Senior Data Management Assistant

January 22, 2026

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS5

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-03-02

Senior Data Management Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is normally supervised by a more senior staff member who provides the Senior Data Management Assistant with regular guidance and support. Subject to the nature of the task/assignment, s/he will work independently on routine tasks, while will follow instructions of the supervisor for more complex issues. The position has no supervisory role.
Contacts are mainly with the colleagues in the same duty station to exchange information and to discuss the work plans. External contacts are not frequent. In the Field locations, under supervision of the manager, the incumbent may play a liaison role with the national and local authorities for gathering and exchange of data.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Enter data mainly related to asylum seekers, refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR into the computer database.
- Prepare reports and project documents by providing information, preparing tables and drafting routine correspondence and reports.
- Assist in compilation of data and interpreting the statistics for various reports.
- Assist in the development of forms for data collection and analysis, if requested.
- Act as interpreter in the exchange of routine information and translate routine documents and correspondence as and when required.
- May be required to collect GIS data, update maps and undertake field trips to project sites.
- Decide on the data recorded in database.
- Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents and escalate issues to the supervisor if incident cannot be resolved within the scope of responsibility.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G5- 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Electronic Data Processing Information Technology
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
DM-Data Management
DM-Data collection methodologies
DM-Database Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The UNHCR operation in Chile comprises approximately 17 personnel, including national and international staff and affiliates. The National Office (NO) is located in Santiago de Chile and operates under the Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which also covers Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Chile has become a key destination for forcibly displaced populations in Latin America, currently hosting 1.6 million foreigners—8.8% of the total population—according to the 2024 Census. The country ranks second in the region in terms of foreign-born population, after Costa Rica. The majority of refugees and migrants in Chile are Venezuelan (41.6%), followed by Peruvians, Colombians, Haitians, and Bolivians. Chile also provides protection to individuals fleeing conflict and persecution from countries such as Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

As of December 2024, over 677,922 individuals are considered forcibly displaced in Chile, including more than 660,420 people in need of international protection, 13,366 asylum seekers, and 2,448 recognized refugees. UNHCR works closely with government institutions, civil society, municipalities, refugee-led organizations, and the private sector to ensure access to protection, humanitarian assistance, and durable solutions.

The country has recently experienced a rise in negative public perception regarding human mobility, leading to increased discrimination, violence, and exploitation against people forced to flee. In regions with high concentrations of refugees and migrants—such as the north and the metropolitan area—host communities face challenges in accessing public services, which has exacerbated tensions and hindered peaceful coexistence.
Chile is currently navigating a complex scenario in terms of human mobility, marked by increased cross-border movements, asylum requests, and integration challenges. The incoming administration will implement policies focused on order, control, and enforcement of migration regulations, which creates a critical need for effective coordination between national institutions and international organizations to ensure compliance with international standards and human rights obligations.
Within this context, the Senior Data Management Assistant supports the operation by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and timely availability of data required for evidence based planning, protection monitoring, and reporting. Under the direct supervision of Protection Officer, the incumbent contributes to consolidating protection needs, and to maintaining reliable information flows across the National Office.
The incumbent is expected to bring previous experience in managing ProGres, including modules related to biometrics and identity management, ensuring data integrity, and resolving system issues. S/he will support the development, monitoring, and evaluation of indicators at the operational, sub national, and national levels, generating analytical products that help measure progress, identify gaps, and inform strategic adjustments. Strong experience in database management—including data cleaning, validation, reconciliation, and quality assurance—is essential to maintain accurate records and support operational decision making.
Given the complexity of the human mobility context and the need for robust, rights-based information management, the Data Management Associate must uphold UNHCR data protection principles, ensuring strict confidentiality, secure handling of personal data, and adherence to corporate standards on sensitive information. The incumbent will contribute to harmonizing datasets with authorities, municipalities, and partners, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring the alignment of operational information with protection and programmatic requirements.
The role also requires delivering technical support and training to colleagues and implementing partners on data collection tools, reporting processes, ProGres functionalities, and best practices in information management. The ability to analyze and process large volumes of information, identify patterns or inconsistencies, and translate findings into clear, actionable insights is critical.
A strong analytical profile, attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize complex datasets into user friendly reports are key competencies for this role. Familiarity with GIS tools such as ArcGIS, and experience producing statistical or visual outputs, are desirable assets. A solid understanding of UNHCR’s protection mandate and operational context will enable the incumbent to contextualize data effectively and strengthen information driven decision making across the operation.


Desirable Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate has solid experience in data management within humanitarian or protection settings, including proficient use of ProGres, particularly biometric components, and ensuring data accuracy and integrity. S/he brings strong skills in database management, data cleaning, validation, and handling large datasets, as well as experience supporting the monitoring and evaluation of indicators at different operational levels.
The candidate demonstrates strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to translate complex data into clear, actionable reports. Knowledge of data protection standards and safe handling of sensitive information is essential.
Experience training or supporting colleagues and partners on data tools and information management processes is an asset. Familiarity with GIS tools, data visualization platforms, or statistical software is desirable. The candidate works effectively in teams, collaborates with partners and authorities, and understands UNHCR’s protection mandate and operational environment.

English

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Spanish

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Database Management, DM-Data collection methodologies, DM-Data Management, IT-Computer Literacy

Certifications

Electronic Data Processing - Other, Information Technology - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance