Knowledge/Information Management Analyst at UNDP – Enhancing Disaster Resilience and Risk Management in Zimbabwe

This job posting is for the position of Knowledge/Information Management Analyst with UNDP in Harare, Zimbabwe. It involves working on a project focused on disaster risk management and climate resilience, specifically strengthening disaster risk assessments and creating a Disaster Risk Information Management System.

Here are the key details:http://UNDP Careers

Job Overview:

• Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Grade: NPSA-9
• Contract: Full-time, 1-year duration (with the possibility of extension)
• Job Type: National Personnel Service Agreement
• Languages: Fluent in English and either Shona or Ndebele is required
• Application Deadline: March 27, 2025

Key Responsibilities:@vacancyspaces.com

1. Knowledge & Information Management Strategy:
   • Conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in knowledge and information systems.
   • Develop a comprehensive knowledge management strategy and tools for capturing and sharing data.
2. Information System Management:
   • Oversee the development of a disaster information management system linked to the National Emergency Centre.
   • Ensure the quality and integrity of data through regular audits.
3. Knowledge Capture and Dissemination:
   • Facilitate workshops and webinars to promote knowledge sharing.
   • Develop knowledge products, including case studies, reports, and success stories.
4. Reporting & Communication:
   • Contribute to monthly and quarterly reports.
   • Track and measure the impact of knowledge management initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • A Master’s degree in Development Studies, Information Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or related fields.
  • A Bachelor’s degree combined with 4 years of relevant experience may also be considered.
• Experience:
  • At least 2 years of experience (with a Master’s) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s) in knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, or implementing information management systems.
  • Experience in data analysis, database management, and working on disaster risk management systems is a plus.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with UNDP or similar international organizations.
• Familiarity with early warning systems and data collection/monitoring systems.
• Ability to work with diverse teams and manage budgets.

Core Competencies:

• Results-driven: Ability to achieve objectives with accuracy and efficiency.
• Innovative: Open to new ideas and approaches.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing environments and challenges.
• Collaboration: Strong teamwork and partnership skills.

For further details and to apply, visit the UNDP careers page and submit your application before the deadline.

The position of Knowledge/Information Management Analyst at UNDP in Harare, Zimbabwe is a key role in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery sector. The job is part of a larger initiative to build resilience to climate-related disasters and risks, with a specific focus on Zimbabwe’s Disaster Risk Financing Programme. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Purpose of the Role:

The primary responsibility of this position is to support the development, implementation, and management of a Disaster Risk Information Management System. This system will be linked to Zimbabwe’s National Emergency Operation Centre, with the goal of improving the country’s preparedness for and response to disasters, especially climate-related events like droughts, floods, and other hazards.

You will contribute to strengthening disaster risk assessments, enhancing information sharing, and creating effective systems for capturing and disseminating knowledge related to disaster risk management (DRM). This ensures that both national and local authorities are better prepared and can respond quickly to disaster situations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Developing Knowledge Management Strategies:
   • You will start by conducting a needs assessment to understand the current state of disaster risk management systems, data gaps, and the information needs of stakeholders like the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) and other national and local partners.
   • Based on your assessment, you’ll design and implement a comprehensive knowledge management strategy. This includes creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools for effective knowledge capture, data sharing, and information utilization.
   • An important part of the job is building a knowledge-sharing culture within the DCP and among other stakeholders. This could involve training sessions, workshops, and engagement activities to help people use the information system effectively.
2. Building an Information System for Disaster Risk:
   • You will help design and oversee the creation of a disaster information management system that connects to the National Emergency Operation Centre. This system will be a central platform for storing and accessing data, reports, and disaster monitoring information.
   • Your role will also include ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data within the system through regular data cleaning, validation, and audits.
   • You will be involved in ground-truthing missions—visits to the field to validate the accuracy of data collected.
3. Knowledge Capture and Dissemination:
   • One of the key aspects of your role will be to facilitate knowledge sharing across different levels of government and other stakeholders involved in disaster risk management.
   • You’ll create and share knowledge products such as disaster monitoring reports, case studies, and success stories to highlight the lessons learned from previous disaster events or mitigation strategies.
   • You will also be responsible for organizing knowledge-sharing events like workshops, webinars, and creating internal knowledge-sharing platforms where stakeholders can exchange ideas and experiences.
4. Monitoring and Reporting:
   • You will contribute to monthly and quarterly reporting on the project’s progress, focusing on knowledge management activities and their impact on disaster risk preparedness.
   • You’ll track the success of knowledge management initiatives through key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide recommendations to improve the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Competencies and Skills:

This role requires a combination of technical skills, management expertise, and strong communication abilities:

• System Thinking: You must understand how different parts of the disaster risk management system work together, and how changing one part can affect others.
• Communication Skills: You will need to produce clear and concise reports, and communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Project Management: You’ll manage various aspects of the project, ensuring timelines, resources, and activities are well-coordinated.
• Partnership Management: You will collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, UN partners, and international organizations, so the ability to build and maintain effective relationships is crucial.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant field like Development Studies, Information Management, or Monitoring and Evaluation is required. A Bachelor’s degree with additional experience may also be considered.
• Experience: You should have at least 2 years of experience (with a Master’s) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s) in knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, or implementing information systems. Experience with disaster risk management systems is particularly valuable.
• Technical Skills: Experience in data analysis, database management, and using monitoring and evaluation systems is crucial. You should be familiar with early warning systems, community-based information systems, and data collection methods.

Languages:

Fluency in English and either Shona or Ndebele is required, as these languages are essential for communication with local stakeholders and partners.

UNDP’s Commitment:

UNDP promotes diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. They value individuals from all backgrounds and aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute, and benefit from career growth opportunities.

Conclusion:

This position is vital for the effective management of disaster risks and climate-related challenges in Zimbabwe. If you have the relevant qualifications, skills, and experience, you’ll play a critical role in enhancing the country’s ability to respond to disasters, while fostering a collaborative, knowledge-driven approach to disaster risk reduce

Detailed Explanation of the Knowledge/Information Management Analyst Role at UNDP

The Knowledge/Information Management Analyst position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Harare, Zimbabwe offers a dynamic and impactful role in the realm of disaster risk management (DRM), climate resilience, and socioeconomic development. This position will involve active collaboration with various local and international stakeholders to ensure that Zimbabwe’s disaster risk management systems are robust, effective, and capable of addressing the impacts of climate-related challenges, including floods, droughts, and other natural hazards.

Background of the Project:

This position is part of an ongoing partnership between the UNDP and the African Development Bank (AfDB) under a larger initiative known as the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) Phase 2. The initiative’s overarching goal is to enhance climate resilience and adaptation for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe, particularly in the face of climate change. It is focused on providing financial protection, institutional capacity building, and climate disaster risk management in the Southern African region, with an emphasis on Zimbabwe.

The Project’s Key Components:

1. Increasing Institutional Capacity for climate risk preparedness and management: This involves strengthening Zimbabwe’s capacity to assess and manage disaster risks at national and local levels.
2. Enhancing Financial Protection against climate disaster risks: This focuses on integrating sovereign climate disaster risk financing, where the government of Zimbabwe is supported to establish financial mechanisms for dealing with disaster events.
3. Promoting the Adoption of Index-Based Crop Insurance: This component focuses on mitigating risks such as droughts and floods that directly affect the livelihoods of rural populations in Zimbabwe, particularly farmers. Index-based insurance allows for quicker response and payouts based on predefined indicators, such as rainfall levels, which help protect farmers from production risks.

The UNDP is a technical implementing partner responsible for executing some of the activities under Component 1, which is related to strengthening disaster risk assessments, monitoring systems, and the development of the Disaster Risk Information Management System (DRIMS). This system is designed to link directly to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), ensuring that disaster risk information can be accessed in real-time by key stakeholders, including the government and humanitarian organizations.

Job Responsibilities in Detail:

As the Knowledge/Information Management Analyst, your role will be central to the development and operationalization of this information management system, which is crucial to the overall success of the disaster risk reduction strategy.

1. Knowledge and Information Management Strategy Development:

One of the first tasks you’ll be involved in is conducting a comprehensive needs assessment. This assessment will help identify existing knowledge gaps, information management weaknesses, and the priorities of various stakeholders involved in the disaster risk management process. The assessment will involve analyzing the current disaster risk management frameworks, information systems, and data-sharing protocols that exist at both the national and local levels in Zimbabwe.

