Senior Data Management Associate

February 20, 2026

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS7

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-04-01

Senior Data Management Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is supervised by a professional staff member who provides the incumbent with general guidance and workplans. The incumbent works independently with an oversight from the supervisor. The position directly supervises some support staff.
Contracts are mainly with the colleagues in the same duty station to exchange information and to discuss the work plans. External contacts are 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

• Monitor the regular data entry activities and verify accuracy and relevance of data on a regular basis.
• Prepare regular database back-ups.
• Coordinate the data transfer of refugee records amongst camps.
• May be required to collect GIS data, update maps and undertake field trips to project sites.
• Ensure that the data which are mainly related to asylum seekers, refugees and forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR are correctly entered into the computer databases.
• Develop and run the required reports from the databases used in the operation including ProGress database and assist in analysis/interpretation of data to identify patterns/trends.
• Compile data and interpret the statistics for various reports.
• Develop forms and tools for data collection and analysis.
• Identify knowledge and hardware gaps of the operation in relation to all aspects of data management.
• Decide on data recorded in the database.
• Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents.
• Escalate issues to supervisor if the incident cannot be resolved within area 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

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

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.

Desirable
Microsoft SQL Server (2005 or later) Certification. Knowledge of Microsoft Access. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specified training relevant to the functions of the position. Previous experience working with UN/UNHCR.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
DM-Data collection methodologies
DM-Data Management
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.

1 Scope of Work and Responsibilities

1.1 Source Data Acquisition & Synchronization

• Retrieve and upload operational data through PMM systems using the PMM VPN and PMM WebPortal.
• Perform daily data retrieval from PMM systems and push updated or validated records back to PMM as required.
• Maintain secure, consistent, and auditable system-to-system data synchronization processes.

1.2 Database Architecture & Engineering

• Design, implement, and maintain the full database architecture, including tables, relationships, indexes, constraints, triggers, and stored procedures.
• Maintain a database-first architecture that serves as the authoritative backbone for all downstream applications, reports, and payment systems.

1.3 Automated Data Processing Framework

• Develop and operate an automated data-processing framework using stored procedures and triggers to manage:
o data ingestion and normalization,
o business-rule validation,
o data-quality checks,
o error flagging, logging, and corrective logic.
• Ensure the automation framework is documented, maintainable, and debuggable to support operational continuity and handover.

1.4 Payment Data Pipeline

• Process incoming operational datasets through the automated validation and transformation workflows.
• Generate validated, audit-ready payment lists.
• Insert finalized payment datasets into Cash Assist, create target populations, and support initiation of payment cycles in coordination with relevant units.

1.5 Reporting Backend & Data Provision

• Develop and maintain database views and stored procedures consumed by:
o internal web-based user interfaces,
o all Power BI dashboards and analytical products related to the voluntary repatriation portfolio.
• Ensure reporting datasets are structured, performant, and query-ready for visualization and analysis teams.

1.6 Database Administration (DBA) Responsibilities

• Perform routine database administration tasks, including:
o index fragmentation checks and optimization,
o monitoring and updating statistics,
o log file health and size management,
o error log monitoring,
o backup and restore management (full, differential, transaction logs).
• Create, manage, and troubleshoot SQL Server Agent Jobs.
• Monitor database performance (query execution, IO, locks, waits) and proactively resolve bottlenecks.
• Ensure database security, integrity, and compliance with UNHCR policies and data protection standards.

1.7 Operational Support & Quality Assurance

• Monitor automated dataflows and address data inconsistencies or failures.
• Ensure documentation of data lineage, processing logic, and operational procedures.
• Support business continuity through clear process documentation and handover readiness.
• Perform other related duties as required.

2. Technical Environment

• MS SQL Server (database-first architecture)
• Azure Data Studio
• T-SQL (stored procedures, views, triggers)
• Cash Assist
• PMM Systems & PMM VPN (daily data exchange)

3. Required Qualifications and Experience

Education
• Completion of secondary education with at least 4 years of relevant experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience in information management, data systems, or related technical fields.
Essential Technical Skills
• Intermediate proficiency in T-SQL, including reviewing, troubleshooting, and modifying stored procedures, triggers, functions, and SQL Server Agent Jobs.
• Ability to monitor and maintain automated data pipelines and identify root causes of data or process failures.

Desirable Technical Skills

• Basic to intermediate Python skills for data cleaning, automation, or API interaction.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Power Query, pivot tables, and formula-based preprocessing.
• Experience with Power BI (dataset refreshes, measures, and report publishing).
• Familiarity with KoboToolbox or ODK, including XLSForms and submission exports.
• Experience debugging Python tools built with Qt frameworks.
• Exposure to C# MVC applications using Entity Framework with SQL backends.
• Advanced SQL performance tuning, audit logging, batch tracking, and exclusion logic.
Systems Knowledge (Highly Desirable)
• Familiarity with UNHCR systems such as proGres v3/v4, PRIMES, Cash Assist, and RAIS.

4. Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate UNHCR core competencies, including accountability, communication, teamwork, organizational awareness, client and results orientation, and commitment to continuous learning, as well as strong technological awareness and planning skills.

The incumbent will be part of the DIMA Unit and will primarily support externally sourced operational data flows, ensuring their secure integration into UNHCR-managed databases and downstream systems. The role requires strong technical proficiency to maintain automation, data quality, traceability, and system reliability, while coordinating closely with internal stakeholders and external counterparts.

The candidate will report to the Head of DIMA / IM Officer

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to successful reference checks, and integrity clearances

PLEASE DO NOT USE TURKISH CHARACTERS IN YOUR NAME & SURNAME INFORMATION.

Staff members should serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category. This requirement is waived in respect of staff members whose position is being changed or whose assignment/appointment through the joint staff/management review body is in a replacement capacity.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.

External candidates should be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application, recruitment, and hire.

Non-Turkish citizens are required to upload their residence permits or relevant documents under the ‘Certifications’ section, by selecting the type ‘Personnel Administration – Other’, to be considered for this job opening. Applications by non-Turkish citizens will NOT be considered if a valid residence permit is not attached to the application.

For further information on how to apply, please visit the ‘UNHCR - Application and Selection’ page, at https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.html.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Senior Data Management Associate (Database & Automation) supports UNHCR Türkiye’s operational data pipelines by designing, maintaining, and operating secure, automated, and auditable database-driven workflows.

The position ensures that high-volume operational data—originating from government counterparts, implementing partners, and financial service providers—are securely ingested, validated, processed, and transformed into payment-ready and reporting-ready datasets in line with UNHCR data protection standards and operational requirements, with a particular focus on voluntary repatriation–related assistance.

UNHCR Türkiye works in close collaboration with the Government of Türkiye and partners to support protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees and other persons of concern, including voluntary repatriation. These operations rely on structured data exchanges with national systems, financial platforms, and internal UNHCR tools.

Living and Working Conditions:

Ankara is the capital city of Türkiye and has a modern developed infrastructure with sufficient availability of education, health, transportation and other public services. Various types of accommodation are on offer in the housing market. It has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters due to its elevation and inland location, and hot, dry summers. Rainfall occurs mostly during the spring and fall. The general security situation in Ankara remains calm and stable. There have been no serious security incidents recorded in Ankara since 2016. UNHCR security management is guided by the UN Common Security Management System and security advisories are shared with staff as and when required.

 

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, Managing resource, 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