Geospatial Information Specialist

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 Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Early Warning and Assessment Division is responsible for analysing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyse and promote international cooperation and action on the environment.

This advertainment is seeking an International UNV Specialist to support of UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room (WESR). The World Environment Situation Room (WERS) Unit is in Big Data Branch, Early Warning and Assessment Division and works to provide support in data collection, visualization, management, and analysis, including geospatial data. WESR will enable users to access, visualize, share and download data, information and knowledge services regarding the world environment situation in near real-time.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision the Head of the WESR Unit, the International UN Volunteer Specialist will: • Identify appropriate geospatial data sources (including open data and big data) for analytics projects. • Manage, analyze, and visualize environmental data to enhance more informed decision-making on the state of the environment using geospatial (GIS) technologies. • Develop and implement geospatial databases, geospatial data collection systems, geospatial data analytics, and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. • Create online databases, dynamic web maps, and visualization dashboards. Support the Physical WESR • Develop reports, dashboards, or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management. • Perform and document methods, processes, and quality assurances of programmed outputs. • Maintain and keep track of all geospatial related information content for the UN Environment World Environment Situation Room (WESR) platform. • Perform any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs: • As an active UN Environment Programme (UNEP) team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Turning data into information, information into insight through a range of data-driven products to support evidence-based decision-making. o GIS on-line data portal fully developed, integrated with WESR, and maintained according to needs and latest technological developments and innovations. o Effective support to UNEP technical divisions, regional and country offices on related work streams that include maps verification in accordance with UN Map rules.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UN Environment Programme (UNEP); technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UN Environment Programme (UNEP) 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; • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment. • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards UN Environment Programme (UNEP)’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

geospatial information management, applied spatial analytics, earth observations, mapping, applications development. data visualization or related area is required. • Proven experience in utilizing geospatial software (database management, spatial analysis, mapping, web services development, or programming languages) is required. • Experience with team and/or project management is desirable. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • 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; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in geospatial data-related programmes, projects, and activities using GIS tools and methodologies, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighboring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; Na-tional Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO). Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services, and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN-HABITAT and UNEP. The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate.