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Posting Title: GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION OFFICER, P3
Job Code Title: GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Department/Office: United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
Duty Station: LAAYOUNE
Posting Period: 03 July 2023 – 15 August 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Information Management Systems-MINURSO-212783-F-Laayoune (M)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organisational Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Field Technology Section of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) Laayoune. The incumbent will report to the Chief Field Technology Section
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Geospatial Information Officer is responsible for the following:
- Takes responsibility for timely preparation, maintenance and provision of geospatial information and maps in support of the Mission’s operations;
- Coordinates the collection, processing, evaluation and dissemination of geospatial data including vector, raster and thematic data;
- Conducts geospatial/terrain analysis and predicts the effects of weather and situation on the Mission’s operations;
- Implements quality assurance (QA / QC) procedures for all products generated and disseminated by the Section, including geospatial data and maps.
- Coordinates and conducts satellite imagery user needs assessment with the clients from military, substantive and support components, acquisition and process, interpret and analyze satellite imagery to derive products relevant to Mission’s operation such as change analysis, various thematic maps which include flood and image maps.
- Identifies appropriate geospatial data sources (including open data and big data) for analytics projects.
- Collaborates with data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc.
- Develops and implements geospatial databases, geospatial data collection systems, geospatial data analytics and other strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
- Performs and documents methods, processes and quality assurances of programmed outputs.
- Creates online databases, dynamic web maps and visualization dashboards.
- Carry out feasibility studies relevant to GIS projects, testing and implementation of technological solutions such as Open-Source tools/applications together with user documentation to support mission’s operations
- Collaborate with relevant MINURSO FTS Units to design, implement and maintain Mission’s geospatial information infrastructure including servers and network, large-format plotters and scanners, printers and mobile devices; and leads utilization of geospatial information and mapping including web-based applications developed by UNHQ, UNGSC or MINURSO
- Collaborates with counterparts of MINURSO and other data partners such as UN agencies, International Non-Governmental Organizations and the host nation to collect and share geospatial data,
- Coordinate and encourage data sharing and cooperation between mission headquarters, UNGSC and UN headquarters.
- Provides input and conducts geospatial information training and education programmes for Mission staff;
- Oversees the Geographic Information Unit in mission as required
- Participates in other Mission field work as required;
- Plans and organizes field data collection using GPS and mobile data collection tools.
- Designs, implements and maintains the mission’s geographic database system as well as other geographic information systems and associated services, ensuring appropriate data security and access controls.
- Plans and prepares all GIS-related budget requirements, requisitions and technical evaluations.
- Leads the development of geographic information and mapping applications including web-based applications;
- Oversees the design and development of the Section/Unit’s websites.
- Manages junior staff and consultants in carrying out technical tasks in the Section / Unit.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies– Professionalism: Advanced technical qualifications and broad knowledge of geographic information and its related matters; recognized expert in the field; ability to integrate knowledge with the Organization’s broader strategic, policy and operational objectives; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand geographic information applications for field operations such as UN peace operations and mapping in general; ability to establish priorities, direct others in the execution of the programme and ensure timely delivery of results. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to geographic information and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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. – Technological Awareness: In-depth knowledge of the latest technological developments in geographic information, image processing, Global Positioning System (GPS) and web applications. Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in geoinformatics (geomatics), geospatial information, Earth sciences, remote sensing or other related geoscience field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in 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 database design and development, spatial analysis, mapping, web services development or programming languages) and project management tools is required. At least 3 years supervisory experience in a UN field operations technical environment is required At least one (1) year of experience in an international organization, nongovernmental organization, and/or military or police organization in a volatile, conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
AssessmentPreviously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.
Special NoticeThis “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. United Nations is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. 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 FeeTHE 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.