Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

A (least hardship)

Family

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Information Management Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 envisions that by 2025 UNHCR becomes a trusted leader on data and information related to refugees and other forcibly displaced and stateless persons, thereby enabling actions to protect and to empower forcibly displaced and stateless persons. The Strategy stipulates investing in four complementary priority areas: data management and governance; information systems; capacities and skill development; and culture for evidence-informed decision-making. The strategy envisages data and information management functions in UNHCR carried out in a complementary and inter-linked manner between Headquarters Divisions and Services, Regional Bureaux, Country Operations and key external partners, includingforcibly displaced and stateless persons.

Under the direct supervision of the (Snr) DIMA Coordinator/Deputy Director/Head of Service/Representative/Senior IMO or other designated manager, the Information Management Officer is responsible for coordinating and supporting data and information management activities in the relevant offices, as well as supporting and overseeing data and information management activities in the relevant country and regional offices.

They are either part of or responsible for leading and motivating a team of data and information management staff in the regional office (depending on regional office configuration); to ensure coordination among staff working on information and data management activities in the regional office; and to function as the liaison with Headquarters on data related issues.

Information and data management staff are responsible for coordinating, planning and delivering on data and information activities for all UNHCR operational contexts, responses and populations of concern, including providing coordination and leadership in partnerships on data with all stakeholders - including forcibly displaced and stateless persons. They serve the entirety of UNHCR staff and activities, including protection, programme, operations, external relations and executive management for evidence-informed planning, advocacy, and coordination. They are key in ensuring multi-stakeholder, multi-sector, and multi-country activities are provided with robust and meaningful data and information to support planning, funding and advocacy efforts. This includes both internal and external assessments, regional and country-based planning and monitoring activities such as the COPs, CRRF, RRPs, HNOs, HRPs, and Cluster Plans.

Information and data management covers the assessment, design, implementation and evaluation of data and statistical related activities. This includes assessment of the information landscape; definition of information and data needs; design of data and information activities, including data collection, analysis, storage and dissemination; implementation of data and information management activities; and monitoring and evaluation of data management activities. The focus is largely operational and protection data along with financial and HR data related to assessment, planning, monitoring and evaluation. This is the data, information and analysis needed to deliver robust and comprehensive assessments and evaluations, and to support results-based planning, monitoring and reporting implemented by UNHCR and by its partners.

Depending on if they are located in HQ, regional or country offices, the role of the data and information management staff is to provide the necessary quality assurance and technical support for the full range of the data and information management and analysis activities to countries and regional offices; to ensure these process are in accordance with technical standards for data and information management; and to undertake regional or country data and information management (definition, collection, analysis, storage and dissemination) activities. In addition they are responsible for coordinating HQ and external support to the country and regional offices, to liaise with relevant bodies on relevant data and statistical matters; to monitor the quality of data and information management activities in country/regional or HQ; to design and implement global, regional or country-based data strategies and systems; to ensure data and information activities are implemented in accordance with data privacy policies, global data sharing agreements and data protection regulations; to communicate the status, value and importance of data; to provide the data, information and analysis needed for global analysis; and to identify risks and opportunities based on insights derived from 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

Coordinate data and information management activities at the Country /Regional/Global level:
- Participate in the relevant data and information management team and activities.
- Contribute to the design and implement data strategies and systems.
- Assist the data team and others communicate the status, value, and importance of data.
- Support the collection, storage, management and protection of data in the region/country or at the global level.
- Support consolidation of data systems, including the interoperability of operational data and systems.
- Ensure consistency of data and results for country, global and regional analysis, including cross border analysis and response.
- Identify risks and opportunities based on insights derived from data.
- Support the coordination with HQ, external and internal partners on data and information management efforts and mechanisms, including OCHA, IOM, regional economic commissions and other institutions with statistical or data interests, UNICEF, and WFP.
- Lead or take part the relevant IM networks (internal and external) on refugee, IDP, stateless and related issues.
- Improve data quality in the region/county or globally through field support, capacity building, monitoring and feedback.
- Support data security, data protection and responsible data-sharing.

