Geospatial Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency 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 Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) plays a crucial role in supporting member countries in accessing resources and implementing programs that align with global strategic visions, particularly in the areas of climate change, resilience, land, and water management.

Job Overview:
The Geospatial Data Specialist position is integral to the FAO-RAP Climate Change, Resilience, Land and Water Module (CRLWM). The specialist will provide technical expertise in geospatial analysis and satellite data processing, which are essential for project design, implementation, and capacity building in member countries. The role involves working closely with national agencies and stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for sustainable-land-management" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">sustainable land management and agricultural resilience. The specialist will also contribute to the development of innovative geospatial tools and methodologies that enhance the adaptive capacity of agricultural practices in line with global climate commitments. This position requires a strong understanding of spatial analysis and remote sensing techniques, as well as the ability to communicate complex data effectively to various audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Geospatial Data Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including conducting technical assessments to identify suitable satellite imagery and geospatial datasets for projects. The specialist will perform satellite image pre-processing tasks such as mosaicking, atmospheric correction, and object-based image analysis. Additionally, the role involves developing and refining methodological approaches for spatial data analysis, creating and maintaining geospatial databases, and ensuring data quality control. The specialist will also develop geospatial solutions for monitoring natural resources and environmental changes, support the creation of innovative geospatial tools using cloud computing platforms, and prepare technical reports and guidelines documenting spatial analysis activities. Other responsibilities include disseminating geospatial data through various formats, updating geospatial content on FAO platforms, and integrating field measurements with remote sensing data for improved analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Geography, Geographical Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Water Resource Management, Climate Change, River Basin Management, or related fields. A minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience for Category C or 5 years for Category B in geospatial assessment is required, particularly in developing country contexts. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English and demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships. Technical skills in geospatial technologies, GIS software, and spatial data analysis are essential, along with experience in producing high-quality maps and visualizations that adhere to organizational standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as Geography, Geographical Information Systems, Remote Sensing, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of geospatial analysis and its applications in sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes at least 1 year of relevant work experience for Category C or 5 years for Category B in geospatial assessment. Candidates should have experience working in developing countries or countries in transition, with a strong emphasis on geospatial technologies and their application in various domains, including GHG emissions and ecosystem services. Experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and providing technical guidance on geospatial technologies is also essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly in the context of working with diverse stakeholders across different countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve working under tight deadlines and requires the ability to deliver quality outputs. The role is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with international teams. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region to support project implementation and stakeholder engagement.