Geospatial Information Technology, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Training & Capacity Development, Project Management

The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) is a technology-intensive programme active since 2001 in applied research and innovative applications relating to geospatial information technology and satellite analysis. UNOSAT also delivers tailor-made training courses to its beneficiaries on the use of geo-information technology for humanitarian aid, human security, disaster risk management, territorial planning and environmental monitoring.

In July 2021, UNOSAT has started the implementation of a capacity development project aiming at “Strengthening capacities in the use of geospatial information for improved resilience in Asia-Pacific and Africa”. Specifically, the project aims to support beneficiary countries in achieving Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land) of the 2030 Agenda by developing technical and institutional capacities on the use of Geo-information technology to tackle disaster risk, environmental degradation, food security issues and improve resilience to the changing climate in target countries.

As part of the Disaster Risk Management, and Climate Resilience Section of UNOSAT, the individual contractor will be responsible to carry out the following duties and tasks under the overall project framework “Strengthening capacities in the use of geospatial information for improved resilience in Asia-Pacific and Africa”:

• Support the implementation of stakeholder coordination activities by providing required coordination support to national / regional stakeholders and relevant project partners for the implementation of project activities at country level;
• Undertake training needs assessments to inform the design of tailored learning solutions in coordination with the project team.
• Contribute to the preparation of training material and support the delivery of capacity development activities such as training courses, webinars, workshops and awareness raising events;
• Provide technical backstopping to key stakeholders and decision-makers from national government to facilitate data/information sharing and to leverage the use of technological solutions;
• Liaise with regional stakeholders and support UNOSAT’s outreach activities by attending bilateral meetings, workshops and relevant regional and national forums as required.
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements by participating in national and international fora by making substantive contributions as appropriate;
• Performing any other duties/tasks as required.

• Efficient day-to-day support to the implementation of overall project management, stakeholder coordination and capacity building related activities;
• Successful delivery of trainings, workshops and awareness raising events, including technical backstopping activities targeting national/regional stakeholders;
• Logistical arrangements are made for the delivery of training events, workshops and awareness raising events;
• Timely preparation and delivery of training materials, training evaluation reports, technical reports, workplans, M&E reports and e-news;
• Timely provision of weekly and monthly progress reports, technical documents, training evaluation reports, including required inputs to project deliverables;
• Technical meetings and calls with project team, national/regional stakeholders and project partners are regularly held;

• All project related tasks and activities are successfully implemented / delivered according to project work plans and defined deadlines;
• All required project reporting documents and deliverables are properly formatted, proofread and submitted in timely manner according to deadlines;
• National and regional stakeholder network is well established and maintained. Stakeholder contact list is regularly updated and all project related events are planned and organized well in advance and in an efficient manner.
• Most relevant available geospatial data are collected and well organized to be used for training courses and technical backstopping activities;
• Material and handouts for awareness raising events, workshops and training courses are prepared at least 10 working days prior to event/course delivery;
• Training courses are successfully delivered according to UNITAR-UNOSAT quality standards.

• Professionalism: To perform GIS analysis, to independently write reports and follow up on project tasks according to defined work-plans. Knowledge and understanding of UN system. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of 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.
• Planning & Organizing: Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Based on the supervision received, develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary in a coordinated manner; uses time efficiently.
• Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
• 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; very good inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Technology awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents, such as technical and scientific papers, reports, studies, and other communication materials, articulating ideas in a clear and concise style; ability to prepare and deliver targeted and results-oriented presentations; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; strong interpersonal and communication skills including facilitation skills in training related activities.

The incumbent reports to the Senior Specialist in charge of the Disaster Risk Management and Climate Resilience Section and works and liaises with other relevant project partners and UNOSAT staff as required.

Education:  University degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in Geography, Geo-informatics, Engineering, Disaster Risk Management, Climate change, Environmental Science, or related discipline.

Work Experience:

• At least five years of progressively experience in geospatial information technology area and at least three years in the international domain;
• Experience in capacity building and working with developing countries;
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, preparation of publications, presentations and communications with external stakeholders;
• Experience in planning of work and pro/actively communicate to stakeholders.

Technical skills and competencies:

• Excellent project management skills;
• Knowledge of geospatial information technology application in the following fields: landslide susceptibility mapping, flood hazard/risk assessment, multi-hazard risk analysis,
• Result-oriented, proactive, self-motivated and “hands-on” with the ability to prioritize work and multitask;
• Demonstrable oral and writing skills in English [high proficiency], with an ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct and lively style;
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• General computer/software proficiency: ArcGIS, QGIS, Office 365

Languages:  Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of another official UN language would be an advantage.