Information and Data Management Associate

Host entity: UNHCR ZAF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Information technology and telecommunications, Science

Application deadline: 20/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons and stateless people. UNHCR works with governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and affected communities to safeguard the rights and well-being of forcibly displaced and stateless populations, promote durable solutions and strengthen national protection systems.

In South Africa, UNHCR contributes to the implementation of protection programmes while supporting inter-agency coordination mechanisms, including the Protection Working Group (PWG) and the Gender Theme Group (GTG). Through these platforms, UNHCR collaborates with United Nations entities and national partners to strengthen protection, gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, human rights and inclusive development under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Assignment context

The Information and Data Management Associate will support both UNHCR's protection mandate and the coordination functions of the inter-agency Protection Working Group (PWG) and Gender Theme Group (GTG). The assignment combines information management, data analysis, reporting and systems support with inter-agency coordination, enabling evidence-based planning and decision-making that strengthen protection outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Hosted within the UNHCR South Africa Country Office, the National UN Volunteer will contribute to the management of operational information, population data and reporting systems while supporting coordination among UN agencies, government counterparts and implementing partners. The volunteer will assist with the preparation of analytical products, information-sharing mechanisms, meeting documentation and monitoring of joint work plans for the PWG and GTG.

This assignment offers a unique opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in humanitarian protection, information management, digital systems, inter-agency coordination and knowledge management within the United Nations system. Through structured mentoring, coaching and workplace learning, the volunteer will develop technical and professional competencies while contributing to more effective protection programming and coordinated UN action.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the designated UNHCR Supervisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support programme coordination and implementation
● Support the implementation of UNHCR protection programmes by assisting with information and data management processes that strengthen programme planning, coordination and service delivery.
● Assist with coordinating data collection activities, maintaining operational information systems and supporting programme teams in managing information required for effective implementation.
● Contribute to the implementation of approved work plans and support the timely delivery of programme outputs.

2. Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms
● Support UNHCR's participation in the Protection Working Group (PWG) and the Gender Theme Group (GTG) by assisting with the coordination of meetings, preparation of agendas and background documentation, recording minutes, maintaining action trackers and following up on agreed action points.
● Contribute to information sharing and collaboration among participating UN agencies to strengthen coordinated protection, gender equality and human rights programming under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
● Support the documentation and coordination of PWG and GTG activities that promote inter-agency collaboration and knowledge sharing.

3. Conduct research, data collection and basic analysis
● Support the collection, validation, compilation and organization of operational and programme data to strengthen evidence-based planning and decision-making.
● Conduct basic analysis of programme information and prepare statistical summaries, dashboards, factsheets and other information products under the guidance of technical staff.
● Assist in maintaining data collection tools, reporting templates and information management systems to improve data quality, consistency and accessibility.

4. Support monitoring, reporting and results tracking
● Assist in monitoring programme implementation by maintaining activity trackers, compiling operational information and supporting the collection of programme performance data.
● Contribute to the preparation of programme reports, analytical updates and coordination reports by compiling administrative and technical inputs.
● Support monitoring of PWG and GTG work plans by tracking implementation progress and documenting achievements against agreed priorities.

5. Support knowledge management and documentation
● Organize and maintain programme documentation, operational records, electronic filing systems and information repositories.
● Support the organization of data products, reports, presentations and other information resources that strengthen institutional knowledge and information sharing.
● Document lessons learned, good practices and programme achievements to support organizational learning across UNHCR and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.

6. Support stakeholder engagement and operational coordination
● Assist in coordinating engagement with government institutions, UN agencies, implementing partners and other stakeholders involved in protection programming and information management.
● Support the organization of meetings, consultations and coordination activities, including logistical and operational arrangements.
● Maintain stakeholder databases and support follow-up on agreed collaborative actions and requests for information.

7. Support communication and visibility
● Assist in compiling programme information, analytical summaries and activity highlights for internal reports, presentations and information-sharing purposes.
● Support the preparation of maps, dashboards, infographics and other information products that facilitate programme implementation, coordination and evidence-based decision-making.
● Assist in documenting coordination activities and maintaining information products that strengthen visibility of programme results and inter-agency collaboration.

8. Provide general administrative support
● Provide administrative support for programme operations, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, records management, filing systems, correspondence and document preparation.
● Assist in maintaining information management systems, operational databases and programme records in accordance with UNHCR policies and procedures.
● Perform other programme support and administrative duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:
● Information and data management.
● Data collection, analysis and reporting.
● Humanitarian assistance, protection or migration.
● Monitoring, evaluation and knowledge management.
● Inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement.     
   
Skills in:
● Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams).
● Data analysis and visualization.
● Database and information management.

*Mastercard Foundation Alumni and Youth with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.

*Candidates must be between 18 and 34 years of age at the time of application.

Competencies and values

● Accountability, Communication, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork & Collaboration, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Client & Result Orientation

Cross-Functional Competencies
● Analytical Thinking
● Innovation and Creativity
● Technological Awareness

Living conditions

Bigger cities in South Africa can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South Africa are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.