Consultant: Information architect

UNISDR/C/12/2014

United Nations Core Values: Integrity ● Professionalism ● Respect for diversity

Background:

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socioeconomic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has around 100 staff located in its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people's lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as Prevention Web, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organisation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision and report to the UNISDR-IMU Senior Information Management Officer, in collaboration with other IMU colleagues and the UNISDR Communications Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Accountabilities: Within limits of delegated authority and, the Information Architect will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develops information architecture, interaction design, functional specifications and business rules for UNISDR web-based projects. Deliverables include research reports, hand-drawn sketches, screen flows, detailed sitemaps, wireframes, business rules and design patterns projects in collaboration with the Senior Programme Officer.
• Liaises with internal staff and external parties to conduct user research and users requirements analysis for the development of new web applications and enhancement of existing applications both for internal and external use. Deliverables include development of personas, card-sorting, mental modelling, evaluative user surveys.
• Liaises with visual designers and other design consultants and ensures delivery of consistent design patterns for UNISDR web projects.
• Develops usability testing plans, organizes and facilitates regular usability testing with both local and remote users, and provides reports and recommendations on design changes based on testing results.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Program Officers and other information management specialists throughout the UNISDR, other UN agencies, Government offices, Universities and NGOs. Information management staff and managers in user offices and other user clients, including external users (e.g. governments, international organizations, etc.).

Results Expected:

Develop interaction designs and information architecture deliverables to meet the business requirements of the PreventionWeb project redesign. Implement related projects in a timely and efficient manner. Develop creative approaches to problem resolution. Develop partnerships and interact effectively with colleagues and users internally and externally.

Competencies:

• Professionalism - Strong background and substantial experience in information architecture, particularly with large and complex web applications. Knowledge of disaster risk management, and international development.
• Client Orientation - Ability to identify and analyze clients' needs and develop appropriate technology to meet business requirements.
• Communications - Strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to advise and train users in the use of complex information management systems and related matters and effectively prepare specifications and other written reports documentation in a clear, concise style.
• Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Qualifications:

Education: University degree in Communications, Information architecture, or other related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience in relevant area.

Experience:

• 5 years progressive work experience in areas of information architecture
• Knowledge and some professional experience in the field of disaster risk reduction climatechange, and/or sustainable development is an asset;
• Excellent analytical and communication skills;

Language: Excellent English speaking and writing skills; working knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.