedures.
• Document troubleshooting steps and resolutions for common issues.

Training/Technical Support:

• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions for end-users, if required.
• Keep users informed about best practices and efficient use of the database system.

     Web Management:

• Provide support on ongoing maintenance, design and development of content on all web platforms.
• Provide overall quality control for the web platforms and ensure content is current, comprehensive, and follows relevant metadata standards.

     Performs other related duties, as may be assigned by the project manager or direct supervisor.

Institutional Arrangement

The Information and Database Associate will work under the guidance of the Governance and Peace Pillar Team Leader and in collaboration with the Project’s Team at UNDP and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Competencies:
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-functional & Technical competencies :

Thematic Area Name Definition
Information Management & Technology  Data Management & Analytics  Knowledge in data management, data sciences, ability to structure data, develop dashboard and visualization. Design data warehouses, data lakes or data platforms concepts. Familiarity with Machine leaning natural language processing or generation and the use of artificial intelligence to support predictive analytics. CDMP or TOGAF9 or equivalent certification desirable. 
Information Management & Technology IT security management

Knowledge of Cyber Security technologies, processes, techniques and tools. 

Apply practical innovations to solve cybersecurity problems. Capability to keep UNDP systems and data safe. 

Knowledge of ISO 27001 principles. CSSIP, CSIM, CISA or equivalent certification desirable.

Digital & Innovation Facilitation of digital innovation Ability to facilitate groups and individuals through a digital innovation process
Business Management  Communication  Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
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
Digital & Innovation  Data governance 

Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data 

management tools, organize and maintain databases 

and operate data visualization technologies

Required Skills and Experience:
Min. Education requirements

• A completion of a secondary education is required, 
• A university degree in Information Sciences, Computer Sciences, Engineering, or other related fields will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience 

• A minimum of seven years (with secondary school degree) 
• or four years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in database development, data warehousing, and management or any other related fields is required. 

Required  skills 

• Proven experience in designing and implementing database management systems.
• Understands systems development issues and manages data stored in the data warehouse.
• Experience with database optimization and performance tuning.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Proficiency in database technologies such as SQL, Oracle, MySQL, etc.
• Knowledge of data warehousing concepts and practices.
• Operational Control: Manages software, hardware, and operational aspects of the warehouse.
• Strong programming skills, especially in languages relevant to database development (e.g., SQL, Python, etc.).
• Strong project management skills to handle database-related projects effectively.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)

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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