Geospatial Data Analyst Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, also known as UN-Habitat, was established in 1978 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization focuses on promoting sustainable urban development and improving living conditions in cities around the world. With a mission to provide leadership and encourage partnership in the sustainable development of urban areas, UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries and employs more than 1,000 staff members. The organization plays a crucial role in global monitoring of urban development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Geospatial Data Analyst Consultant will be part of the Data and Analytics Unit under the Knowledge and Innovation branch of UN-Habitat. This position is crucial for processing statistics based on geospatial data analysis for 300 selected cities across various world regions, specifically focusing on SDGs 11.2.1, 11.3.1, and 11.7.

• The consultant will contribute to the development of methodologies for urban data generation, assist in capacity building for countries to utilize these methods, and support continuous reporting on urban-related indicators. The role requires collaboration with the geospatial data lead and involves providing technical contributions to delineate urban boundaries, processing statistics, and training on SDG methodologies. The consultant will also be involved in the development of machine learning models for housing stock estimation and will play a key role in enhancing the global knowledge base on urban indicators and statistics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical contributions to the delineation of urban boundaries for the calculation of SDG indicators 11.2.1, 11.3.1, and 11.7.1 based on the DEGURBA approach.
• Processing statistics for the aforementioned SDG indicators.
• Training, executing, and validating machine learning models developed by the Data and Analytics Unit for housing stock estimation.
• Developing scripts for spatial data analysis and supporting automation processes.
• Contributing to capacity-building efforts, including training sessions on SDG 11 methodologies.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure accurate and up-to-date data generation for national and global reporting on urban development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in remote sensing, geographic information systems, urban planning, geography, or a closely related field. Additionally, at least 2 years of experience in spatial data analysis, image interpretation, data extraction from satellite imagery, and map creation and digitization is required. High proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing software such as ArcGIS, ArcGIS online, QGIS, Erdas Imagine, ENVI, and Google Earth Engine is essential. Experience as a spatial data analyst is desirable, and knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is highly desirable. Familiarity with GIS programming skills, geostatistical workflows, and GIS online systems will be considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in relevant fields such as remote sensing, geographic information systems, urban planning, or geography is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the tasks effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in spatial data analysis, which includes working with satellite imagery, image interpretation, and data extraction. Candidates should have a proven track record of creating and digitizing maps, as well as experience in using GIS and remote sensing software. Experience working as a spatial data analyst is preferred, and familiarity with the SDGs will enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this consultancy position. While not a requirement, knowledge of any other UN language will be considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration within the international context of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, but it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.