Job Description
JOB TITLE: Data & Information Manager
DUTY STATION: Swakopmund, Namibia
DURATION: 4 years, renewable (1st year on probation)
Only nationals from the Benguela Current Commission member states (Angola, Namibia and South Africa) may apply.
THE ORGANISATION: Benguela Current Commission (BCC) is a multi-sectoral inter-governmental initiative
of Angola, Namibia and South Africa. It promotes the sustainable management and protection
of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem. BCC focuses on the management of shared fish
stocks, environmental monitoring, biodiversity and ecosystem health; the mitigation of pollution and
minimising the impacts of marine diamond mining and oil and gas production. Sound environmental
governance and training and capacity building are at the forefront of its agenda.
Data and information generated (from the above stated areas of focus) through national activities of
the countries or regionally under the auspices of the BCC will need to be assembled, curated, stored
and presented in a timely and appropriate manner in support of decision making. The role of the Data
and Information Manager would be to manage and facilitate the movement of data and information
from a national level to a regional level while at the same time provide technical IT support for the BCC
Secretariat.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: The BCC now invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced
candidates for the position of Data and Information Manager. Interested and qualified candidates should forward their applications
►► 1. PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
Responsible for the compilation, coordination and distribution of data and information necessary
for the functioning of the BCC;
»» Assist in the designing, development and implementation of a regional data management
systems (including SEIS, databases, GIS, website, etc);
»»Manage and coordinate the day-to-day data and information needs of the BCC;
»» Liaise with partner countries in order to assemble, curate and disseminate appropriate data and
information to and from working groups and subsidiary bodies of the BCC;
»» Set up and coordinate the functioning of the regional data and information management
advisory group;
►► 2. SPECIFIC DUTIES
►► 2.1 STATE OF THE ECOSYSTEM INFORMATION SYSTEM (SEIS)
Assist in the development, implementation and maintaining of the State of Ecosystem and Information
System (SEIS), a web-based management and decision support tool (portal) that provides users
information / data on: marine environment, state of fish stocks (SOS), biodiversity including GIS, status
of marine diamond mining, offshore oil and gas exploration and production, marine pollution, fisheries
socio-economics and human dimension and other relevant data within the scope and mandate of
the BCC;
»» Assist in the compilation of the annual state of stocks report;
»» Reach an agreement (through e.g. minutes of a meeting) with national institutions and private
sectors on the regularity of updates of the SEIS and, ensure that updates are done in a timely
manner;
»» Ensure minimal system downtime;
»» Ensure that SEIS, as per the user needs analysis, is aligned with the Strategic Action Programme
and other policies and plans of the BCC. Importantly, ensure inputs are made to the Strategic
Planning, Business Planning and Partnership Strategy development process with regard to data
and information management;
»» Generate awareness among BCC stakeholders about SEIS and popularise the System and other
data and information products from the Commission;
►► 2.2 DATA MANAGEMENT AND SHARING
»» Assist with the adoption and implementation of the BCC’s Data and Information Policy and
Protocol;
»» Coordinate the dissemination, access and exchange of data amongst member states;
»» Liaise with country focal points in regard to data exchange and information flow
»»Update and maintain the data and information management systems (includes SEIS, BCC website,
etc.);
»» Liaise with national and regional working group on stock assessments and facilitate data flow on
species specific;
»» Advise and assist the BCC institutions in development of their own data and information
management systems (data policies, data centres, partnerships, infrastructure, etc.).
►► 2.3 BCC INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
»» Ensure functional, secure and cutting edge technologies are implemented at BCC Secretariat;
»» Administer Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN) according to policies and
procedures and, assist BCC users as required;
»» Implement ICT policies and develop relevant enabling systems and procedures;
»» Provide advice to Member States on technological requirements for mail and internet to have
access to principal data centres and line ministries;
»» Ensure best practices in terms of data acquisition, data quality, formats and standardisation,
storage and dissemination;
»» Foster new and maintain existing partnerships and networks with national, regional and global
organisations to allow for learning and information sharing (e.g. SADCO, FAO, ODINAFRICA, SEAON);
»» Establish and coordinate necessary national or regional technical working groups to assist and advise
on important data and information management matters.
►► 3. QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
The following qualification and experience requirements must be met:
»» Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer sciences/ data and information management;
»» Five years minimum experience in data and information management and proven ability to develop,
implement and maintain a database and networks using the latest technology and programmes;
»» Demonstrated information technology expertise with proven ability to conceptualise, design, launch,
update and maintain a website and, experience with social networking and other information
sharing and access platforms (e.g. Marine Atlas, SADCO, FAO-FIRMS, etc.);
»» Knowledge and / or understanding of the field of marine environment, marine fisheries, biodiversity
including the application of GIS, marine diamond mining, offshore oil and gas exploration and
production, marine pollution, fisheries socio-economics and human dimension will be added
advantages;
»» Goal and task oriented;
»» Ability to multitask, work under pressure and pay attention to detail while ensuring progress toward
achieving the Vision of the BCC;
»» Able to identify opportunities, challenges, lessons learned and risks and, able to adapt management
and/ or change course to achieve expected annual outcomes and milestones;
»» Ability to work in multi-cultural and bi- lingual settings;
»» Excellent, organisational and inter-personal skills;
»» Excellent speaking and writing skills of one of the official languages (Portuguese / English) is a
requirement and a working knowledge of the other official language of the Commission is desirable.
►► 4. OTHERS
Contribute to annual work plans and identify synergies with other projects, institutions or networks to
achieve results through effectiveness and efficiency;
»» Carry out quarterly progress assessment of DIM activities in relation to mid-year and annual targets
and contribute to the BCC’s quarterly progress report;
»» Liaise with the Media and Communications Consultant and the Corporate Branding Consultant to
enhance information sharing and ensure wider stakeholder exposure of the BCC’s DIM activities;
»» Represent BCC at national, regional and international data and information fora;
»» Any other tasks as assigned by the Executive Secretary or the BCC’s DIM Working Group.
No Fee
AJS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND AJS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.
SOME EMPLOYERS MAY ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF YOUR APPLICATION.