Marketing Information Systems Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Kenya

Marketing Information Systems Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Kenya

Closing date:  22 Oct 2012

Position Title: Marketing Information Systems Officer
Grade Level: KP-2
Contract Type: Service Contract
Duty Station: Nairobi
Organizational Unit: FAO Somalia Country Office
Duration: 11 Months
Eligible Candidates: Somali & Kenya Nationals Only
Anticipated Start Date: 15 November 2012

Applications from qualified women are encouraged Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Officer in Charge (O.I.C.) FAO Somalia and the direct supervision of the head of the Agriculture Marketing Unit, the Marketing Information Systems Officer will provide technical support in the establishment of an effective Marketing Information System (MIS) for agricultural produce and commodities in Somalia (South Central and Somaliland). In particular he/she will:

• Oversee the establishment of a marketing information and linkage system to provide reliable market information to Somali farmers and traders on regular basis. This will entail the following:

1. Establish a Short Messaging Services (SMS) in collaboration with the contracted service providers;
2. Process and disseminate information through bulk SMS back to end users (farmers and traders).
3. Set up a website for the MIS;
4. Technical contact with the solutions provider and management of the web based bulk SMS Solution;
5. Compile and manage database of subscribers;
6. Installation of appropriate computer software to support the MIS;

• Carry out training and capacity building session to the extension officers, Marketing Trade Officers, and technicians on the efficient use and application of the Marketing Information System.
• Follow up on the implementation of marketing interventions and further link the development of the commercialization model of the FAO Somalia programme to the Marketing Information System (MIS).
• Timely preparation of progress reports.
• Carry out any other responsibilities assigned by the Supervisor and/or Officer in Charge.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should meet the following:

• Degree in Agricultural Marketing or equivalent combined with specializing in Information Technology from a recognized institute.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of proven experience in identification, design and establishment of MIS.
• Proven skills on data collection, database management, short messaging services, establishment of websites and information dissemination.
• Knowledge and proven experience on training of users on the MIS system.
• Knowledge and skills on market information monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge and experience on project management and gender involvement skills is an added advantage.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and working knowledge of the most widely used local language. Somali language is a must.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

• Relevance and level of academic qualifications;
• Technical experience in establishment of Market Information System;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
• Ability to identify and resolve problems expeditiously and pragmatically;
• Tact, initiative and sound judgment;
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the UN system
• Good communication and writing skills.

Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

How to apply:

Candidates are requested to submit a covering letter quoting the Position Title and Vacancy Announcement No. FAO/40/2012 along with their current/detailed Curriculum Vitae and FAO Personal History (PH) form available at http://fmt.faoso.net/documents/PH_form-Blank.docx . E-mail is the preferred means of receipt and the application should be sent to HR-Somalia@fao.org. The subject line of the e-mail message should read CONFIDENTIAL – FAO/40/2012. If making a hard copy submission, the envelope should be clearly marked CONFIDENTIAL – FAO/40/2012 and sent to the following address:

FAO-Somalia UN-Somalia
Ngecha Road Complex
Corner Lower Kabete Road/Ngecha Road
P.O. Box 30470-00100
Nairobi,
Kenya.

Applications may also be faxed, again clearly indicating CONFIDENTIAL - FAO/40/2012 in the subject line, to +254-20-4000333.

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