Senior Data Management Assistant

Hardship Level

D

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Residential location (if applicable)

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

Grade

GS5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-08-01

Deadline for Applications

July 6, 2025

Standard Job Description

Senior Data Management Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is normally supervised by a more senior staff member who provides the Senior Data Management Assistant with regular guidance and support. Subject to the nature of the task/assignment, s/he will work independently on routine tasks, while will follow instructions of the supervisor for more complex issues. The position has no supervisory role.
Contacts are mainly with the colleagues in the same duty station to exchange information and to discuss the work plans. External contacts are not frequent. In the Field locations, under supervision of the manager, the incumbent may play a liaison role with the national and local authorities for gathering and exchange of data.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Enter data mainly related to asylum seekers, refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR into the computer database.
- Prepare reports and project documents by providing information, preparing tables and drafting routine correspondence and reports.
- Assist in compilation of data and interpreting the statistics for various reports.
- Assist in the development of forms for data collection and analysis, if requested.
- Act as interpreter in the exchange of routine information and translate routine documents and correspondence as and when required.
- May be required to collect GIS data, update maps and undertake field trips to project sites.
- Decide on the data recorded in database.
- Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents and escalate issues to the supervisor if incident cannot be resolved within the scope of responsibility.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G5- 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Electronic Data Processing Information Technology
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
DM-Data Management
DM-Data collection methodologies
DM-Database Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

The desired candidate profile for the Senior Data Management Assistant position in Semera should encompass a combination of education, experience, skills, and personal qualities that makes the candidate well suited to the role and the operational context.
The incumbent should have:
• Previous experience is analysis of data and possession of basic knowledge of proGres V4; anti-fraud,
• Knowledge of previous versions of proGres is an asset.
• Experience in operational data portals, infographics, maps, etc.
• Experience in GFD data management
• Experience in preparing reports and project documents by providing information, preparing tables and drafting routine correspondence and reports.
• Experience in compiling data and interpreting the statistics for various reports.
• Experience in collecting GIS data, update maps and undertake field trips to project sites.

Personal Qualities:
• Adaptability and resilience: The incumbent should be capable of working in a challenging and sometimes volatile operational context, including emergency situations. He/she is also expected to have a proactive and mature attitude and to be able to perform well in stressful situations.
• Cultural sensitivity: An understanding and appreciation of the local culture in the Afar region and a respectful approach to working with diverse population.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration: The ability to effectively work in a team and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Integrity and ethical conduct: Highest standards of professional and ethical behavior in all protection-related activities.
• Ability to travel and undertake missions in deep fields and remote locations.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational health and safety considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Afar National Regional State (ARS) is one of Ethiopia’s eleven Regional States located in the North-eastern part of the country. Afar region has an international border with Eritrea in the North-East and Djibouti to the East and shares regional borders with other regional states i.e Tigray region in the North-West, Amhara region in the southwest and Oromia and Somali regions in the South. According to Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Commission (DRMFSC), Afar region has a population of 2,100,000 individuals of which 1,165,000 people need humanitarian assistance.  

The region is prone to both natural and man-made hazards that have led to mortalities, insufficient access to safe drinking water, unprecedented levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, displacements, limited access to health and school services, deterioration of quantity and quality of pastoral livelihood, and loss of properties. Among these, conflict, erratic rainfall, seasonal flooding, drought-like conditions, earthquake, and epidemic prone diseases (cholera, malaria, measles, smallpox) have been challenges that considerably deteriorate the humanitarian situation in the region.

Since July 2021, UNHCR has scaled up its interventions in Afar Region following the conflict in Tigray Region and subsequent internal displacements. With its partners, UNHCR is responding to the emergency caused by internal displacement by distributing core relief items, emergency shelter kits. It has enhanced its protection activities and actively participated to the coordination of the response together with the UN Sister Agencies, (I)NGOs as to support the regional authorities of Afar to respond to the multiple and urgent needs. As of January 2022, the Afar Region, according to governmental sources, counted approximately 413,000 IDPs. However, with the engagement of all humanitarian actors, including the government party, DRM, and UNHCR, most of the IDPs were returned to their place of origin as of the beginning of 2023.

According to data recently shared by the Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMFSC) and OCHA, there are currently approximately 139,000 internally displaced people and 222,000 returnees in Afar. The response brings together international, national, Government agencies and UN agencies in cluster structures to provide integrated response plans. Key areas of focus for effective response include participation to coordination mechanisms and cluster support, participation in planning, and in needs assessments, provision of CRI, capacity building and support for local government departments, advocacy and campaigns to highlight the plight of affected communities, and support to data management.

According to data from early May 2025, the Afar region is home to approximately 62,000 refugees, mainly Eritreans registered in two refugee camps located in Berhale and Aysaita.  However, over 50% of all Eritrean refugees registered in Afar do not reside in refugee camps and are living within the host communities due to close cultural ties and similarities between both communities on both sides of the border.

