Database Manager, P3

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of Stewardship, Environment and Resources (OSER) of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. ISA is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS. Its mandate is to organize and control activities in the Area, including the development and implementation of rules, regulations and procedures that ensure the effective protection of the marine environment. OSER provides the scientific and technical expertise required to support ISA's regulatory and environmental mandate. The Office contributes to the development and implementation of rules, regulations and procedures governing activities in the Area; coordinates the collection, management, analysis and dissemination of geological, biological, environmental and technological data and information; and oversees the development and maintenance of ISA's global data infrastructure. The Office also supports the development and implementation of regional environmental management plans, environmental impact assessments, environmental monitoring programmes, and environmental standards and guidelines. In addition, it promotes and facilitates marine scientific research in the Area by fostering collaboration with Member States and international organizations and by disseminating scientific knowledge and research findings. Within this context, the Database Manager leads the design, governance, administration and continuous enhancement of ISA's enterprise data ecosystem. The incumbent ensures that scientific, environmental, geological and operational data are securely managed, integrated and accessible to support evidence-based decision making, regulatory oversight, environmental stewardship and international scientific collaboration.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director, OSER, and the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Officer-Mineral Resources and Economic Development, the Database Manager will perform the following duties: 1. Develop, maintain and update databases, data collection systems, data analysis tools and related strategies to optimize statistical efficiency, data accessibility and the quality of information managed by the Authority. 2. Ensure the integrity, availability, reliability, security and optimal performance of the Authority’s DeepData database, legacy systems and associated data repositories. 3. Manage and maintain the Authority’s technology and virtual infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, network-related infrastructure, backup systems and other technology platforms supporting the Authority’s data and information-management functions. 4. Plan, configure, monitor, maintain and optimize virtual machines, virtual networks, storage resources and supporting infrastructure to ensure availability, scalability, resilience and efficient utilization of computing resources. 5. Perform data lifecycle management for data submitted to or generated by the Authority, including data received from contractors, scientists, researchers, experts and partner institutions. 6. Establish and maintain procedures governing the acquisition, validation, classification, storage, processing, use, sharing, archiving, retention and disposal of the Authority’s data. 7. Collaborate with contractors, scientists, member States, international organizations, research institutions and other data partners to identify and implement common data standards, exchange formats, metadata requirements, vocabularies, identifiers and protocols that support data interoperability. 8. Develop, maintain and enhance the Authority’s data-visualization dashboards, analytical tools and reporting interfaces to support decision-making by the Secretariat, the Legal and Technical Commission, member States and other authorized users. 9. Comply with applicable information-security requirements, information-assurance policies, data-protection principles, international standards and recognized industry practices in the administration and oversight of the Authority’s databases and technology infrastructure. 10. Collaborate with other organizational units to develop and implement security, access-control, data-classification, data-sharing and information-governance policies, principles and practices relating to data managed by the Authority. 11. Maintain technical documentation relating to database architecture, virtual infrastructure, data models, data dictionaries, metadata, interoperability standards, system configurations, integration processes, backup procedures and operational workflows. 12. Provide technical guidance, training and support to staff, contractors, scientists and other stakeholders on database systems, data-submission requirements, data-quality standards, FAIR Data Principles, data-interoperability requirements, GIS databases, dashboards and related technologies. 13. Perform other related duties as required by the Secretary General.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of foundational concepts in data management, data manipulation and data analysis, including data structures, statistical methods and related techniques; strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, manage and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy; ability to analyse, model and interpret data in support of decision-making; ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs and to assess data accuracy and consistency through data validation; adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings; takes pride in the work performed for the organization and understands the impact of enabling data-driven and evidence-based decisions; ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; analytical thinking. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency in subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, data management, mathematics, statistics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Proven working experiences (at least 5 years) in database management, physical, virtual and network administration is required. Experience in dealing with large and complex databases in shared environments is required. Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy is required. Experience dealing with oceanographic data management to include environment and geological data is required. Proven technical expertise in developing and implementing database strategies, database models, database design development, data mining (collecting) and segmentation techniques is required. Experience developing dashboards, reporting tools and business intelligence solutions is desired. Experience implementing FAIR Data Principles or comparable international data standards is desirable. Knowledge of geographic information systems is desired.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview. Special Notice • The appointment is available for a fixed period of 2 years, and renewal thereof is subject to the availability of the post, funds and satisfactory performance in the role. • ISA reserves the right to not make any appointment to the vacancy, and/or to make an appointment at a lower level from the one advertised. • At the ISA/ United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the • basis of qualifications and organizational needs. • The ISA/United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. • The ISA/United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. • The ISA/United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • Only nationals of ISA Member States are eligible for consideration. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.