Closing date: Friday, 23 January 2015
Unit/Department: UNOSAT / Research Department
Type of contract: Individual Contractor (IC)
Date of issuance: 12 January 2015
Deadline for applications: 23 January 2015
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract
period: February 2015 to December 2015. An initial contract will be
issued for a probationary period of 3 months and based on satisfactory
performance, extended to 31 December 2015.
Background
UNOSAT is the operational satellite applications programme of the United
Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It is a
technology-intensive programme active since 2000 in applied research and
innovative applications relating to geospatial information technology
and satellite analysis, and mapping.
UNOSAT also delivers to his beneficiaries tailor made training courses
on the use of geo-information technology for humanitarian aid, human
security, disaster risk management, territorial planning and
environmental monitoring.
UNOSAT is in charge of the implementation of a regional capacity
development project on the use of geo-information technologies for
disaster risk reduction in the Horn of Africa. The main outcome is to
develop the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
capacities in the field of geo-information technologies. The incumbent
will be based in Nairobi and will be tasked to support UNOSAT in the
preparation and delivery of training courses, to provide technical
backstopping to IGAD specialized programmes such as ICPAC, ICPALD,
CEWARN and IGAD Somalia and to gather relevant datasets for disaster
risk reduction, including proper metadata for the establishment and
implementation of an IGAD Geo-Portal.
During the duration of the contract the individual contractor will be
expected to achieve specific outputs and deliverables and will work in
close collaboration with both the Specialist in charge of regional
liaison and the UNOSAT team in Geneva in the execution of the IGAD
project. The main language used for project material, deliverables and
overall communication is English.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the UNOSAT Specialist based in Nairobi
the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Assist the
design and implementation of training and capacity development
activities by:
- Assessing
the training needs of IGAD staff through conducting needs assessments,
interviews and regular surveys and provide technical support to IGAD
specialized agencies including the IGAD Secretariat;
- Assisting in the preparation of training material and implementation of training activities including delivery of modules;
- Reviewing,
collecting and collating, relevant datasets for disaster risk reduction
in the IGAD region, including accurate metadata and expanding the data
repository;
- Supporting GIS-database creation and all required tasks to establish and implement the IGAD Geo-Portal;
- Assisting towards the dissemination and access of GIS data, maps and web-services, including web-mapping and data feed;
- Providing inputs and
suggestions for suitable uptake of gained knowledge into on-going and
future IGAD services and products including maps;
- Assisting the specialist in charge of project regional liaison in outreach and awareness raising activities;
- Providing monthly
progress reports to UNOSAT management on project implementation
according to individual work plan and project activity plan;
- Ensuring close liaison, technical backstopping and support to IGAD technical focal points including the core IGAD GIS team;
- Assisting and providing inputs for evaluation and monitoring of project related activities;
- Undertake
any other business related to the project as may be recommended by the
project steering committee and agreed by UNITAR/UNOSAT management.
- Supporting, when required, UNOSAT team with GIS analysis and mapping in case of major disasters and/or complex emergencies.
- Take turn as 24/7 On-Call Officer.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution
of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various
methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct
independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and
experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic
sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply
judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage
conflicting priorities. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting
commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; 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.
- Planning & Organizing:
Based on the supervision received, develops clear goals that are
consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and
assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities as required;
allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time
efficiently.
- Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is
willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
very good inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal
with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven
ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment
with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Technological Awareness:
Keeps abreast of technology development; understands applicability and
limitations of satellite technology to the work of the Programme;
understand satellite imagery/data commercial distribution and licensing
systems; possess good knowledge of technicalities of earth observation,
satellite data and geographic information systems; shows willingness to
learn new technology applications.
- 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; strong interpersonal and communication skills including
facilitation skills in training related activities.
Qualifications
Education: University
degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in Geography, Geo-informatics,
Engineering, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Urban/Territorial
Planning or related discipline.
Experience: A
minimum of three years of work experience in disaster risk reduction,
climate change, environment, spatial planning or related fields with
demonstrated experience in GIS/RS including web-mapping applications.
Previous experience in training design, develop and delivery in the
field of geospatial information technology will be considered an asset.
Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English.
Remuneration
Monthly fee of USD $3,500
Remarks
General conditions of contracts for the service of individual contractors apply.
How to apply
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible
after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in
the vacancy announcement. A letter of motivation as well as the UN P11
form/ Curriculum Vitae are to be sent at unosat@unitar.org. Kindly
indicate ‘UNOSAT GIS Officer NBO Application' in the email subject
line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your
understanding.
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