Geospatial Information Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre (UN-GGKIC), which is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Centre aims to advance the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) as set by Member States. It focuses on developing capacity, promoting innovation, and supporting leadership and coordination to strengthen national geospatial information policies and capabilities. The organization is committed to integrating geospatial information into national development strategies and institutional arrangements, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of data and systems used by governments.

Job Overview:
The Geospatial Information Officer plays a crucial role in leading projects and activities at the UN-GGKIC, ensuring alignment with the agreed work plan. This includes providing policy guidance, facilitating knowledge sharing, and overseeing technical and capacity development activities. The officer is responsible for developing approaches and guidance to integrate national geospatial information into government policies and strategies. The role also involves preparing position papers and reports for various committees and translating organizational needs into actionable analytics and reporting requirements. The officer will oversee technical aspects of geospatial tools and resources, implement best practices, and provide operational and analytical expertise to support the Centre's goals. Additionally, the officer will evaluate needs, identify partnerships, and stay updated on trends in geospatial analysis and technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Geospatial Information Officer will lead the implementation of projects and activities in accordance with the work plan, including policy guidance and knowledge sharing. Responsibilities include developing approaches for national geospatial information integration, preparing reports for advisory committees, translating organizational needs into analytics, overseeing technical aspects of geospatial tools, documenting processes and best practices, providing technical inputs for methodologies, and evaluating needs for partnerships. The officer will also keep track of trends in geospatial analysis and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the operational focus of the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. They should be able to provide technical advice for policy development and implementation, produce reports on technical issues, and apply UN regulations in work situations. Professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in geography, geospatial information, Earth sciences, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in geospatial information management, applied spatial analytics, surveying and mapping, data visualization, and stakeholder management is required. Candidates should have experience in national geospatial information management and policy development, as well as in using geospatial data for decision-making and strategic direction. Experience in geospatial technologies management, team and project management, and applying geospatial information to monitor progress toward Sustainable Development Goals is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but English is the primary requirement for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an extrabudgetary-funded project of finite duration, with an initial appointment period of one year. The appointment may be renewed subject to the availability of the post or funds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to strict standards regarding the conduct of its staff.