UN-Habitat Land GIS Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN-HABITAT is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting sustainable urban development and improving living conditions in cities and towns. The organization focuses on issues such as housing, urban planning, and land governance. Established in 1978, UN-HABITAT operates in numerous countries worldwide, working to ensure that all people have access to adequate housing and sustainable urban environments. The agency collaborates with national and local governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement its mission and objectives, which include fostering inclusive and sustainable urbanization, enhancing urban resilience, and promoting effective land governance.

Job Overview:
The UN-Habitat Land GIS Specialist position is designed to address the pressing challenges faced by Angola, particularly in the context of significant numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons due to various crises, including flooding and regional conflicts. The specialist will leverage advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cadaster tools to analyze migration trends and support the development of a modern cadaster framework that aligns with Angola Vision 205

• This role involves working closely with government entities, UN partners, and local communities to ensure that aid and resources are effectively targeted to the most vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to the recovery and resilience of affected areas. The specialist will also play a crucial role in integrating technology into land governance and management, facilitating dialogues, and ensuring that land information systems are utilized to prevent conflicts and promote peace.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN-Habitat Land GIS Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Analyzing migration trends using GIS and cadaster data to map the distribution of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and host communities in flood-affected and remote areas, identifying priority zones for recovery interventions.
• Supporting the development of a modern cadaster framework that integrates migration dynamics, land use pressures, and environmental vulnerabilities, in line with Angola Vision 205
• Assisting in the design of short- and medium-term aid targeting mechanisms based on spatial analysis to ensure resources reach the most vulnerable populations.
• Contributing to area-based development plans that link land tenure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, early recovery, and conflict prevention.
• Collaborating with the Korean Appraisal Board on data security protocols and capacity building for national land registries.
• Supporting community-police dialogues facilitated by UN-Habitat, providing spatial data and land-use maps to help mediate disputes.
• Participating in inter-agency working groups on displacement, recovery, and resilience.
• Documenting lessons learned and producing technical reports, maps, and presentations for various stakeholders.
• Working closely with the direct supervisor to finalize a work plan that outlines key objectives and activities, including regular check-ins to review progress.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN-Habitat Land GIS Specialist position should possess a strong background in GIS and land management, with a focus on humanitarian and development contexts. They should demonstrate proficiency in spatial analysis and data visualization, as well as experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information effectively are essential. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of land governance issues and the challenges faced by displaced populations in Angola.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in geography, urban planning, land management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in GIS, remote sensing, or data analysis are highly desirable. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of the socio-economic and political context of Angola, particularly regarding land tenure and displacement issues.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in GIS, land management, or a related field, preferably within a humanitarian or development context. Experience working in Angola or similar environments, particularly with displaced populations, is advantageous. Familiarity with international standards and best practices in land governance and urban planning is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of Portuguese is highly desirable, given the local context in Angola. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the communities served.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer role, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges of living in Luanda, including the high cost of living and potential difficulties with basic utilities. The role is full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate the needs of the communities served. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials, and they should be ready to engage actively in the social and cultural life of Luanda while contributing to Angola's development efforts.