Information Management (IM) & Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Officer, Al Qamishli, Syria

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) is a highly adaptable system designed to track and monitor population mobility, displacement dynamics, and the evolving needs of affected populations. Since its official activation for the Syria context, DTM Syria plays a critical role in gathering, managing, and analysing primary data across all 14 Syrian governorates to guide evidence-based humanitarian aid, recovery tracking, and transition planning.

Following major political transitions, regional escalations, and complex cross-border flows, the displacement landscape within the Syrian Arab Republic remains highly fluid. DTM Syria actively monitors internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and cross-border arrivals to provide the humanitarian community, UN agencies, and clusters with granular, area-based analysis through toolsets like Mobility Tracking, Event Tracking, and the Communities of Return Index (CoRI).

Under the direct supervision of the DTM Coordinator, the Information Management (IM) Officer will be responsible for overseeing the complete data cycle. This includes optimizing data infrastructure, ensuring rigorous validation, and producing advanced analytical and spatial products to maintain an agile, secure, and collaborative information ecosystem.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

Displacement Tracking Matrix DTM

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Programme Coordinator, and, in collaboration with relevant units in DTM – including the Reporting Unit, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Unit, the Information Management (IM) Unit, and the Operations Team, the IM & GIS Officer will be responsible and accountable for overseeing the design and implementation of information management systems.

• Assessing the current DTM information management in Syria, including data collection tools, databases, geospatial data management, and information products, and identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
• Design, develop, and manage DTM databases, spreadsheets, and other data tools.
• Manage platforms and tools that support DTM data collection and analysis, such as KoBoToolbox and ODK.
• Align DTM data collection tools, databases, and data products with global DTM standards and guidance.
• Acquire, organize, and maintain DTM geospatial datasets, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Develop and maintain the DTM spatial baseline and operational datasets in line with DTM standards.
• Produce and update DTM maps and online map services for DTM partners.
• Maintain a repository of DTM spatial data, ensuring the data are documented and accessible to humanitarian partners through local or online services.
• Lead the design of DTM information products, including reports, charts, infographics, and dashboards, using Power BI and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Coordinate with UN agencies and NGOs on DTM data standards, information sharing, and system interoperability, as directed by the Project Manager.
• Build the capacity of DTM staff through trainings, on-the-job guidance, and the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), to ensure the sustainability of the DTM information system beyond the duration of the assignment.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Datasets submitted for reporting (baseline, emergency tracking, CoRI, MSNA) pass internal validation checks without major revisions.
• Validated datasets, maps, dashboards, or visualisations are produced and shared with reporting/analysis teams within agreed timelines.
• Information management processes are automated to improve speed of analysis

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in information management, Computer Science, Geo-informatics, Data Management, Media or Social Sciences, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with Three years of relevant professional experience; or
  • University degree in the above fields with Five years of relevant professional experience

Experience

• Experience in coordination of information flows and data management including collecting, storing, verifying, validating, processing, and analysing data to generate information products;
  • Experience in emergency and recovery humanitarian operations and familiarity with the humanitarian cluster systems, and shelter and camp management technical guidelines, standards, and indicators.
    • In-depth knowledge of the latest technological developments in information technology and information system;
    • Demonstrated understanding of different data collection methodologies;
    • Experience in the development and management of database applications;
    • Combined field and headquarters experience in different international organizations (e.g., UN agencies, INGOs, IOs, Donors, IFRC or ICRC) is an advantage

Skills

• Ability and experience using two or more of Relational Database Management Systems such as MS Access, MS SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle are a distinct advantage;
  • experience and knowledge of ArcGIS, R, SQL and/or Adobe Creative Suite is an advantage.
    • Understanding of KoBoToolbox and database design and management, including SQL.
    • ArcGIS or QGIS for geospatial data and analysis.
    • Power BI for data visualization.
    • Adobe Creative Suite for information product design

Languages

For this consultancy, Fluency in English is required, proficiency in Arabic is desirable

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link . Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here ). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies