GIS and Renewable Energy Data Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations that was established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and provide a platform for dialogue on critical issues affecting the region. The organization focuses on various areas including sustainable development, climate change, and social justice. It operates in multiple countries across the Middle East and North Africa, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement policies that enhance socio-economic resilience and promote sustainable development. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, and it engages in numerous projects aimed at improving data collection and analysis to support evidence-based policymaking.

Job Overview:
The GIS and Renewable Energy Data Analyst position is integral to a project aimed at improving the mapping and monitoring of solar energy access in ESCWA member states. The role involves reviewing existing datasets on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across several countries, including Djibouti, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. The analyst will apply statistical methods to enhance the accuracy of these datasets and integrate socio-economic GIS layers to facilitate better data-driven analysis. This position is expected to contribute significantly to the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will aid in evidence-based policymaking for climate action and socio-economic resilience. The analyst will work closely with government officials and policymakers, providing them with the necessary tools and insights to make informed decisions regarding energy access and climate policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GIS and Renewable Energy Data Analyst will have a range of responsibilities, including: 1) Reviewing and assessing existing geospatial datasets of detected solar PV systems in the specified countries to identify inconsistencies, data gaps, duplicates, quality issues, and potential sources of uncertainty. 2) Conducting a comprehensive review of the solar PV geospatial datasets, focusing on data quality, completeness, spatial accuracy, attribute consistency, metadata availability, and reliability. 3) Preparing a comprehensive final technical report and presentation that summarizes the methodology applied, improvements made to the datasets, analytical findings, limitations, and recommendations for future updates. 4) Collaborating with the Project Coordinator and other team members to ensure that the project objectives are met effectively and efficiently. 5) Contributing to the development of tools and methodologies for data processing and validation, ensuring that the outputs are aligned with the project goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in statistics, mathematics, GIS, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in data analytics related to energy or renewable energy, with demonstrated professional experience working on energy datasets being essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master’s degree in a relevant field such as statistics, mathematics, or GIS. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of relevant work experience to qualify. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of data analysis and geospatial information systems, which are central to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in data analytics, specifically related to energy or renewable energy sectors. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with energy datasets, demonstrating their ability to analyze and improve data quality and accuracy. This level of experience is essential for effectively contributing to the project’s objectives and ensuring that the data-driven analysis is robust and reliable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of Arabic should be at a 'confident' level in at least two of the four areas, which will enhance communication and collaboration within the team and with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be conducted remotely and has a duration of two months. 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 also emphasizes that it does not require any information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.