Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Global Geospatial Information Management Section (GGIMS), Environment Statistics and Geospatial Information Branch (ESGIB), Statistics Division (SD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Geospatial Information Officer reports to the Chief of the Global Geospatial Information Management Section. The Statistics Division is mandated to provide strategic oversight and policy and operational support to the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre (UN-GGKIC) based in Deqing, China. The Centre’s overarching goal is to work towards the ambitions of implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN IGIF) set by Member States, to develop capacity, promote and support the required innovation, leadership, coordination and standards to develop, strengthen, integrate and deliver national geospatial information policy, data, systems, tools, services and capabilities into their national government development policies, strategies and arrangements. Further information of the Statistics Division is available on the following website: https://unstats.un.org/

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Section, the Geospatial Information Officer is responsible for the following duties: • Takes the lead to implement programmes/projects of the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre, including capacity development activities and expert consultations and meetings. • Leads the development of the required innovation, leadership, coordination and standards to develop, strengthen, integrate and deliver national geospatial information policy, data, systems, tools, services and capabilities into their national government development policies, strategies and arrangements. • Undertakes programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; prepares and reviews relevant documents and reports; assists in identifying priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. • Translates organizational needs into analytics and reporting requirements to support decisions, strategies and workflows with geospatial data and information. • Leads and oversees the technical aspects of geospatial information management tools and resources, and development of new approaches to respond to the delivery of the overarching goal of the Centre and organizational needs. • Implements and documents processes, effective practices, tools and quality assurances so that Centre’s programmes/projects are managed in an efficient way, promoted and embraced by all potential stakeholders. • Provides technical inputs for the development of methodologies for geospatial information analysis, baseline data collection, definition of geospatial information products and services to support the overarching goal of the Centre. • Provides operational, technical and analytical expertise to programmes/projects and colleagues within the Centre by understanding how to apply geospatial information management principles and practices. • Evaluates needs, identifies collaboration and support the operationalization of partnerships. • Keep track of trends and developments in geospatial analysis technologies, practices, tools, etc. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of and ability to implement the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches with respect to integrated geospatial information management development. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in geography, geospatial information, earth sciences, or another related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in geospatial information management, applied spatial analytics, earth observations, mapping, data visualization, stakeholder management or related area is required. Experience in using geospatial data and information to guide decisions, develop strategic direction and oversee execution is required. Experience in geospatial information and technologies management such as database management, spatial analysis, mapping, programming languages, enterprise management, development of geospatial methodologies and/or quality control is required. Experience in intergovernmental bodies or organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a Project-funded post. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, and extension of the mandate. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.