Geographical information systems (GIS) officer

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.

United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Da'esh / ISIL in Iraq (UNITAD) was established by the Secretary-General pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), according to which it is mandated to support domestic efforts to hold ISIL (Da'esh) accountable by collecting, preserving and storing evidence in Iraq of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed by the terrorist group ISIL (Da'esh) in Iraq. This UNV assignment is located within UNITAD’s Office of Analysis and Evidence, Forensic Science Unit. As part of UNITAD’s investigative team, the Forensic Science Unit provides a diverse range of technical and practical expertise to UNITAD’s office of field investigation, the GIS officer will work under the direct supervision of the Forensic Archaeologist and overall supervision of the Head of the Forensic Science Unit (FSU) and provide technical advice and practical support in the area of GIS, geomatics and remote sensing technologies to national counterparts and the broader work of UNITAD’s investigative team

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Forensic Archaeologist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Geographical information systems (GIS) officer will: • Provide technical advice and mentoring on the scientific and practical application of GIS, geomatics and remote sensing technologies, with particular regard to methodologies, software, hardware and instruments used in the conduct of forensic investigations in accordance with international standards; • Collect, convert, process, and evaluate geospatial data including vector, raster and thematic data; • Compile briefing reports, maps and geospatial/terrain analysis and work products related to geospatial information and analyses in support of investigative outputs; • Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on products generated and disseminated by the Section/Unit including geospatial data and maps; • Provide geospatial information training and education programmes for UNITAD staff; • Assist in the storage and preservation of the investigative team’s geospatial data and maintain UNITAD’s Geo-database system; • Advise on the development of programs to enhance the capacity of local forensic institutions and provide advice and mentoring on the structure and content of reports with a GIS component relating to mass grave investigations in accordance with scientific best practice and rules of evidence; • Advise on the identification of required equipment, tools, software, hardware and materials needed for the above-described operations; • Advise on the development of common forensic GIS related strategies by leveraging expertise within the UN system and across international and other networks in support of UNITAD’s mandate; • Other duties as required.

• Results/expected outputs:- • As an active Forensic Science Unit (FSU) team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNITAD and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • The creation of bespoke maps and analytical products to benefit the work of the forensic science unit and wider investigative team; • Strengthening UNITAD’s GIS database and the promotion of GIS as a key investigative tool in the investigation of Da’esh/ISIL crimes in Iraq; • The provision of tailored training and capacity building initiatives to external stakeholders and within UNITAD; • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment; • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNITAD; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNITAD 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; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Progressively responsible professional experience in the field of geospatial information/engineering, geomatics (e.g. geospatial information applications, geospatial database management, geospatial/terrain analysis, cartography and mapping, image processing), or related fields is required. • Experience with Esri mapping tools such as ArcGIS Pro, QGIS and global mapper or their equivalent is required. • Experience in the use of 3D volume data acquisition, modeling, analysis and visualization software, such as Faro scene, Pix4D, or their equivalent is desirable. • Experience using advanced geomatics and remote sensing tools such as 3D laser scanners and/or UAVs is desirable. • Experience conducting capacity needs assessments and the design and delivery of instructor led or remote training and capacity building initiatives is desirable • Relevant experience in GIS in an international or inter-governmental agency, scientific police institute, international tribunal or international fact-finding commission is desirable • Proficiency with database programming languages such as SQL, R or Python is desirable. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills • 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 • Experience working in Iraq or similar context is desirable.

Iraq is a unique and richly diverse country and UNITAD has a unique mandate to work in partnership with the Iraqi authorities, civil society and other stakeholders to deliver on accountability for Da’esh/ISIL crimes. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.