Support offices with data and information management support (if Global or Regional):
- Provide technical guidance on methodologies, and support for data management activities such as surveys, secondary data reviews, targeting and vulnerability assessments, indicator definition, population estimation, profiling, statistical analysis, predictive analytics, big data, international recommendations, GIS, data visualisation, maps, official statistics and other data and information management activities.
- Support the analysis of primary and secondary data for interpretation and evidence-informed decision making.
- Support the monitoring of data and information management activities in the relevant offices for integrity, veracity, reliability and credibility and compliance with policies.
- Document needs and capacities for data management activities.
- Provide technical and training support to operations.
- Support assessments and situational analysis process with analytical frameworks, data collection, and analysis (standards, methodologies).
- Support planning process (standards, methodologies) quality assurance and technical advice on Theories of Change and indicators, as well as with data and statistical analysis
- Support monitoring by providing quality assurance and technical advice to the monitoring methodologies, data collection and analysis.
- Review and assess country or region-specific data systems and needs; provide recommendations for solutions.
- Undertake data and information management activities:
- Lead and undertake data management activities (definition of needs, data collection, analysis, storage and dissemination)
- Lead and undertake geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, targeting, surveys, indicator definition and other data management activities.
- Consolidate data and information for analysis.
- Support analysis for comparative country, regional and global analysis, including political and socio-economic trends.
- Take part in planning processes (COPs, regional RRP, regional migration response plans, etc.).
- Support cross-country assessment and situational analysis, such as in regional RRP situation.
- Undertake the analysis of trends concerning changes at the outcome and impact levels.
- Develop information management products such as indicators, templates, maps and dashboards.
- Help ensure data is curated and stored in data registries and libraries in accordance with standards.
- Provide population movement tracking systems and other population data systems
- Support solutions for meeting 'communication with communities' information and data needs.

Work in close collaboration with:
- All staff to further data literacy and assist in interpretation the data.
- Registration staff regarding the use of individual and personally identifiable data collected or managed by UNHCR.
- Programme staff on the data and information aspects of assessment, targeting and monitoring (three most data driven aspects of the OMC).
- Cluster coordinators and partners on data and information needs in UNHCR-led cluster operations, including HNO and HRP processes.
- Inter-agency staff on the development, coordination and monitoring of responses plans.
- Protection staff on the design, implementation and analysis of protection and case monitoring systems.
- Operations coordinators and reporting officers on the design and delivery of data and information management products for internal and external consumption.
- Sectors technical experts on the methodologies, formats, storage and dissemination of sectoral data and information, including cross sector analysis.
- Senior management to understand and serve their information and knowledge needs.
- 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
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Social Science; Statistics; Information Management;
Physical Science; Economics; Data Science;
Geography GIS; Engineering;
Demography Computer Science;

or other relevant field;

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
5 years in data or statistical field, 3 years in international context and/or humanitarian or development situation. Experience with data sharing, data management and data analysis to support policy formulation and implementation.

Desirable
Knowledge of national and international statistical systems; knowledge of international protection, human rights and international humanitarian law; experience in data collection and analysis in field situations; knowledge of GIS and geospatial systems and techniques.

Functional Skills
DM-ArcGIS (Geographic Information System)
DM-Data Collection and Analysis
DM-Data collection methodologies
IM-Statistics Analysis
DM-Data Management
DM-Database Design & Development
DM-Metadata Creation & Management
DM-Open Source Software & Data
DM-Population census and econometrics
DM-Protection Data Management Systems
DM-Cartographic Skills
SP-Design tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS)
CL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources and Approaches
PG-Needs Assessment and Response Analysis
DM-Data governance, quality assurance and preservation
DM-Development of and revision of data standards
DM-Data Interoperability
DM-Data science methodologies
DM-Qualitative data analysis
DM-Quantitative data analysis
(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.

Essential Attributes:

• Demonstrated technical experience in information management and data analysis in complex protection environments, including the design and implementation of protection monitoring initiatives, the production of Inter-Agency mobility trends reports, and the development of tools to track protection-related activities in real time, among others.
• Proven technical expertise in data analysis, data visualization, and information management tools.
• Experience in planning, programming, strategic planning, project development, and resource mobilization.
• Proficiency in Spanish, both written and oral, is essential.

Desirable Attributes:

• Excellent coordination, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in web design, software development, and programming.
• Experience with R and/or Python is considered an asset.
• Experience with GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro and QGIS.
• Experience in graphic design and data visualization tools, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Power BI.
• Previous professional experience in the Americas and strong knowledge of the regional context are considered strong assets.

