Geospatial Application and Data Analytics Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. Established to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, UNU aims to address pressing global issues that concern the United Nations and its Member States. Over the past fifty years, UNU has built a reputation for impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating knowledge that informs policy and fosters positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, emphasizing its commitment to solving critical global challenges. For more information, visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Geospatial Application and Data Analytics Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the development and application of geospatial and data-driven analytical tools at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH). This position is pivotal in advancing UNU-INWEH’s research, policy engagement, and knowledge dissemination efforts. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining geospatial applications and data visualization products that translate complex environmental data into accessible and policy-relevant outputs. This includes working on tools such as the Flood Mapping Tool, the SDG Policy Support System, and the Watershed Resilience Atlas. The role also involves integrating geospatial data and remote sensing imagery into interactive tools and dashboards, thereby enhancing the Institute’s capacity to generate and communicate scientific knowledge effectively. Additionally, the incumbent will provide technical support to ensure the functionality, performance, and security of digital research infrastructure and platforms, collaborating closely with research teams and IT services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Geospatial Application Development and Cloud Management: Assist in developing and enhancing new mapping and geospatial applications for emerging projects. Maintain and enhance customized geospatial web applications, including the Flood Mapping Tool and the Watershed Resilience Atlas. Support application hosting and server infrastructure using cloud platforms like Google Cloud and AWS. Implement rigorous code backup protocols and version control to ensure system stability. Monitor application performance and conduct debugging to improve code for speed and security.
• Website Enhancement and New Development: Support the technical enhancement and maintenance of research-related digital platforms. Assist in designing and deploying new websites for various UNU-INWEH initiatives. Ensure all web platforms adhere to technical best practices and security protocols.
• Data Analysis and Visualization: Support data analysis for UNU research reports and policy briefs. Design interactive tools and infographics to present complex data. Develop maps and dashboards to visualize spatial data using GIS software. Integrate remote sensing imagery into web visualizations.
• Learning Centre Platform Management: Implement design and functional upgrades to the learning management system to improve user experience. Manage the technical architecture and maintenance of the online learning center.
• Technical ICT Support for Research Operations: Provide ICT support to academic teams, assisting with research software setup and troubleshooting. Facilitate academic collaboration by maintaining SharePoint sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
1) Education and certification: A Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, GIS, data sciences, IT, environmental science/engineering, civil engineering, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may be accepted with a minimum of three years of additional relevant experience. 2) Required skills and experience: A minimum of one year of post-Master's relevant technical experience in web/application development and cloud infrastructure management is required; or three years of relevant post-Bachelor's experience. Experience in developing and maintaining web applications and managing cloud environments is essential. Knowledge of version control systems and experience in administering Learning Management Systems is also required. 3) Desirable skills and experience: Experience in full-stack development using Python and the Django framework, proficiency in GIS software, and backend website maintenance are advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, geographic information systems (GIS), data sciences, IT, environmental science/engineering, civil engineering, or relevant fields related to the position responsibilities is required. A Bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree, provided it is accompanied by a minimum of three years of additional relevant post-bachelor's experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of post-Master's relevant technical experience in web/application development, cloud infrastructure management, and system maintenance. Alternatively, a minimum of three years of relevant post-Bachelor's experience is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in developing, deploying, and maintaining web applications and managing cloud hosting environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility for renewal based on requirements and satisfactory performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six years, and the mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years. The position offers an attractive compensation package, including an annual net salary, 30 days of annual leave, and a health insurance scheme. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date, and late entries will not be accepted.