Based on the findings of the needs assessment, you will develop a Knowledge Management (KM) Strategy. This strategy will outline how knowledge and information related to disaster risk management will be captured, shared, and utilized by different stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, and international partners. The KM strategy will include specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that the process of data capture, information sharing, and dissemination follows clear and consistent guidelines. The strategy will also emphasize the importance of creating a culture of knowledge sharing within key institutions such as the Department of Civil Protection (DCP), local disaster risk management authorities, and other relevant partners.

You will also be responsible for the design and implementation of tools that support this KM strategy, which could include:

• Databases and repositories for storing disaster-related information, such as damage assessments, weather forecasts, and response plans.
• Training materials for DCP staff on how to use these tools effectively and ensure that the knowledge and data collected is used for decision-making.
• Knowledge-sharing platforms for internal use, where various stakeholders can collaborate and exchange critical information on disaster response and preparedness.

2. Development and Maintenance of the Disaster Information Management System:

Another core responsibility will be to oversee the development of the Disaster Risk Information Management System (DRIMS). This system will serve as a central repository for all disaster-related data, making it easy for stakeholders to access real-time information. The system will need to be well-integrated with the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), ensuring that disaster data can be used by decision-makers across different levels of government and humanitarian actors during disaster response and recovery.

The responsibilities here will include:

• Designing the data architecture of the system: This involves creating the framework for how information will be organized and categorized. You’ll need to ensure the system can accommodate different types of data, such as satellite imagery, weather reports, risk assessments, and disaster response plans.
• Ensuring that the data quality is maintained throughout the system by conducting regular data audits and ensuring that data is validated before it is entered into the system.
• Liaising with various national and sub-national partners to ensure that their data is being captured effectively and added to the system. This includes collaborating with local government offices, civil society organizations, and community-based organizations to ensure that all levels of disaster-related data are included.

Additionally, you will be responsible for managing the user interface of the system, ensuring it is user-friendly and accessible to all relevant stakeholders, particularly DCP staff, emergency response teams, and policymakers. You’ll also develop training manuals and tutorials to ensure all users are capable of navigating the system and making full use of its features.

3. Knowledge Capture and Dissemination:

One of the most vital aspects of your role will be to facilitate knowledge sharing and dissemination activities across stakeholders. This involves developing ways to ensure that valuable insights, lessons learned, and best practices from past disasters are effectively communicated and applied to future preparedness and response efforts.

You’ll also:

• Facilitate workshops and webinars where stakeholders can share their experiences, knowledge, and lessons learned.
• Organize knowledge-sharing sessions and internal discussions to discuss emerging trends in disaster risk management, new data collection techniques, and evolving response strategies.
• Distribute knowledge products like disaster monitoring reports, case studies, and project briefs that summarize key findings and actions from the project. These products will help build a knowledge base for future disaster risk management efforts and ensure the replication of best practices in other areas.

4. Reporting and Communication:

The Knowledge/Information Management Analyst will contribute significantly to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes by providing regular updates on the performance and impact of knowledge management and disaster information systems. This will include contributing to monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting progress on various project activities.

Your role will include:

• Monitoring the effectiveness of the knowledge management systems through regular reviews and ensuring that the tools and processes in place are functioning as intended.
• Preparing reports and presentations for both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that the status of the disaster risk management system and its effectiveness are clearly communicated.

5. Building Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement:

As part of your duties, you will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Government bodies at the national and local levels.
• UN partners and international NGOs involved in disaster relief and climate resilience.
• Research institutions, development agencies, and private sector partners engaged in climate adaptation, disaster risk financing, and technology development.

You will actively participate in meetings and technical working groups to ensure the Disaster Risk Information Management System remains aligned with the broader goals of disaster risk reduction and recovery.

Key Qualifications and Skills Required:

The position requires a candidate with the following:

• Education: A Master’s degree in Development Studies, Information Management, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience in a similar role is acceptable.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years (with a Master’s degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience, especially in knowledge management, information systems, and disaster risk management.
• Skills:
  • Experience in data analysis, database management, and disaster risk management systems.
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.

Conclusion:

This is an exciting and meaningful opportunity for professionals passionate about disaster risk management, climate resilience, and knowledge sharing. The role offers a chance to directly contribute to Zimbabwe’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters while promoting data-driven decision-making at national and local levels. If you are skilled in information management systems, have experience working with diverse teams, and have a commitment to knowledge management, this role at UNDP could be a significant step in your career.