Geospatial Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Land and Water Division (NSL) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting the sustainable use of land and water resources. Established to address the challenges faced by member countries in managing these vital resources, the NSL focuses on ensuring that agricultural practices meet current and future demands while maintaining the sustainability of land and water quality. The organization operates globally, providing assistance to member nations in developing policies, programs, and best practices related to irrigation, soil conservation, drought mitigation, and equitable access to natural resources. The NSL aims to enhance productivity, livelihoods, and ecosystem services through its initiatives, and it collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The Geospatial Specialist position is integral to the Land and Water Division, focusing on the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies. The specialist will provide technical assistance to project teams and national offices, ensuring that geospatial data is effectively utilized to support agricultural monitoring and resource management. The role involves conducting assessments to identify suitable satellite imagery and geospatial datasets, developing innovative solutions for land and water monitoring, and contributing to national capacity development through guidance and training. The specialist will also be responsible for disseminating geospatial data and preparing technical reports that document the activities and results of their work. This position requires collaboration with various FAO divisions and regional offices, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving the organization's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Geospatial Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including: providing technical assistance in the use of GIS and RS for project support; conducting assessments to identify appropriate satellite imagery and geospatial datasets; developing solutions for land and water monitoring; assisting in satellite image pre-processing and analysis; monitoring land cover according to international standards; developing innovative tools using cloud-computing platforms; contributing to national capacity development by preparing guidance materials; assisting in the publication of geospatial datasets; supporting the development of digital agricultural solutions; innovating data collection methods; collating and analyzing geospatial data; preparing training materials; disseminating geospatial data in various formats; and preparing technical reports and guidelines. The specialist will also perform any other tasks as required by the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: for consultants, an advanced university degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Sciences, or a related field is required, with a bachelor's degree necessitating two additional years of relevant experience. For Personal Services Agreements (PSAs), a technical degree or university degree in the same fields is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least 1 year of relevant experience for Category C, 5 years for Category B, or 10 years for Category A positions, specifically in spatial data handling, satellite data processing, and GIS/RS applications. A working knowledge of English, French, or Spanish is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO in GIS, Geography, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. For consultants with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are necessary. For PSAs, a technical degree or university degree in the same fields is acceptable.

Experience:
Candidates should possess varying levels of experience depending on the category of the position. For Category C, at least 1 year of relevant experience is required; for Category B, 5 years; and for Category A, 10 years. This experience should encompass spatial data handling and analysis, satellite data processing and management, and applications of GIS and remote sensing.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English, French, or Spanish is mandatory for this position. Additionally, familiarity with one of the other two languages or Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is preferred for consultants, with a limited knowledge (level B) being acceptable.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, and may require travel for field missions as relevant. The role emphasizes collaboration with various FAO divisions and regional offices, highlighting the importance of teamwork and effective communication. The contract duration and specific details regarding seniority level, full-time or part-time status, and compensation will be provided during the recruitment process.