Individual Contractor – GIS / Remote Sensing Expert

Area of Specialization:

Geospatial Information Technology, Remote Sensing, Land cover analysis, vector data processing, humanitarian support.

Overview:

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.

For years UNOSAT has supported UN humanitarian response efforts by producing geospatial data and analyses of refugee settlements, conflict areas, and related issues. Current project activities in this regard involving mapping infrastructure and landcover details in and around multiple areas of refugee and displaced persons in settlements. In addition, significant efforts are currently underway to assess the impact of conflict on shelter and livelihoods.

Responsibilities:

As part of the Human Rights, Human Security, and Humanitarian Support Section of UNOSAT, the individual contractor will be responsible to carry out the following duties and tasks with other teammates and within the context of humanitarian response:

• Conduct analyses of satellite imagery using visual means, multispectral analyses, and artificial intelligence methods as appropriate and within the context of informing humanitarian support efforts on damage from conflict, land cover and change, shelter mapping, and more.
• Acquire and assess satellite imagery inputs to the analyses process as well as ancillary data, models, and information that may play a role.
• Produce data and analytical products from the analyses that comply with UNOSAT standards and practices.
• Help develop internal capacities and workflows in support of UNOSAT activities.

Measurable Outputs/Deliverables/Schedule of Deliverables:

• Efficient production of data products and results from the analyses processes;
• Compilation of necessary data inputs for analytical processes;
• Reports and documentation on analytical processes and results;
• Number of colleagues trained and supported;
• Other tasks as needed by the Section.

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results:

• 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;
• Most relevant available geospatial data are collected and well organized to be used by colleagues for analyses and technical backstopping activities;
• Assisting as needed with internal training and capacity development.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: To perform GIS and remote 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.

Reporting structure:

The incumbent reports to the Specialist in charge of the Human Rights, Human Security, and Humanitarian Support Section and works and liaises with other relevant project partners and UNOSAT staff as required.

Minimum requirements

Education: University degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with substantive work in Geography, Remote Sensing, Geo-informatics, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related discipline. Masters degrees or equivalents also encouraged to apply.

Work Experience:

• Entry level up and up to three years of progressive experience in geospatial information technology area preferably 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.

Technical skills and competencies:

• Knowledge of geospatial information technology application in the following fields: vector data extraction, data analyses, satellite imagery analyses, remote sensing
• 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 and/or ERDAS Imagine or equivalents, Office 365

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

Remarks:

General conditions of contracts for the service of individual contractors apply. Incumbents are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local laws. UNITAR does not reimburse for any taxes, duty, or other contribution payable by the Contractors on payments made under the contract.

The Institute does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for Contractors, and Contractors are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance schemes provided by the UN for its staff members.

This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).