Geographical Information Systems' Analyst

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan was established in 2002 as a Political Peace Keeping mission, directed and supported by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Missions - DPKO SC Resolution 2145 on 17 March 2014

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Chief Field Technology Section (FTS), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks revolving around the provision of Geospatial support for UNAMA:

• Operating and maintaining the mission’s GIS systems. • Assist in the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of geospatial data and products. • Assist in performing various spatial analysis for the purpose of enhancing staff security on the field. • Assist in the compilation of large scale and small-scale maps. • Assist in terrain analysis and development of Web based Applications for the provision of dynamic Map tools for the UNAMA Regional offices. • Assist in archiving the mission’s geospatial data and in maintaining the database management system. • Assist in the operation and fine-tuning of the internet map server(s) and the associated services to enhance the performance of web- based applications. • Assistance in conduction of geospatial training (GIS, Global Positioning System, and Remote Sensing) for Mission’s staff. • Performance of other related duties and tasks as deemed necessary. • Perform other duties as required by the GIS officer or designated officer.

• Accountability • Communication • Integrity • Technology Awareness • Working in teams

• At least three years experience in GIS/Mapping, Population development Mapping, IT (Information Technology) or Surveying work; • Candidate must have very sound cartographic and design skill; • Practical experience in the use of Trimble and RTK GPS for data collection; • Experience in the use of Arc GIS V10.x, ARC SDE, Arc Pad and Erdas Imagine; • Experience in RDBMS (Relational Database Management Systems) and SQL server; • Experience in the use of Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe Illustrator and in Design); • Abilities in 3 D Modeling and Analysis is desirable; • A previous experience in the UN system will be an advantage.

Afghanistan is a hardship duty station with a volatile security. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. UNAMA the administrative and technical support offices are located at the UNOCA compound on Jalalabad Road, at some distance from central Kabul.

Generally speaking, stringent security measures are in place throughout the country and UN volunteers as other UN staff, are quite limited in all Afghan duty stations when it comes to movement, walking virtually not allowed. There are number of security measures to be compiled with, such as the minimum Operational Residential Security Standards or MORSS before moving into any accommodation. The UNAMA Security section provides these guidelines during the initial security briefing upon arrival in the mission area.

Upon arrival, volunteers are accommodated at the UNV designated accommodations within the UNOCA compound for a fix charge of US$ 10 per day (US$ 300 per month for a room), exclusive of food. Inside the UNOCA compound are two cafeterias, a restaurant, a “Superette” and 3 small shops which provide a variety of imported canned and frozen food on offer. There is a Fresh vegetable market daily. There is also a social center, a gym hall and a small library with books and DVDs, run by the welfare Office, within the same compound.

Most produce/staples are common in the markets e.g. rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt etc. UNOCA has a new minimarket where basic goods can be bought.

Summer in Afghanistan is hot and dry, but winter is the opposite – cold and wet. Therefore, both summer and winter clothing and comfortable boots with insulation are necessary. Most common consumer articles are available in Kabul (and in the regions).

Afghanistan is a unique country and UNAMA is a unique UN mission. It requires more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are absolutely essential.