GIS Impact Assessment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Emergency and Resilience (OER) is a division within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on supporting countries and partners in preparing for and responding to food and agricultural threats and crises. The OER is dedicated to ensuring that effective measures are in place to address emergencies related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural sustainability. The organization operates globally, working in various countries to implement its mission of improving food security and resilience against shocks. The OER is involved in multiple initiatives, including the Data In Emergencies (DIEM) information system, which aims to provide timely and meaningful data on agricultural livelihoods and food security. The OER is committed to using data-driven approaches to inform emergency actions and resilience programming, thereby enhancing the capacity of communities to withstand and recover from crises.

Job Overview:
The GIS Impact Assessment Specialist plays a crucial role in the Data In Emergencies (DIEM) initiative by providing essential remote-sensing and GIS inputs for analyzing the impacts of large-scale natural hazards, conflicts, and other shocks on agriculture. This position requires collaboration with various specialists and stakeholders to ensure that GIS data is effectively integrated into assessments and analyses. The specialist will be responsible for conducting GIS analyses to evaluate agricultural exposure to hazards and the potential impacts on food security and livelihoods. The role also involves contributing to the development of visual and analytical products that communicate findings and support decision-making processes. The specialist will work closely with the OER team and external partners to enhance the quality and relevance of geospatial data used in emergency assessments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GIS Impact Assessment Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: participating in assessment coordination processes following large-scale hazards, exploring existing data and imagery, and proposing technical approaches relevant to the type of hazard; collaborating with FAO needs assessment specialists and country officers to integrate GIS inputs into phased assessments; conducting GIS analysis of agricultural exposure to hazards and potential impacts on livelihoods; supporting the interpretation and validation of remote-sensing outputs; contributing geospatial inputs into DIEM Monitoring; liaising with the NSL geospatial unit for deeper analyses; developing visual and analytical assessment products; ensuring data outputs meet organizational standards; regularly updating geospatial data catalogues; contributing to the development of new geospatial assessment methods; developing automated hazard monitoring applications; nurturing partnerships with lead geospatial organizations; participating in relevant working groups; performing other duties as required; and undertaking travel as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: for consultants, an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, or for PSA subscribers, a relevant educational background in Geographic Information Systems, Geomatics, Geography, Information Science, Agronomy, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in GIS and remote sensing applied to the humanitarian and/or agricultural sector. A working knowledge (level C) of English is required, and familiarity with another UN language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as Geographic Information Systems, Geomatics, Geography, Information Science, Agronomy, or other relevant disciplines. For those with a bachelor's degree, additional professional experience in a related field is necessary to meet the qualifications. The emphasis is on obtaining a degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO, ensuring that candidates possess a solid foundation in the technical aspects of GIS and remote sensing.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in GIS and remote sensing, particularly in contexts related to humanitarian efforts or agricultural applications. This experience should demonstrate the ability to apply GIS techniques effectively in assessing risks, impacts, and recovery monitoring in agricultural settings. Familiarity with the humanitarian remote sensing community and the ability to work in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environments are also essential components of the required experience.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having proficiency in another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in diverse international settings.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be a consultancy role, which may involve specific contract durations and seniority levels. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally, depending on the organization's needs. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the hiring process, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel requirements as part of their duties.