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’s capacity development activities in Asia, Pacific and Africa Region have the overall objective to strengthen the capacity of National Governments and Regional Organizations in the use of geospatial information technology applications to improve resilience towards climate change and disaster risk reduction and to contribute to sustainable development.

UNOSAT has over 15 years of practical experience in the design, development and delivery of tailor-made geospatial services and learning solutions for UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as Member States, other international organizations and academia. By leveraging science and innovative technologies, National Governments will have better tools and solutions to inform policies, planning and decision making. It is very important to develop technical capacities through tailored learning solutions and to establish robust and predictable mechanisms to access datasets and open data platforms. Capacity development and training are therefore essential activity pillars of UNOSAT with the overall goal to promote evidence-based decision making for peace, security and resilience.

The incumbent will assist and support the implementation of UNOSAT’s funded projects with particular focus on the implementation of training & capacity development programmes for improved Disaster Risk Reduction and to build climate resilience in project target countries.

Within the delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Senior Specialist in charge of Disaster Risk Management and Climate Resilience Section at UNOSAT, the incumbent shall perform the following tasks:

• Support the design of innovative learning solutions, new process design methodologies as well as the implementation of tailor-made capacity development activities targeting the needs of UNOSAT’s beneficiaries.
• Support the implementation of stakeholder coordination activities by providing required support to national / regional stakeholders and relevant project partners for the implementation of DRR related project activities.
• Undertake training needs assessments to inform the design of tailored learning solutions in coordination with the project teams.
• Contribute to the preparation of training material and support the delivery of capacity development activities such as online, face-to-face and blended courses, webinars, workshops and awareness raising events.
• Provide required technical backstopping targeting project stakeholders and beneficiaries from national governments to leverage the use of Geospatial Information Technology solutions and facilitate data & information sharing.
• Assist in the drafting project proposals, technical reports, articles/publications and project deliverables including the provision of substantive inputs to communication and outreach material.
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements by participating to national, regional, and international fora.
• Liaise with UN agencies, INGOs, donors, project partners, regional and national stakeholders by attending calls, meetings, workshops, and relevant regional and national forums as requested.
• Undertake missions in support of training and capacity development activities as required.
• Perform any other duties/tasks as required.

• Efficient day-to-day support to the implementation of DRR/M related capacity development projects.
• Timely preparation and submission of training material, technical reports, workplans, project deliverable documents, training evaluation reports, including required inputs to e-news and communication material.
• Successful delivery of training, workshops and awareness raising events (online or face to face delivery mode) including technical backstopping activities targeting national/regional stakeholders.
• Timely provision of required inputs for concept notes, project proposals, technical reports, guidelines, publications and peer-reviewed articles.
• Technical meetings and calls with colleagues, national/regional stakeholders and project partners are regularly held.

• All project related tasks and training activities are successfully implemented / delivered according to project work plans and UNOSAT quality standards.
• Material and handouts for training courses, awareness raising events, workshops and webinars are prepared at least 10 working days prior to event/course delivery;
• All required project reporting documents and deliverables are properly formatted, proofread and timely submitted according to set deadlines.
• National and regional stakeholder networks are established and maintained. Stakeholder-contact lists are regularly updated, and all project related events are efficiently planned and well organized in advance.
• Most relevant available geospatial data for training courses and technical backstopping activities are collected and properly stored/organized.
• High quality inputs to all tasks/activities outlined.
• Ability to complete tasks independently.
• Demonstrated competence to work within a team.

Professionalism: 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;.

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.

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.

Respect for Diversity: 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; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning & Organizing:  Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.  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; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary in a coordinated manner; uses time efficiently.

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; takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve services and expert reports; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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.

Technological 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.

Education: University degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in social sciences, GIS/RS, urban and regional planning, international relations, development studies or other related fields.  

Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in related field preferably in an International Organization. Demonstrated experience in the design and delivery of trainings and capacity building activities is also required for this position.

Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language would be an advantage.