Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
CORPORATE BACKGROUND:

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global organization mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The IICPSD was established in Istanbul, Turkey based on the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Program in March 2011. The center is one of the six global thematic policy centers of UNDP, supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. IICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all around the world.

FELLOWSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:

The SDG AI Lab is a joint initiative of UNDP BPPS (Bureau for Policy and Programme Support) team, and it is hosted under UNDP IICPSD. The SDG AI Lab provides research, development, and advisory support through cutting-edge digital solutions in harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for sustainable development. The Lab aims to strengthen the UNDP’s internal and its partners’ capacities for the increasing demand for digital transformation. 

UNDP ICPSD, UNDP Brazil and Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) will jointly implement the Future Tech Leaders (FTL) Programme in Brazil to raise a new generation of young Brazilian tech specialists to develop AI-led space technologies and enhance the space innovation ecosystem. The Programme will support the country’s efforts to utilize space technologies to contribute to the SDGs by offering up-to-date and gender inclusive trainings. 

The primary objective of the Fellowship is to develop and implement the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) components within the Space Tech Bootcamp, Community Trainings, and additional relevant activities associated with the Programme. The fellow will play a key role in designing the curriculum for GIS-related modules, ensuring that the educational content meets the needs of participants and aligns with the overall goals of the initiative.

In addition to curriculum development, the fellow will be responsible for delivering GIS training sessions, actively contributing to ongoing research efforts, and providing support to the GIS team at the SDG AI Lab. The fellow’s involvement can be expected to extend to knowledge management activities, supporting the effective sharing and organization of information within the framework of ICPSD’s mandate.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Fellow will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

No

Duties and responsibilities

% of

time

1

Support Future Tech Leaders Brazil training components on GIS  

  • Plan and prepare materials for learning collaboratives for GIS topics in FTL Space Tech Bootcamp in Brazil 
  • Plan and prepare materials for learning collaboratives for GIS topics in FTL Community Trainings in Brazil 
  • Host office hours for learners’ questions and inquiries
  • Teaching and assistance to students individually or in small groups 
  • Facilitate communications and discussions among learners 
  • Monitor and report each learner’s progress  
  • Cultivate a positive, organized learning atmosphere  

50 %

2

Support Frontier Tech Leaders & Future Tech Leaders Portuguese speaking implementations

  • Support Programme team in organizing community events in Portuguese and engaging Portuguese speaking participants to the Program 
  • Provide support to the Programme team in the FTL Angola implementation and other Portuguese speaking country communities 
  • Facilitate communications and discussions within the global FTL community 

30%

3

Development and implementation of digital solutions for SDGs utilizing GIS

  • Use geospatial data processing and analysis techniques to build, maintain, and improve on analytics, large datasets organization to get actionable insights from them.
  • Assist the creation of maps, infographics, and other cartographic products using software such as QGIS or ArcGIS.
  • Develop GIS and Machine Learning (ML) solutions to tackle issues in the field of economic and international development
  • Manage and document the complete GIS project implementation process from conception to implementation

10%

4

Other 

  • Provide as needed support to the Chief Technical Advisor for AI, Digital Transformation and Skills as required for, amongst others, participating in meetings, conferences, providing administrative support, drafting meeting minutes and performing other functions and duties.  

10%

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Education:  

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements: 

  • Currently enrolled in a postgraduate program (such as a Master’s program or higher) 

Field of study: ​​ Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Data Science, Geodesics, Cartography, Computer Science, Engineering, or similar

IT skills: 

  • Strong programming skills, preferably Python
  • Practical experience in implementing automated workflows with geodata and scripting, particularly with Jupyter Notebook (or similar) for showcasing processes and results
  • Proven experience with GIS software and libraries such as QGIS or ArcGIS, GDAL, Rasterio, Geopandas, Fiona or similar required
  • Experience with Geoserver, PostGIS and other relational databases preferred
  • Proficiency in other programming languages (particularly R, SQL, JavaScript) are an asset.

Language skills: 

  • Fluency in Portuguese and English with excellent reading and writing skills is required. 
  • Proficiency in an UN Language other than English is an asset

Other competencies and attitude: 

  • Interest in innovative teaching, learning and assessment.
  • Flexibility and capacity to teach (remotely) across a range of AI & GIS courses. 
  • Knowledge on application of GIS technologies on space technologies.
  • Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation
  • Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills, both face-to-face and online in Portuguese
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability 
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view 
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. 
  • Being an initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set
  • Willingness to self-improvement on the latest GIS technologies and its applications on space technologies
  • Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
 
Non-discrimination
 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 
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