National AFOLU GIS/MRV Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization also works to ensure that gender equality and women's empowerment are central to its efforts.

Job Overview:
The National AFOLU GIS/MRV Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting Papua New Guinea's implementation of the Green Climate Fund REDD Results-Based Payment Pilot Programme. This position is primarily focused on enhancing the national systems for forest and land-use monitoring, measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV). The Specialist will be responsible for strengthening the Satellite Land Monitoring System (SLMS) and the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) MRV functions. This includes providing technical support for national climate reporting, REDD implementation, and monitoring progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The role requires a hands-on approach to GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data management, ensuring that reliable data is available for national reporting and program implementation. The Specialist will also be involved in capacity development and knowledge management to enhance the capabilities of government counterparts and partner institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National AFOLU GIS/MRV Specialist include compiling and organizing spatial, activity, and supporting data for AFOLU components of the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and National Communication. The Specialist will prepare maps, statistics, and technical inputs for national MRV reporting, maintain MRV data inventories, and support coordination with agencies contributing to national AFOLU reporting. Additionally, the Specialist will support the maintenance of SLMS datasets, prepare and update GIS/MRV workflows, and provide day-to-day GIS and data management support to CCDA officers. The role also involves preparing Forest Cover Benchmark Maps, improving land-use datasets, conducting driver analysis for deforestation, and supporting readiness for future climate finance initiatives. The Specialist will prepare technical specifications for large-scale data production and ensure quality assurance and control of datasets produced by external partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Forestry, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Geomatics, or a related discipline. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and spatial database management is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and must be nationals of Papua New Guinea. Familiarity with AFOLU MRV systems and experience in supporting national climate reporting and REDD initiatives are highly desirable. Proficiency in desktop GIS platforms such as ArcGIS or QGIS, as well as experience with remote-sensing tools, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Forestry, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or Geomatics. The degree must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and spatial database management. Candidates should have experience in forest and land-use monitoring, as well as familiarity with Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) MRV systems. Experience in supporting national climate reporting and REDD initiatives is highly desirable, along with demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality technical outputs and coordinate with government institutions and development partners.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, although English is the primary language of communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, and it may require compliance with residency or visa requirements. The FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities. The appointment will also depend on security clearances and other necessary approvals.