Geodesy and Geographic Information System - Local Consultant (SSA)

Provide technical support in preparing maps for cultural heritage sites.

This opening expired 8 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

Application deadline 8 months ago: Tuesday 28 Oct 2025 at 00:00 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Provide technical support in preparing maps for cultural heritage sites.

You have:

  • University degree in geography, urban planning or civil engineering;
  • Minimum two years of experience in conducting spatial analysis, site mapping, and developing GIS-based reports to support planning decisions;
  • Knowledge of the relevant GIS software (such as QGIS quantum GIS, PROJ);
  • Experience in creating maps showcasing perimeters and buffer zones around cultural heritage sites is highly desirable;
  • Good knowledge of English (written and spoken);
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Attention to detail and quality control.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Background:

The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) has requested support for the process of setting perimeters and buffer zones around protected cultural heritage sites, a legal requirement deriving from the Law on Cultural Heritage. In response to this request, the Mission will support the MCYS in this process through engagement of Geodesy and Geographic Information System (GIS) experts to conduct the required work. The setting of perimeters and buffer zones around protected cultural heritage sites serves to prevent unauthorized construction, urban expansion that could damage or alter the character of the heritage site, aiming to maintain the visual and environmental setting of the site, ensuring that modern developments do not undermine the cultural, historical, or aesthetic value. Despite progress made by the MCYS in defining perimeters and buffer zones around protected cultural heritage sites in most regions of Kosovo, the perimeters and buffer zones of many heritage sites have still not been set due to lack of specialized staff in cartography and land surveying, who are essential for accurately setting the perimeters and buffer zones of sites proposed for protection. According to the applicable legislation, activities are restricted within the buffer zone of a cultural heritage site. Since the perimeter and buffer zones have not yet been set for many heritage sites, this led to unauthorized constructions by companies and institutions. Furthermore, setting the perimeters around cultural heritage sites is a requirement for their inclusion in the List of Monuments under Permanent Protection.

Objective of Assignment:

The GIS experts will provide technical support in preparing maps clearly showcasing the delineated perimeter and buffer zone for selected cultural heritage sites.

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 2 months.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Prepare the workplan in co-operation with the OSCE Activity Managers and Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS);
  • Gather available site boundaries and maps from cultural heritage institutions. Conduct on site spatial analysis to assist and propose appropriate site perimeters and buffer zones for the selected sites;
  • Produce high resolution maps (hardcopy and digital) showing the site perimeters and buffer zones of the selected Cultural Heritage sites;
  • Submit a draft report to the OSCE Activity Manager for feedback and review, followed by a final report.

Deliverables:

  • By 5 November 2025, prepare the workplan outlining the Cultural heritage sites for which the maps showcasing clearly the perimeter and buffer zone for at least 15 cultural heritage sites to the satisfaction of the OSCE Activity Managers.

Performance indicator:

  • Qualitative and timely submission of the workplan to the OSCE Activity Manager.
  • By 20 November 2025, in co-operation with the MCYS cultural heritage experts to conduct the analysis on the spot with proposed delineations of the sites.

Performance indicator:

  • Timely submission of draft proposals to the MCYS officials and the OSCE Activity Managers.
  • By 8 December 2025, provide maps to the MCYS and the OSCE Activity Managers.

Performance indicator:

  • Timely and qualitative submission of maps showcasing clearly the delineated perimeter and buffer zone of the selected sites.
  • By 30 December 2025, submit the final report that meets expectations of the Activity Manager.

Performance indicator:

  • Qualitative and timely submission of the draft report and the final report to the OSCE Activity Manager.

Necessary Qualifications:

  • University degree in geography, urban planning or civil engineering;
  • Minimum two years of experience in conducting spatial analysis, site mapping, and developing GIS-based reports to support planning decisions;
  • Mapping and defining boundaries;
  • Infrastructure or urban planning projects;
  • Knowledge of the relevant GIS software (such as QGIS quantum GIS, PROJ) ;
  • Experience in creating maps showcasing perimeters and buffer zones around cultural heritage sites is highly desirable;
  • Experience with government or international organizations is desirable;
  • Good knowledge of English (written and spoken) ;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Attention to detail and quality control.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position, and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

In order to apply for this position, you must complete the OSCE's online application form, found under OSCE Careers- Jobs . Applicants are encouraged to use the online recruitment and only fully completed OSCE applications will be accepted. However, if you have technical difficulties with the system, you may use the offline application form found at Offline application form | OSCE Employment and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by e-mail to: [email protected]. In line with your qualifications please indicate a preference for one or more fields of expertise listed above (while using the online application the field of expertise preference can be indicated in the cover letter part). Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or other languages than the English language would not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.

Additional Information

  • Issued by: OSCE Mission in Kosovo
  • Requisition ID: KOS000408
  • Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
  • Grade: No grade
  • Job Type: Consultant
  • Number of posts: two
  • Location: KOS - OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Prishtine / Pristina
  • Issue Date: Oct 20, 2025
  • Closing Date: Oct 28, 2025
  • Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
  • Job Field: Human Rights
  • Target Start Date: As soon as possible

Potential interview questions

Describe a challenging GIS project you have worked on and how you handled it. To assess your problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge in GIS. Discuss the project scope, your role, the challenge faced, and the outcome.
How would you approach gathering site boundaries and conducting spatial analysis for cultural heritage sites? To understand your methodology and analytical skills in GIS. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain the importance of buffer zones around cultural heritage sites? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What GIS software are you most experienced with and why is it important for this project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Provide an example of how your mapping skills contributed to a successful project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the accuracy of the maps you produce? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience working with government or international organizations. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple deadlines? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: vacancies.osce.org