By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Geospatial Information Specialist | UNEP Young Talent Pipeline

Nairobi

  • Organization: UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme
  • Location: Nairobi
  • Grade: Volunteer - International Youth - International recruited Volunteer
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Meteorology, Geology and Geography
    • Civil Society and Local governance
  • Closing Date: Closed

Mission and objectives

Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.

Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Early Warning and Assessment Division is responsible for analysing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyse and promote international cooperation and action on the environment.

This advertainment is seeking an International UNV Specialist to support of UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room (WESR). The World Environment Situation Room (WERS) Unit is in Big Data Branch, Early Warning and Assessment Division and works to provide support in data collection, visualization, management, and analysis, including geospatial data. WESR will enable users to access, visualize, share and download data, information and knowledge services regarding the world environment situation in near real-time.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision the Head of the WESR Unit, the International UN Volunteer Specialist will: 

  • Identify appropriate geospatial data sources (including open data and big data) for analytics projects.
  • Manage, analyze, and visualize environmental data to enhance more informed decision-making on the state of the environment using geospatial (GIS) technologies.
  • Develop and implement geospatial databases, geospatial data collection systems, geospatial data analytics, and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
  • Create online databases, dynamic web maps, and visualization dashboards. Support the Physical WESR
  • Develop reports, dashboards, or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management.
  • Perform and document methods, processes, and quality assurances of programmed outputs.
  • Maintain and keep track of all geospatial related information content for the UN Environment World Environment Situation Room (WESR) platform. • Perform any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs:

  • As an active UN Environment Programme (UNEP) team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
    • Turning data into information, information into insight through a range of data-driven products to support evidence-based decision-making.
    •  GIS on-line data portal fully developed, integrated with WESR, and maintained according to needs and latest technological developments and innovations.
    • Effective support to UNEP technical divisions, regional and country offices on related work streams that include maps verification in accordance with UN Map rules.

Eligibility criteria

Age

From 27 years of age

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in geospatial information management, applied spatial analytics, earth observations, mapping, applications development. data visualization or related area is required.

  • Proven experience in utilizing geospatial software (database management, spatial analysis, mapping, web services development, or programming languages) is required.
  • Experience with team and/or project management is desirable.
  • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
  • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
  • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
  • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
  • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; 
  • Sound security awareness;
  • Have affinity with or interest in geospatial data-related programmes, projects, and activities using GIS tools and methodologies, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Information technology, Natural and life sciences

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in geoinformatics (geomatics), geospatial information, earth sciences, remote sensing or another related geoscience field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies and values

  • Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UN Environment Programme (UNEP); technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UN Environment Programme (UNEP) procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork and respect for diversity
  • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment. 
  • Planning and organizing
  • Communication
  • Flexibility
  • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards UN Environment Programme (UNEP)’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: