Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) Project
Vacancy Announcement FAO/SWALIM/10/01
Job Title: Database and Information Management Expert – National Project Personnel (NPP)
Deadline for application: 16th January 2011
Background
The Somalia Water and Land Information Management – SWALIM, is a long term programme aimed at enabling Somali institutions to provide
crucial information on water and land resources in an effective and efficient manner for use in emergency, rehabilitation, development and
decision support. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented with technical and managerial support from the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The project is seeking the services of a Database and Information Management Expert
to support the development of a structured database application that will bring together several databases. The expert will carry out these tasks
in consultation with the Information Management and Capacity Building Coordinator and other theme coordinators following laid down
information management policies.
This Vacancy is open to male and female candidates. Qualified Somali nationals are particularly encouraged to apply.
Duty Station: Nairobi, with frequent travel to Somalia under UN security clearance.
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Duties and responsibilities
The expert will be supported by the project database, geo-spatial information management and, IT officers and will be working under the
general guidance of the FAO Officer-in-Charge for Somalia, the direction of the Chief Technical Advisor and the direct supervision of the
Information Management and Capacity Building Coordinator, and will be responsible for developing a structured database management system
and managing all SWALIM information management and dissemination processes. He/she will specifically undertake the following:
• Design and implement a data system application to efficiently link and manage SWALIM thematic databases (HYDATA, HYDROMET,
SWIMS, IIMS, soils, land cover and land use and land suitability), geo-spatial datasets and data catalogues (AGRIS and Geo-Network).
The application shall provide functionality for storing, updating, processing and accessing the data.
• Lead the development and implementation of the application in consultation with the information management coordinator and closely
consult the water and land resources coordinators to ensure it functions as required and specified. Modify the application where necessary
and test its applicability to ensure it conforms to the specifications and, prepare the necessary technical documentations for the
application.
• Responsible for transferring the application and SWALIM databases to SWALIM field offices, Somali line ministries and its regular update
and, create a database repository for transfer to FAO headquarter in Rome.
• Develop Terms of Reference and supervise all outsourced database system application development work to ensure that contracts follow
specifications and deliver functional application components on time.
• Oversee all SWALIM information management processes including software and hardware functionality, data cleaning and processing,
databases updating and theme group information management support.
• Support the database and IT officers to properly manage SWALIM Intranet and website and, manage all intranet and website related
tasks including updating of website resources, updating of web data services (AGRIS, Geo-Network, weather and river data, FRRMIS),
ensuring availability at all times of web services, responding to users’ requests and monitoring site performance and usage.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates should meet the following:
• Advanced university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Computer Science, Database Management, ICT or equivalent.
• Five years professional experience in database management, of which at least three in a senior position.
• Proven experience in developing database and information management applications including geo-spatial databases and web based
applications.
• Knowledge of open source technology information management systems
• Ability to work under minimum supervision with excellent communication skills (English language)
• Work experience in East Africa, particularly in Somalia, and/or in a complex emergencies.
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Candidates meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit a covering letter quoting Vacancy Announcement No.
FAO/SWALIM/10/01 along with their current Curriculum Vitae and completed FAO Personal History form (available at:
http://www.faoswalim.org/downloads/PHF form.doc), photocopies of certificates, name, address and e-mail address of three referees. E-mail is
the preferred means of receipt and the application letter should be sent to swalim@fao.org. Envelopes should also clearly be marked
‘CONFIDENTIAL - FAO/SWALIM/10/01 and sent to the following address:
The Human Resources Office,
FAO Somalia, Ground Floor,
UN Somalia Ngecha Road,
off Lower Kabete Road, Spring Valley,
P. O. Box 30470 - 00100,
Nairobi, Kenya
Applications must be received by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Only short listed candidates meeting the minimum
requirements will be contacted.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Database and Information Management Expert – National Project Personnel (NPP)