Spanish

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

Nature of Position:

The Americas continue to experience complex displacement dynamics, shaped by persistent structural drivers and evolving policy environments. While restrictive migration measures have contributed to a reduction in mixed northbound movements, the underlying causes of forced displacement — including violence, persecution, insecurity, and human rights violations — remain largely unchanged, keeping displacement levels across the region historically high.

In response, UNHCR has developed and implemented comprehensive regional protection and solutions strategies aimed at strengthening access to asylum and international protection, promoting socio-economic inclusion, and advancing durable solutions. At the same time, the operation increasingly supports national systems and institutional capacities, with a gradual shift away from direct assistance and service delivery in contexts where State capacities and local response mechanisms have matured.

The Information Management Officer position works under the supervision of the Head of the Protection and Solutions Pillar at the Regional Bureau. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for Data, Identity Management and Analysis (DIMA) staff within the bureau and must closely coordinate with other areas of the bureau and Operations to ensure evidence-based strategies and operational responses across the various situations in the region. The position is based in Panama City, Panama.

The incumbent will led the Bureau DIMA Team and be responsible for supporting all operations in the Americas in the production and reporting of UNHCR Official statistics for the Americas region, i.e. Annual Statistical Reports and Mid-Year Statistical Reports, as well as the review and validation of the reports. The incumbent will be also responsible for supporting the Nowcasting official estimates for the Americas. He/she will monitor the quality of statistics and application of statistical methods in country operations and Multi Country Offices in the region.

Another key area of responsibility is support for statistics inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless in national statistical systems and EGRISS implementation, both through supporting country operation in their advocacy and projects with National Statistical Offices and Systems, and through regional processes, with a focus on those related to the Statistical Commission of the Americas/ ECLAC. S/he will promote the forging of regional partnerships in the area of statistics.

The incumbent will support technical collaboration with the UNHCR–World Bank Joint Data Center (JDC) on JDC‑supported projects in the Americas, including work on statistical inclusion, and will contribute to joint data analysis and collaboration with development banks and other relevant partners.

As lead of the DIMA Team, the incumbent will liaise with other Pillars, Units, and country operations to support data collection initiatives, the development of infographics, dashboards, and other analytical products, as well as the validation of figures for a broad range of evidence-based initiatives and reports. This includes contributing to regional chapters of flagship publications such as the Global Appeal and the Global Report, and supporting quality assurance processes for COMPASS indicators, particularly those related to statistical analysis or derived from secondary microdata sources, including national household surveys and censuses.

The incumbent will also coordinate engagement with the Statistics and Demographics Section within the Global Data Service. In addition, he/she will lead capacity-building initiatives for staff, partners, and national authorities on statistics and data analysis, while promoting understanding of the value, relevance, and strategic use of statistical evidence and analysis.

Living and Working Conditions:

Panama City is classified as a Category “A” duty station (family duty station) with security threat ratings raging from low for Armed Conflict and Terrorist threats to Substantial for Crime and Civil Unrest, while the exposure to hazards has been assessed as Moderate in Panama City. The city offers good infrastructure, including reliable health services, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities. Goods and services are widely available, although the cost of living is relatively high compared to other countries in the region, particularly for housing and healthcare.

UNHCR offices are in the Ciudad del Saber (City of Knowledge), a green campus area outside the city centre, which also hosts other UN agencies, international schools, NGOs, and research centres. A variety of accommodation options are available both near the office and in central Panama City, ranging from modern apartments to family housing. The city is a regional transportation hub, with direct flight connections to mostly all countries in the Americas, as well as regular international routes. There is a wide range of international schools, several of which follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, making it a suitable location for families. Recreational options include shopping malls, restaurants, and a dynamic nightlife. While cultural activities are limited, Panama offers proximity to natural attractions. Beaches and ocean hobbies are available on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts that are reachable within an hour, and hiking opportunities are available close to the city and in other parts of the country.

Overall, Panama provides a safe and stable living environment with good amenities and connectivity, although staff should consider the relatively high cost of living when relocating.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Demography, Bachelor of Arts: Information Technology, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science, Bachelor of Arts: Statistics

Certifications

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance