Information Officer at INSO Kenya

JOB DESCRIPTION: Information Officer at INSO Kenya

Introduction:

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) is a prominent international non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting humanitarian aid workers in insecure contexts. INSO’s mission involves establishing safety coordination platforms, offering vital services to registered NGOs, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, and crisis management support. With headquarters in The Hague, INSO operates in 16 of the world’s most insecure countries, providing daily support to over 1000 NGOs.

About the Role:

INSO Kenya, a crucial component of INSO’s Horn of Africa program, is expanding its services in Sudan. As part of this expansion, we are seeking an adept Information Officer to join our Sudan analysis and support team based in Nairobi. Reporting to the Information Manager, the Information Officer will play a pivotal role in managing conflict and humanitarian data, facilitating partner registrations, and providing technical support for visualization and dashboard creation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Conflict & Humanitarian Data Centre (CHDC):

• Expertly utilize the CHDC platform and ensure accurate data entry, updating, and access.
• Monitor and improve data accuracy and precision continuously.

INSO Partners Portal (IPP):

• Serve as an IPP expert, guiding partners through the registration process and resolving queries.
• Monitor and update INSO partner registrations via the IPP.

Visualization Activities:

• Collaborate with Safety Advisors and Operations team to fulfill information needs and source aggregation.
• Produce high-quality maps, graphs, and other visuals to support analysis and aid NGOs’ understanding of conflicts.

Technical Reference:

• Liaise with Program, Operations, and Training departments to address their data-related needs.
• Provide training on data entry responsibilities and integrity to relevant staff.
• Manage SharePoint folders and gather materials for advertising INSO services.

Position Requirements:

Essential:

• University degree or equivalent in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Management, GIS, or related field.
• Fluency in English (and preferably French).
• 2+ years of data management and visualization experience in humanitarian contexts.
• Proficiency in Power BI, DAX, or similar BI software.
• Knowledge of crisis context management theories and approaches.

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with SQL and scripting languages like Python or R.
• Experience with ArcGIS and shapefile/geodatabase creation.
• Prior working experience in relevant regions or with humanitarian organizations.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and managerial abilities.
• Deep understanding of humanitarian principles and practices.
• Capacity to work independently under pressure in multicultural environments.
• Upholds confidentiality, integrity, and conflict-of-interest prevention.

INSO’s Safeguarding Policy:

INSO adheres rigorously to its Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process, ensuring safe recruitment, selection, and vetting of all potential staff, trustees, and volunteers.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send your updated CV and a one-page cover letter to jobs@sdn.ngosafety.org with the subject line ‘Information Officer’. In your cover letter, specify why you’re interested in working for INSO and how your qualifications align with the role’s requirements.

Please Note:

• Applications should be in English.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Information Officer:

1. Familiarize yourself with INSO’s mission and operations, demonstrating a genuine interest in humanitarian efforts.
2. Highlight your relevant experience in data management and visualization, emphasizing specific achievements and projects.
3. Showcase your proficiency in BI software such as Power BI or Tableau, providing examples of impactful visualizations you’ve created.
4. Demonstrate your understanding of crisis context management theories and approaches, linking them to your past work experiences.
5. Clearly articulate your communication and problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to work independently and under pressure.
6. Tailor your application to the role’s requirements, addressing each point in the job description with concrete examples from your background.
7. Research the regions where INSO operates, showcasing any prior experience or knowledge that aligns with these contexts.
8. Ensure your application is error-free and professionally formatted, reflecting your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
9. Follow the application instructions carefully, including the specified subject line and required documents.
10. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to INSO’s vital mission, conveying a proactive and positive attitude throughout the application process.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR AN INFORMATION OFFICER POSITION

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

Hiring Manager

INSO Kenya

[Company Address]

Nairobi, Kenya

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Information Officer position at INSO Kenya, as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and over three years of experience in data management and visualization within humanitarian contexts, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to INSO’s mission of supporting aid workers in insecure environments.

Throughout my career, I have developed a strong proficiency in utilizing platforms like the Conflict & Humanitarian Data Centre (CHDC) and the INSO Partners Portal (IPP) to ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and visualization. My experience with BI software such as Power BI has allowed me to create impactful visualizations that aid decision-making and facilitate a deeper understanding of complex conflicts.

I am particularly drawn to INSO’s commitment to safety coordination and its efforts to provide essential support to NGOs operating in insecure regions. My background aligns closely with the requirements outlined in the job description, including my ability to work independently under pressure and my understanding of humanitarian principles and practices.

I am eager to bring my expertise to the Sudan analysis and support team, contributing to the ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in the region. I am confident that my skills and experiences make me a strong fit for this role, and I am excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at INSO.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my qualifications align with the needs of your team further. Please find my updated CV attached for your review.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of an Information Officer at INSO Kenya?
   • An Information Officer is responsible for managing conflict and humanitarian data, facilitating partner registrations, and providing technical support for visualization and dashboard creation.
2. What qualifications are required for the Information Officer position?
   • Essential qualifications include a university degree in Information Systems or a related field, fluency in English (and preferably French), and 2+ years of experience in data management and visualization within humanitarian contexts.
3. How can I apply for the Information Officer position?
   • To apply, please send your updated CV and a one-page cover letter to jobs@sdn.ngosafety.org with the subject line ‘Information Officer’. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
4. What is the application deadline for this position?
   • The application deadline will be specified in the job advertisement. Please ensure to submit your application before the deadline.
5. Is this position based in Nairobi, Kenya?
   • Yes, the Information Officer position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
6. What does the recruitment process involve?
   • The recruitment process may include a review of applications, interviews, and possibly assessments or tests depending on the specific requirements of the role.
7. Does INSO provide training for its staff?
   • Yes, INSO is committed to staff development and may provide training opportunities relevant to the role and organizational needs.
8. Are there opportunities for career advancement within INSO?
   • INSO values internal talent development and may offer opportunities for career advancement based on performance and organizational requirements.
9. What is the work culture like at INSO?
   • INSO fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to humanitarian principles.
10. Does INSO offer competitive compensation and benefits?
    • INSO strives to offer competitive compensation packages and benefits commensurate with industry standards and the requirements of the role.

Possible Information Officer Interview Questions With Answers:

1. Can you walk us through your experience with data management and visualization in humanitarian contexts?
   • Answer: Certainly. In my previous role at [Organization], I was responsible for managing databases, ensuring data accuracy, and creating visualizations to aid decision-making. I collaborated closely with field teams to gather relevant data and produce actionable insights.
2. How do you ensure data accuracy and integrity in your work?
   • Answer: I prioritize data quality by implementing robust validation processes and regularly auditing datasets for errors. Additionally, I maintain clear documentation and adhere to established data management protocols to uphold integrity.
3. Can you describe a challenging situation you faced while working on a data visualization project? How did you overcome it?
   • Answer: One challenge I encountered was dealing with incomplete or inconsistent data sources. To address this, I collaborated with stakeholders to refine data collection methods and developed innovative techniques to fill gaps, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of our visualizations.
4. How do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in data management and visualization?
   • Answer: I actively participate in professional development opportunities such as webinars, conferences, and online courses. Additionally, I regularly engage with industry publications and communities to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices.
5. How do you handle tight deadlines and competing priorities in your work?
   • Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, effectively managing my time to meet deadlines. I also maintain open communication with team members to coordinate efforts and address any potential bottlenecks.
6. Can you provide an example of a successful data visualization project you led?
   • Answer: Certainly. In my previous role, I spearheaded a project to visualize conflict data using geographic information systems (GIS) mapping tools. The resulting visualizations provided valuable insights for decision-makers and contributed to improved safety measures for humanitarian workers in high-risk areas.
7. How do you ensure effective communication with stakeholders regarding data analysis and visualization outcomes?
   • Answer: I adopt a collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders early in the process to understand their needs and preferences. I use clear and concise language to explain complex findings, ensuring that our visualizations effectively convey actionable insights.
8. Can you discuss your experience with training and mentoring colleagues in data management practices?
   • Answer: In my previous roles, I have developed and delivered training sessions on data management best practices, tailored to the needs of various audiences. I emphasize hands-on learning and provide ongoing support to ensure colleagues feel confident in their data-related responsibilities.
9. How do you handle confidential or sensitive data in your work?
   • Answer: I adhere strictly to organizational policies and data protection regulations, implementing appropriate security measures to safeguard sensitive information. I also ensure that access controls are in place and provide training to colleagues on data confidentiality protocols.
10. What motivates you to work in the humanitarian sector, particularly in roles involving data management and analysis?
    • Answer: I am passionate about leveraging my skills to support humanitarian efforts and contribute to positive social impact. I find fulfillment in using data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, making roles like Information Officer particularly rewarding for me.

Rough Salary Range Estimate: The salary range for the Information Officer position at INSO Kenya is approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.

We wish you the best in your application and remind you that our organization is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds without any discrimination. We do not charge any application or recruitment fees, whether refundable or not.

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