Geospatial Information Assistant

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-6 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) provides critical Supply Chain, Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies services and Training to all Secretariat Entities, Peacekeeping and Special Political missions, Agencies, Funds and Programmes of the UN system worldwide.

This position is located in the Analytics and Location Intelligence Unit (ALIU) of the Client Solution Delivery Section (CSDS) within the Service for Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies Service (SGITT) at the United Nations Global Service Centre in Brindisi, Italy.

The Geospatial Information Assistant will work under the supervision of the Chief ALIU or designated Officer.

Responsibilities

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

• Coordinates and prepares the timely creation of standard and specialized thematic mappings products at all scales to support decision-making and information dissemination processes of other sections; • Leads the team in the collection, processing and evaluation of geo-data, including vector, raster and thematic data, to enhance Mission geospatial databases; • Performs a variety of geospatial analysis for a wide range of applications; • Ensures proper logistical preparation and participation in the conduction of fieldwork; • Participates in the quality control of all geospatial information products prepared; • Contributes to topographic style mapping to support Mission operations; • Participates in the archiving of the UNGSC's geo-data and maintains the geo-database system; • Participates in the operation of the UNGSC/CSDS/ALIU; • Assists in the conduction of geospatial information training and education programmes for Mission staff; intranet map server(s) and its associated services; • May supervise the team in GIS server administration, which includes the installation, configuration, testing and maintenance of geographic information system (GIS), 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; • Populates GIS data repository and implements appropriate data security and access controls; • Liaises with server systems administrator group for the backup of GIS servers and implements disaster recovery plans for the UNGSC; • Assists in the development of common applications and web templates/services for CSDS/ALIU; • Coordinates the timely exchange of geospatial information between missions and the Geospatial Information Section of the Department of Operational Support (DOS); • Assists in managing the technical work of junior staff; • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge in geospatial matters, including mapping, cartography, and online mapping visualization techniques. Knowledge of information security policies, procedures, and practices and demonstrated sound judgment in applying technical expertise. Ability to perform analysis, modelling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

A technical or vocational training/s in Cartography, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or equivalent, which involves geospatial information and image processing programmes and GIS Systems Administration, are desirable.

Work Experience

At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in geospatial information (ex., geographic information system (GIS) integration, geospatial/terrain analysis, image processing, mapping, GPS, geospatial-related information technology, etc.) and its related works, including at least two (2) years of experience at the international level are required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

Experience with GIS software, such as ArcGIS PRO (and its extensions) and ERDAS Imagine, is required.

Experience with UN or similar International Organizations is desirable.

Experience conducting desktop studies or field data collection for groundwater services is desirable.

Experience with geo-database systems, software programming languages and web mapping technology is desirable.

Experience with Image Intelligence, predictive analysis, and AI is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Recruitment for this position is done on local basis. This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year with possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.