Ethiopia hosts one of the largest refugees and internally displaced populations in the world. Leading the way in the CRRF roll out, the country has adopted progressive laws and policies, which offer opportunities for better protection and solutions. It is also faced with challenges, including the conflict that broke out in Tigray in November 2020 and escalated to Afar and Amhara regions for two years until a peace agreement was signed between the Federal Government and the Tigray Forces in November 2022.

These Northern regions were greatly affected by the confrontations with mass casualties and large-scale displacements while many Ethiopians fled to neighboring Sudan. Despite the peace agreement, the overall security situation in Afar and neighboring Tigray region remains complex, fluid, and unpredictable hindering effective delivery of lifesaving assistance to the affected population.

The Northern conflict had an impact on the refugee population throughout Afar and triggered secondary movements of refugees into the region, with all Berhale refugees seeking refuge in host communities, and the opening of the Serdo refugee camp some forty kilometers from Semera. As of 30 April 2025, the total population of refugees registered under level 3 standards in Berhale is 31,700. Around 53% of the refugees in the Berhale camp are women, and the majority are young people, with children making up almost 60% of the population, and young people aged between 15 and 24 around 18%. The average family size is 4.5 people. The total population of the host community and surrounding villages in Berhale Woreda is estimated at 110,469. Like the refugee population, the host population is predominantly young, with almost 60% children, and the average family size is 5.

Following the Northern conflict and its severe consequences, and after more than three years without a real presence in Berhale , where most of its programmes were implemented by founded partners, UNHCR reopened a field unit in this town in April 2024 and is therefore increasing its staff resources to respond to the needs of forcibly displaced people, mainly refugees and IDPs returnees living in zones 2 and 4. This response consists of providing assistance, protection and ensuring coordination.

Similarly, the total population of refugees registered under level 3 standards in Aysaita is 31,200. Around 53% of the refugees in the Aysaita camp are women, and the majority are young people, with children making up almost 60% of the population, and young people aged between 15 and 24 around 18%. The average family size is 4.6 people. The total population of the host community and surrounding villages is estimated at 64,400. Like the refugee population, the host population is predominantly young, with almost 60% children, and the average family size is 5.

Under the supervision of the Head of Office or the IM Associate based in Semera, the Senior Operations Data Management Assistant based in UNHCR Field Office Semera ensures data management, data analysis and data service delivery for staff members assigned in the Afar region.

The Senior Data Management Assistant supports the entire Afar operation in operationalizing all data related issues and activities and is responsible for sharing quality information on the operational data needs of staff members as well as on the impact of UNHCR's programmatic activities designed to address those needs. In this capacity, he or she will work with all sections of the Semera Field Office. He/She liaises with the other sections and units in UNHCR on data related issues.

The Senior s Data Management Assistant provides support all operational data related aspects of field operations including data management.  The incumbent is supervised by the Head of Field Office or the IM Associate in Semera and receives technical guidance from the ODM at Addis level who defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR staff members, UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners and Host Government Security authorities (HGS) in the area to facilitate the operation. The duty of the incumbent is to support and monitor the management of all operational data and analysis of data.

Living and Working Conditions:

Staff members should be prepared to operate under challenging conditions with limited resources in the Samara UNHCR Field Office. The Field Office deals primarily with several local camp environments with inherent risks to staff safety and health. Regardless of information campaigns, there are realistically few, or no COVID-19 protocols adhered to by the camp(s) and host population. Some staff wear masks but will often work within large groups of refugees who do not. There is no facility offering quality health services in Semera. However, some public facilities do exist with limited sub-standard services in Dubti Hospital, located 10km away from Semera. It is recommended that staff with prescriptions should come with at least 3 months of prescription medication. For most health issues, even minor, staff will most likely fly to Addis Ababa for proper health care.

There are daily one-hour regular flights to the capital city, Addis Ababa, which could facilitate the replenishment of medical and other supplies. There are two flights per day throughout the week. The region is extremely hot, especially from May to September. Consequently, the region is open for business from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm with most commercial and government entities closing between 12:00 noon to 03:00 pm.

Presently, the Samara Field Office does not offer guest house services. Staff will have to rent in nearby hotels or subject to availability, seek accommodation in the WFP guest house or rent a house in the town of Semera. Banking services including ATM, Visa and Mastercard services are available in this town, yet they regularly run out of cash.

It is advised in some hotel facilities to exercise caution with regards to respecting Islamic rules and customs. Seek guidance and orientation from your Admin officer upon arrival.

Semera is the capital city of Afar Region in Ethiopia. It is located around 600 kilometres (372 miles) north of the capital Addis.

Regular commercial flights between Addis Ababa and Semera are operational. Staff members can also rely sometimes on road convoy and should be prepared to operate under challenging conditions with extremely limited resources. The office deals primarily with several displacement sites environment with inherent risks to staff health.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Database Management, DM-Data collection methodologies, DM-Data Management, IT-Computer Literacy

Education

Certifications

Electronic Data Processing - Other, Information Technology - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

• Position is opened to ONLY Ethiopian nationals
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply to promote gender-balance within UNHCR.
• Candidates may be subjected to assessment (written or oral interview).

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance