Note: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by
Canada and is addressed to candidates with Canadian nationality.
Candidates must be max. 32 years old as of 31 December of the year of application (i.e. born on or
after 01/01/1994)
II Duties, responsibilities and Output Expectations
Within delegated authority, the Junior Professional Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Compiles, manages and disseminates relevant remote sensing content for the Space4Water Portal and
Communicates complex scientific information in an easily understandable way to the general public.
Downloads, processes, analyses and interprets remote sensing data; developing space-based solutions addressing water challenges;
Develops hydrologic and water resource maps and models based on remote sensing data, and other space-based technologies, deriving insights from (time series of) water-related parameters and indicators. Interpreting the results of these, if needed, in cooperation with other experts within the Space4Water community of practice
Contributes to the development of good practices and online training material;
Presents remote sensing training content in video lectures and webinars;
Contributes to training staff of governmental institutions in the use of remote sensing to address water issues;
Critically reviews articles and good practices on remote sensing of water and providing for suggestions to improve these;
Supports conducting assessment of remote sensing data needs and capacity building needs of selected institutions or countries;
Attends international conferences;
Contributes to the organisation of international conferences and stakeholder meetings, particularly the planning of technical sessions.
III Training component: Learning elements and expectations
On completion of the assignment, the JPO will:
- Have gained substantive knowledge and understanding of the status of sustainable water
management on Earth, especially in developing countries
- Have gained a substantive knowledge and understanding of the benefits of the applications of space science and technology related to water as well as the numerous activities undertaken to promote such applications under the auspices of the Office for Outer Space Affairs.
- Have gained significant experience in mapping water on Earth, from Source to Sea and including the whole water cycle
- Have gained a substantive experience and knowledge of capacity building within the context of the
United Nations;
- Be able to confidently interact inter and transdisciplinary with researchers and practitioners with a background related to water.
- Be able to confidently interact at an international diplomatic level with representatives of Member States, international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and national space- related agencies, associations and industry
IV Supervision
Title of Supervisor:
Chief, Space Applications Section
Content and methodology of supervision:
Establishment of a Work Plan: During the first month of the assignment, the Junior Professional Officer
(JPO) will work jointly with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed upon work plan. The final work
plan will be discussed and mutually agreed to by the JPO and his/her supervisor.
Evaluation: The United Nations Performance Evaluation System (e-performance) will serve as a primary
platform to evaluate of the JPO’s performance. Regular informal performance evaluation will take place
periodically. Supervision and guidance will be provided on a continuing basis.
V Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Remote Sensing, Geography, Digital
Earth, Hydrology, Water resource management, or in other disciplines. A first-level university degree
in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the
advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in remote sensing of and space-based
applications of water is required or a combination of postgraduate education and experience in the
area of EO applications ideally related to water in a global development context; A minimum of two
years of relevant work experience with geographic information systems and mapping water is
required.
Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in
English, French and/ or any other required language is required. Knowledge of another UN official
language is an advantage.
Other skills:
- A background in remote sensing, geospatial information science and integrated EO analytics
- Experience in dialoguing with institutional users (especially in developing countries), identifying
longer-term opportunities for EO information services and understanding the associated information
requirements;
- Excellent organisational and communication skills (written and oral);
- Detailed understanding of the global sustainable development context (applications and policy) and
development finance principles
- A good understanding of common data processing techniques
UN competencies:
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.
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.
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
TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology
Workforce Diversity The United Nations believes that an inclusive culture attracts the best talent and encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, cultural or religious backgrounds, to apply.
VII How to apply
Applicants should submit their application electronically directly to the Organization.
Please apply online
Note: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by
Canada and is addressed to candidates with Canadian nationality.