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 Logistics, Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies services and Training to all peacekeeping and special political missions around the world.

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 Geospatial Information Officer and will be responsible for providing support in developing and delivering analytics services/products to support decision making and information dissemination processes of other Sections.

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, to include 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 preparations for, and participation in the conduction of fieldwork; Participates in the quality control of all geospatial information products prepared; Assists 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 implement 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; Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies - Professionalism: Knowledge of information security policies, procedures, and practices and demonstrated sound judgment in applying technical expertise in applying them. Proven experience on geospatial matters including mapping, cartography, and online mapping visualization technics. 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.

Technical or vocational training 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. Experience of GIS software, such as ArcGIS PRO (and its extensions) and ERDAS Imagine is required. Experience with UN or similar International Organizations is desirable. Experience in conduction of Groundwater Services fieldwork is desirable. Experience in geo-database systems, software programming languages and web technology is desirable. Experience with geospatial information applications including IPB (Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield) and experience in military, especially in Terrain Analysis Team, 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; knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

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 a local basis.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country.

Applicants who are Italian nationals or nationals of a member state of the European Union need to upload a copy of their national passport. All other applicants need to have a valid work permit for Italy and need to upload a copy of such work permit. All other applicants, except current UNGSC staff members in Brindisi, need to provide a Certificato Penale and Certificato di Carichi Pendenti. Attachments need to be uploaded in Step 8 of the online application.

Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category in the United Nations Secretariat. Having passed the Administrative Assessment Support Test (ASAT) in English at Headquarters, ECA, ESCWA, UNOG, UNOV, ICTR, or ICTY may be recognized in place of the GGST, pending confirmation of validity.

A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to International Staff.

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.