GIS Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 6 million registered Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, focusing on helping these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions. UNRWA's services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it seeks individuals who are passionate about contributing to this mission.

Job Overview:
The GIS Expert will play a crucial role in supporting UNRWA’s Relief and Social Services Department by enhancing the visualization and utilization of geospatial datasets related to displacement, social services, and community infrastructure. This position requires close collaboration with various UNRWA units and field offices to improve geospatial data collection, management, and visualization capabilities. The GIS Expert will be responsible for setting up and operationalizing an ESRI ArcGIS Online account, providing technical supervision and mentorship to a GIS Intern, and coordinating with relevant UNRWA units to integrate GIS tools and workflows across departments. The role also involves developing a displacement data map visualization, improving primary and field data collection processes, and updating existing UNRWA geospatial data. The GIS Expert will ensure compliance with UNRWA's data protection and confidentiality standards while delivering high-quality geospatial solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordination and Management: Establish and operationalize an ESRI ArcGIS Online account for UNRWA. Provide technical supervision and mentorship to a GIS Intern, ensuring alignment of tasks with project objectives and UNRWA data management standards. Coordinate with relevant UNRWA units (data, GIS, IM, and field offices) to integrate GIS tools and workflows across departments. Deliverables include an operational ArcGIS Online account, supervision and progress reports of GIS intern activities, and periodic updates on GIS-related activities.
• Development of UNRWA Displacement Data Map Visualization: Assess existing data structures for displacement within Power BI and related systems. Explore technical options for linking Power BI and ArcGIS Online to produce interactive and dynamic visualizations. Design and implement an interactive dashboard/map visualizing UNRWA displacement data while ensuring compliance with UNRWA's data protection, confidentiality, and information-sharing standards. Deliverables include a prototype and final version of the interactive displacement dashboard and user guidance for maintenance and updates.
• Improve Primary and Field Data Collection by UNRWA Staff: Review current field data collection processes across relevant departments. Design a standardized data collection form or entry guide tailored to UNRWA’s displacement and infrastructure datasets. Conduct capacity-building sessions for UNRWA field staff on standardized geospatial data collection, quality assurance, and upload workflows. Deliverables include standardized data collection tools, training materials, and conducted capacity-building sessions.
• Update and Complete Existing UNRWA Geospatial Data: Review and catalogue existing UNRWA geospatial datasets. Recommend appropriate tools and platforms for geospatial data hosting and maintenance, including OpenStreetMap integration. Facilitate collaborative “mapathons” events in partnership with academic institutions and volunteer mapping networks to enhance UNRWA geospatial layers. Deliverables include recommendations for data hosting, collection and management solutions, updated UNRWA geospatial datasets, and documentation of mapathon activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Geoinformation Science, Disaster Management, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field. They should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data visualization within humanitarian, development, or research contexts. Proven experience managing ArcGIS Online environments, including Story Maps, Dashboards, and web-based applications, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate a record of designing and managing geospatial analyses in complex humanitarian and conflict-affected contexts. Experience in capacity building, including the design and facilitation of GIS training workshops and the development of user-friendly tools for non-technical staff, is required. Familiarity with open-source data ecosystems such as OpenStreetMap, HDX, and Copernicus, as well as experience organizing community mapping or “mapathon” events, is an asset. A solid understanding of data protection and confidentiality standards in humanitarian contexts is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Geoinformation Science, Disaster Management, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of geospatial data and its application in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data visualization. This experience should be within humanitarian, development, or research contexts, demonstrating the ability to manage complex geospatial projects effectively.

Languages:
A strong command of English, both spoken and written, is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from 15 November to 31 December 2025, with an overall remuneration set at 15,000 USD. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Additionally, the UN does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.