General
Description of assignment title: Digital Information management specialist
Assignment country: State of Palestine
Expected start date: 17/04/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 6. Clean water and sanitation
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No
Host entity: UNDP PAPP
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Ramallah
Details
Mission and objectives
UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) derives its mandate from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 of 20 December 1978. Called upon by United Nations Member States in that year, UNDP was requested “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people by identifying their social and economic needs and by establishing concrete projects to that end”. UNDP/PAPP is a responsive development agency that works together with the Palestinian people to fulfil their aspiration for sustainable human development based on self-determination, equality and freedom.
Context
The bulk water supply and distribution system in the West Bank face significant challenges, including shortage of water supply, which consequently has a negative impact on access to sufficient, safe and affordable water for Palestinian communities, households and individuals in the West Bank.
Against this backdrop of the constant water shortage affecting Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and in line with the national water sector reform plan, UNDP – in partnership with the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) and the West Bank Water Department (WBWD) intends to enhance the management of Bulk water distribution in West Bank, reduce the non-revenue water through improving water supply monitoring system and exploring additional water resources.
This project will support the establishment of an effective and efficient online monitoring system for bulk water supply in the West Bank, along with developing the institutional set-up and capacities needed to ensure accurate real-time monitoring of water flow and to promptly respond to any water leakage that may emerge. Establishing an online monitoring system for bulk water supply and distribution in the West Bank will support the PWA in achieving the following objectives:
To provide real time-data regarding the flow rate, pressure, and losses at specific routes of the bulk water supply system. Data will be accessible by the field engineers, water distribution managers and other related staff via their computers or mobile phones. This will enable quick actions and immediate responses when problems regarding the water supply emerge and reducing NRW at bulk level.
To link the monitoring system with the Billing and Water Supply and Distribution Information System (WSDIS). This will reduce both the financial and human resources efforts and the time needed to generate the invoices to the service providers. It will, also, help PWA and WBWD to quickly define the water supply related problems and solve it immediately.
To reduce the cost of installation of electromagnetic meters. In this project and based on the local experience, mechanical meters will be used to transfer data automatically using the available data transfer technology. Under this project, UNDP intends to hire an information management specialist who will play a major role in following up to achieve the above-mentioned objectives..
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV information management specialist will undertake the following functions:
1) Technical Support
Review tender documents and specifications regarding the digital solutions that will be installed on bulk water supply flowmeters and provide relevant recommendations.
Follow up with the company that will install the digital solutions and play the role of quality assurance together with the focal point from PWA
Follow up the testing of the solution and support in identifying gaps and possible improvements.
Provide technical support to the project manager in monitoring implementation of the project activities.
2) Coordination and follow up:
Coordinate, regularly, with PWA, WBWD and with other project staff and contractors.
Conduct regular field visits to gather data and follow up on progress.
Identify changes and challenges in the external environment and promptly suggest necessary actions/corrective measures.
3) Stakeholder Engagement:
Support the project manager in conducting follow up and project progress meetings with stakeholders, mainly, PWA, WBWD and contractors.
Support the project manager in conducting digital capacity assessment of WBWD
Identify synergies and complementary with other related initiatives regarding online monitoring such as the existing SCADA system.
4) Reporting, Monitoring, and Evaluation:
Participate in the preparation of procurement processes,
Review of reports submitted by technical assistance providers.
Draft monthly workplans, minutes of meetings, field visit reports and factsheets.
Document lessons learned, best practices and success stories to contribute to learning.
5) Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors.
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in information management field.
At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in relevant digital platforms; experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.
Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
Sound security awareness;
Have affinity with or interest in the work of UNDP, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise: Information technology
Driving license: –
Languages
Arabic, Level: Mother tongue, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in digital/information management with Bachelor’s degree
Competencies and values
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP/ PAPP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP/ PAPP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP/ PAPP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP PAPP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 5254.5 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
