GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION ASSISTANT

Contract

This is a FS-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Field Service. It usually requires 8 years of experience, depending on education. More about FS-5 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting These two positions are located in the Field Technology Section (FTS) of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), duty station Bangui. The incumbents will report to the Geospatial Information Officer.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Geospatial Information Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

Geographic Information Specialist: - Coordinates and prepares the timely creation of standard and specialized thematic mapping products at all scales to support decision making and information dissemination processes of other sections. - Provides substantive technical support in the collection, processing and evaluation of geographic data, to include vector, raster and thematic data to enhance mission spatial databases. - Quality assures mission gazetteer to ensure that it is up-to-date and effective. - Participates in the quality control of all geographic information products prepared. - Creates topographic style mapping to support mission operations. - Conducts geographic/terrain analysis studies to assist in operational decision making. - Compiles and provides input on the mission Geospatial Information System (GIS) Section’s with respect to procurement and budgetary matters. - Responsible for the archiving of the mission’s geographic data and maintain the mission’s geo-database system. - Ensures the efficient operation of the mission’s intranet map server(s) and its associated Services. - Provides geographic information training and education programmes for mission staff. - Assists in managing the technical work of junior staff; Performs other related duties as assigned.

System Administration: - Supervises the installation, configuration, testing and maintenance of geographic information system, as well as optimizing the availability and responsiveness of various GIS server functions: geo database, file and web/application. - Provides technical support in administration of desktop workstations including first level troubleshooting, application software installations and updates, as well as the upkeep of peripheral equipment including plotters and scanners. - Provides technical support, including software, hardware and geographic information system support. - Populates GIS data repository and implement appropriate data security and access controls. - Liaise with server systems administrator group for the backup of GIS servers, and mplement disaster recovery plans for the mission; - Develops common applications and web templates/services for mission GIS Sections. - Takes the lead to complete the timely exchange of geographic information between missions and the Cartographic Section of the Department of Field Support (DFS); - Assists in managing the technical work of junior staff. - Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of geo-database systems, software programming languages and web technology. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

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. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification A technical or vocational certificate in Cartography, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and/or equivalent, which involves geospatial information and image processing programmes, and GIS Systems Administration are desirable.

Work Experience At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in geospatial information (ex. Geospatial information system integration, geospatial/terrain analysis, image processing, mapping, GPS, geospatial related information technology, etc.) and its related works are required

Minimum two (2) years of experience in using GIS software such as ArcGIS (ArcInfo, ArcEditor, ArcView and its extensions) and ERDAS Imagine is required.

Direct experience with geospatial information applications including IPB (Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield) knowledge and experience in military, especially in Terrain Analysis Team, is desirable.

Experience providing services in the field of geospatial information or related areas to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.

Experience in the field of geospatial information or related areas in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English both oral and written is required.

Assessment Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.