Support with POC Framework Analysis

Host entity: UNMISS

Application deadline: 11/09/2026

Mission and objectives

Under Resolution 2677 (2023), the Security Council determined that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region.

The Council extended the UNMISS mandate until 15 March 2024. It also emphasized that the Mission should continue advancing its three-year strategic vision defined in resolution 2567 (2021) to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace and support inclusive, accountable governance as well as free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, UNMISS is therefore authorized to use all necessary means to implement its mandate which includes:

(a) Protection of civilians
(b) Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance
(c) Supporting the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process
(d) Monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of humanitarian and human rights law

The overall ceiling for uniformed personnel is maintained at 17,000 troops and 2,101 police, including 88 corrections officers.

Please refer to https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate for more information.

Assignment context

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), through the Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC, is exploring innovative approaches to leverage technology in support of its Protection of Civilians (POC) mandate. These efforts are aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2820, which underscores the need to prioritize the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance in the allocation of mission capacities and resources.
As part of this initiative, UNMISS has developed an online Protection of Civilians Reporting and Analysis Framework designed to strengthen information collection, analysis, situational awareness, and evidence-based decision-making. The platform provides a centralized system for capturing and analyzing protection-related incidents, threats, affected locations, vulnerable populations, and response actions. It also incorporates geographic visualization and trend analysis tools to support operational planning and coordination.
The platform was initially developed by the Risk Management Unit within the Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC to support implementation of the Protection Pillar of the Mission's POC Framework. It has been designed for future scalability across UNMISS components and relevant protection coordination mechanisms, including the UNMISS-UNCT Joint Protection Working Group.
UNMISS seeks the support of a qualified Online Volunteer to assist in populating, refining, testing, documenting, and enhancing the platform to maximize its operational effectiveness and future scalability.

Working in close collaboration with the Risk Management Unit within the Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC, the Online Volunteer will support the operationalization and enhancement of the Protection of Civilians Reporting and Analysis Framework. The volunteer will contribute to data migration and organization, system improvement, information analysis, visualization, testing, and documentation to strengthen protection analysis, situational awareness, and informed decision-making across the Mission.

Task description

Under the supervision of the Head of Integrated Office, Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC, the Online Volunteers will undertake the following tasks:

1. Database Development and System Enhancement
• Review historical Protection Pillar reports and support the extraction, organization, and upload of relevant information into the platform.
• Assist in developing and maintaining structured databases on protection incidents, threats, population vulnerabilities, response measures, and geographic locations.
• Provide recommendations to improve system functionality, usability, navigation, reporting features, and user experience.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen data quality, consistency, integrity, and workflow efficiency.

2. Data Analysis and Visualization
• Support the development and refinement of analytical dashboards and reporting products.
• Assist in strengthening trend analysis related to:
o Protection incidents;
o Threat patterns and early warning indicators;
o Geographic hotspots;
o Population vulnerabilities;
o Protection responses and mitigation measures.
• Contribute to the development of maps, charts, infographics, and other visualization products that support decision-making and operational planning.

3. Documentation and Knowledge Management
• Develop user manuals, quick-reference guides, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for platform users.
• Document system structures, workflows, reporting processes, and recommended operational practices.
• Provide recommendations on the integration of the platform with existing Mission-wide protection reporting and coordination mechanisms, including support to the Joint Protection Working Group.

4. Testing and Quality Assurance
• Conduct user acceptance testing and identify technical issues, data gaps, and performance limitations.
• Support testing of reporting forms, dashboards, analytical outputs, and mapping functionalities.
• Provide structured recommendations to enhance performance, functionality, and reliability.

5. Strategic Development and Innovation
• Assess opportunities to expand the platform's application across UNMISS components and protection coordination mechanisms.
• Identify innovative approaches and technologies that could further strengthen protection analysis and situational awareness.
• Contribute to the development of a roadmap for future expansion and sustainability of the platform.

Expected Deliverables

By the end of the assignment, the Online Volunteers will be expected to deliver:

1. A populated and organized protection database developed from historical Protection Pillar reports and other approved sources.
2. An assessment report identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities for enhancement of the current platform.
3. A recommendations matrix outlining prioritized technical, operational, and analytical improvements.
4. A testing and quality assurance report documenting issues identified and recommended corrective actions.
5. A user documentation package, including:
o User Guide;
o Quick Reference Guide;
o Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
6. Enhanced dashboards and visualization recommendations to strengthen analytical outputs, trend monitoring, and decision support.
7. A scalability and sustainability note outlining options for future expansion, institutionalization, and integration with broader Mission protection coordination mechanisms.

Skills and experience

Education
University degree or current enrollment in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Information Management, Software Development, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field.
Experience
Desirable experience includes:
• Information management and database development;
• Web-based platforms and digital solutions;
• Data analysis and visualization;
• GIS and spatial analysis tools;
• Monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management systems;
• Humanitarian, protection, peacekeeping, human rights, or development programming.

Technical Skills
Knowledge of one or more of the following is desirable:
• Power BI, Tableau, or similar data visualization tools;
• ArcGIS, QGIS, or other GIS applications;
• Database management systems;
• Web applications and online collaboration platforms;
• Data quality management and information governance;
• User-centered design and UX/UI principles.

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