Data Management Officer

Mission and objectivesThe fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the Organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give more children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. ContextFor over 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. The Gambia is the one of the smallest countries in Africa and has border almost entirely with Senegal except the west part with the Atlantic Coast. The total population in 2024 is 2.42 million with the female population being approximately 1.24 million, representing 51% of the total national population. With 272.7 people per square kilometre, this makes it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, especially considering its small land area of just 10,689 square kilometres. Most of the population (65.08 percent) is concentrated around urban and peri-urban centers. The Gambia Country Programme 2024 – 2028 focuses on strengthening child and adolescent related evidence generation, analysis and dissemination as well as stronger positioning of UNICEF as an advocate of a strengthened children and adolescent evidence generation and analysis system in The Gambia. It is within this context that a Data Management position has been established in the Programme team. This position will ensure the operationalization and implementation of the Country Programme’s ‘evidence and knowledge management’ strategy; to support the successful delivery of the Country Programme and inform its advocacy strategy and strategic partnerships. Under the supervision of the PME Specialist, the primary function of this position is to strengthen children and adolescent evidence generation, analysis, dissemination and utilization by UNICEF and partners; to effectively advocate for and support the promotion of child rights in The Gambia. The incumbent will further focus on strengthening information/data collection, statistics and data analysis systems, knowledge management and capacities within Country Office and amongst partners, and to improve reporting, evidence-based planning and advocacy. Task DescriptionUnder the supervision of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (or delegated supervisor), and working closely with all sections, the UNV Data Management Officer will: 1. Strengthen children and adolescents’ evidence and identify relevant data gaps • Contribute to identifying…