GIS specialist - UNOSAT / Research Department, Nairobi

Closing date: Friday, 23 January 2015

Unit/Department: UNOSAT / Research Department

Type of contract: Individual Contractor (IC)

Date of issuance: 12 January 2015

Deadline for applications: 23 January 2015

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

Contract period: February 2015 to December 2015. An initial contract will be issued for a probationary period of 3 months and based on satisfactory performance, extended to 31 December 2015.

Background

UNOSAT is the operational satellite applications programme of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It is a technology-intensive programme active since 2000 in applied research and innovative applications relating to geospatial information technology and satellite analysis, and mapping.

UNOSAT also delivers to his beneficiaries tailor made training courses on the use of geo-information technology for humanitarian aid, human security, disaster risk management, territorial planning and environmental monitoring.

UNOSAT is in charge of the implementation of a regional capacity development project on the use of geo-information technologies for disaster risk reduction in the Horn of Africa. The main outcome is to develop the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) capacities in the field of geo-information technologies. The incumbent will be based in Nairobi and will be tasked to support UNOSAT in the preparation and delivery of training courses, to provide technical backstopping to IGAD specialized programmes such as ICPAC, ICPALD, CEWARN and IGAD Somalia and to gather relevant datasets for disaster risk reduction, including proper metadata for the establishment and implementation of an IGAD Geo-Portal.

During the duration of the contract the individual contractor will be expected to achieve specific outputs and deliverables and will work in close collaboration with both the Specialist in charge of regional liaison and the UNOSAT team in Geneva in the execution of the IGAD project. The main language used for project material, deliverables and overall communication is English.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UNOSAT Specialist based in Nairobi the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Assist the design and implementation of training and capacity development activities by:

• Assessing the training needs of IGAD staff through conducting needs assessments, interviews and regular surveys and provide technical support to IGAD specialized agencies including the IGAD Secretariat;
• Assisting in the preparation of training material and implementation of training activities including delivery of modules;
• Reviewing, collecting and collating, relevant datasets for disaster risk reduction in the IGAD region, including accurate metadata and expanding the data repository;
• Supporting GIS-database creation and all required tasks to establish and implement the IGAD Geo-Portal;
• Assisting towards the dissemination and access of GIS data, maps and web-services, including web-mapping and data feed;
• Providing inputs and suggestions for suitable uptake of gained knowledge into on-going and future IGAD services and products including maps;
• Assisting the specialist in charge of project regional liaison in outreach and awareness raising activities;
• Providing monthly progress reports to UNOSAT management on project implementation according to individual work plan and project activity plan;
• Ensuring close liaison, technical backstopping and support to IGAD technical focal points including the core IGAD GIS team;
• Assisting and providing inputs for evaluation and monitoring of project related activities;
• Undertake any other business related to the project as may be recommended by the project steering committee and agreed by UNITAR/UNOSAT management.
• Supporting, when required, UNOSAT team with GIS analysis and mapping in case of major disasters and/or complex emergencies.
• Take turn as 24/7 On-Call Officer.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; 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.
• Planning & Organizing: Based on the supervision received, develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• 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; very good inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of technology development; understands applicability and limitations of satellite technology to the work of the Programme; understand satellite imagery/data commercial distribution and licensing systems; possess good knowledge of technicalities of earth observation, satellite data and geographic information systems; shows willingness to learn new technology applications.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; strong interpersonal and communication skills including facilitation skills in training related activities.

Qualifications

Education: University degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in Geography, Geo-informatics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Urban/Territorial Planning or related discipline.

Experience: A minimum of three years of work experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change, environment, spatial planning or related fields with demonstrated experience in GIS/RS including web-mapping applications. Previous experience in training design, develop and delivery in the field of geospatial information technology will be considered an asset.

Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English.

Remuneration

Monthly fee of USD $3,500

Remarks

General conditions of contracts for the service of individual contractors apply.

How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. A letter of motivation as well as the UN P11 form/ Curriculum Vitae are to be sent at unosat@unitar.org. Kindly indicate 'UNOSAT GIS Officer NBO Application' in the email subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.