Open-Source Earth Observation Technical Officer

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Position Title: Open-Source Earth Observation Technical Officer
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is a central resource of the United Nations that supports partners in building a better future by providing services that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Established to serve as a project management and procurement resource, UNOPS operates in approximately 125 countries, collaborating with governments, donors, and various UN organizations. The organization is committed to sustainable development and innovation, particularly in the areas of project management and infrastructure services. The Global Portfolios Office (GPO) and New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) are integral parts of UNOPS, supporting the United Nations Secretariat and other partners in delivering on the UN's mandate. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) within UNOPS focuses on peacebuilding and humanitarian operations, combining various portfolios to provide comprehensive support to partners. UNOPS has also established an Innovation Cell to leverage emerging technologies for preventive diplomacy and mediation, enhancing inclusivity in peace processes through innovative tools and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Open-Source Earth Observation Technical Officer will play a crucial role in advancing the United Nations' efforts in utilizing open-source earth observation data for peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with the Innovation Cell and various stakeholders to enhance the functionality and usability of the Geoguard dashboard, which is designed to support conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. This position requires a strong focus on user engagement, technical direction, and staying updated on emerging technologies relevant to the field. The officer will be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for expanding Geoguard, ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of its impact, and facilitating user-testing processes to gather feedback from stakeholders. The role also involves establishing partnerships with academic and technical entities to enhance the project's outcomes and contribute to discussions on project directions and enhancements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for several key functions, including:

• Developing a detailed plan for expanding the Geoguard dashboard, including timelines, resource allocation, and coordination mechanisms with regional desks and partner UN entities.
• Creating regular user-testing and feedback reports to document the process and gather insights from stakeholders.
• Supporting the programme manager in developing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the progress and impact of the Geoguard expansion, including key performance indicators and evaluation methodologies.
• Providing regular updates on project management aspects, including stakeholder engagement strategies and challenges faced.
• Engaging in the establishment of partnerships with academic and technical entities to enhance the project's modeling capabilities for environmental phenomena.
• Contributing to the production of technical documents and research papers focusing on the application of open-source earth observation in peace and security contexts.
• Participating in discussions on project directions and potential enhancements to align with broader organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Economic, Environmental Policy, Political Science, law, or a related field, along with two years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a related field with four years of relevant experience is acceptable. Relevant experience includes managing geospatial projects or conducting research and analysis related to conflict and humanitarian affairs. Desired qualifications include at least one year of experience managing geospatial projects at the international level and training experience for UN staff on open-source geospatial tools.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Environmental Sciences, Economic, Environmental Policy, Political Science, law, or a related area. Candidates with a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a related field are also considered if they have additional relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience defined as managing geospatial projects or conducting research and analysis on issues related to conflict, humanitarian affairs, or disaster risk reduction. Candidates with at least one year of experience managing geospatial projects at the international level, particularly in a peace and security context, are preferred. Training experience for UN staff and stakeholders on open-source geospatial tools is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) on a retainer basis, with a contract duration until 31 October 2025, subject to performance and funding availability. The contract level may vary based on the candidate's residency status. The position encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented groups within the UNOPS workforce. Candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services, and payment will be based on actual work completed. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and all personnel are expected to adhere to UN values and policies.