Consultant (web research officer)

UNISDR/C/25/2014

United Nations Core Values: Integrity ● Professionalism ● Respect for diversity

Background:

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 socioeconomic 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 organisation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision and report to the ISDR-IMU Senior Information Management Officer, in collaboration with other IMU colleagues and the ISDR Communications Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Accountabilities:

Within limits of delegated authority and, the Information Management Research Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Research, analyze and select information materials for the development of new sections for the redesign of the PreventionWeb site; coordinate these selections with UNISDR HQ focal points, field offices and other information management officers, and ensure their accordance with collection development and editorial policies.

• Write document abstracts and develop metadata for complex information materials in the area of disaster risk reduction and risk information.

• Develop information exchange agreements with institution partners of the UNISDR, and assist these partners in the development of new material for the PreventionWeb site.

• Analyse current trends in disaster risk reduction activities, and advise management on appropriate actions and responses.

• Develop and edit project documentation for the PreventionWeb site.

• Provide specialized advice to users, analyzing users' information requirements and translating these into new site content.

• Participate in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, and information strategy.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Program Officers and other information management specialists throughout the Secretariat, other UN agencies, Government offices, Universities and NGOs. Information management staff and managers in user offices and other user clients, including external users (e.g. governments, international organizations, etc.).

Results Expected:

Develop effective recommendations and collect information resources to meet to meet business requirements of the PreventionWeb project, and implement related projects in a timely and efficient manner. Develop creative approaches to problem resolution. Develop partnerships and interact effectively with colleagues and users internally and externally.

Competencies:

• Professionalism - Strong background and substantial experience in information management, particularly in writing for the web. Broad knowledge of disaster risk management and international development.

• Client Orientation - Ability to identify and analyze clients' needs and develop appropriate technology to meet business requirements.

• Communications - Strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to advise and train users in the use of complex information management systems and related matters and effectively prepare specifications and other written reports documentation in a clear, concise style.

• Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Qualifications:

Education: Advanced University or equivalent experience in Communications, Information Architecture or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with a minimum of 7 years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• 5 years progressive work experience in areas of information management and communications
• Knowledge and professional experience in the field of disaster risk reduction climate change, and/or sustainable development;
• Excellent analytical and communication skills;

Language: Excellent English and Spanish speaking and writing skills; working knowledge of French is an asset.