Specialist (UNOSAT, research department), P3

Organizational setting and reporting relationships:

The position is located at the UNITAR headquarters. The Specialist works under the supervision of the Senior Specials in charge of UNOSAT operations in close coordination with other staff and individual contractors in the Programme.

Responsibilities:

Within delegated authority, the Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Act as the main focal point for training design and delivery by putting in place and operating the required internal processes for the effective design, coordination, delivery and evaluation of all UNOSAT training activities, including by establishing quality standards, managing input from other experts within UNOSAT and in partner organizations; ensuring the leverage of appropriate synergy and collaboration with other Programmes at UNITAR; overseeing the practical aspects of delivery of UNOSAT training courses in Geneva and in-country, including delivering courses in person; provide UNOSAT management with input and draft material for project proposals and funding requests.

• Oversee UNOSAT in-country capacity development projects by organizing the interaction with requesting countries including by leading inception missions and organizing in-situ technical meetings and workshops; coordinating the design and technical specifications of each project in collaboration with UNOSAT colleagues and national experts; overseeing the planning and practical aspects of the implementation and maintaining the appropriate interaction with UNOSAT management to ensure the deployment of the resources required for each project; ensuring the integration of UNOSAT standard training packages in each in-country project and the design of tailored training packages as necessary; coordinating with UNOSAT management the involvement of UNOSAT experts and contractors in capacity development projects and activities with a view to ensuring that UNOSAT wealth knowledge is transferred to beneficiaries in members states in accordance to the mission of UNITAR, including by conducting technical assistance missions.

• Contribute to UNOSAT mapping and rapid mapping, in-field assessment in crises by joining UNOSAT task groups in charge of producing satellite analysis and mapping during the activation of UNOSAT Humanitarian Rapid Mapping Service as required by the situation and depending on other priorities; contributing imagery analysis and GIS/mapping work; being available to deploy to the field in the aftermath of disasters and during crises to participate in or coordinate data collection and in-situ mapping and database engineering; contributing expertise and time to the development of improved mapping products and services in collaboration with the rest of the team.

• Contribute to applied research on web-based mapping and GIS tools by participating in research and development work done at UNOSAT in the areas of web-supported products and services; acting as the principal UNOSAT interface with the REACH GLOBAL Project Team on development and application aspects of the Project, including when and if possible during REACH operational deployment; supporting with intellectual input UNOSAT research in collaborative mapping and crowd sourcing.

• Performs other duties as required

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Within UNITAR: Other Programmes involved in training and governance and in research.

• Outside UNITAR: Officers and technical staff in relevant UN Secretariat units and in UN funds, programmes and other UN specialized agencies, as well as representatives and experts in member states, other international organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and research institutes.

Results expected:

The result of the work of the incumbent is of strategic importance to the Programme given the increase in demand of UNOSAT products, services in the areas of capacity development, technical assistance and training. The work of the incumbent has direct impact on the Programme in following areas, in order of importance: (a) UNOSAT training and related in-country activities, especially methodology, design, implementation, delivery, monitoring/evaluation; (b) partnerships and collaborations with key institutions relevant to training and capacity development; (c) applied research in the field of web-based mapping and GIS applications; (d) UNOSAT humanitarian rapid mapping and in-field assessment during crises.

• The work of the incumbent is expected to result in the overall control and coordination of the development of training and capacity development methodologies based on the experience of the Programme and user requirements and the overall control and programming of the delivery of training and capacity development courses and activities to end users.
• The second result is the oversight and development of the network of strategic contacts and partnerships with concerned entities within and outside the UN system including universities and research centres. Included in this result is the support to the Programme fund raising efforts with draft project proposals and other written contributions such as background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications.
• The third set of results is the substantive contribution to UNOSAT applied research in the field of web-based mapping and GIS solutions, including crowd sourcing and participatory mapping.
• The fourth expected result is the substantial support to UNOSAT humanitarian rapid mapping activations at times of emergency response. This work requires experience and technical skills in satellite based analysis and mapping including the ability to support field assessment operations (i.e. data collection and damage assessment).

Competencies:

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is able to coordinate effectively teams composed of various colleagues working on a specific task; 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.

Planning & organizing:

• Based on the guidance received from the Manager and the Senior Specialist in charge of operations, develops clear objectives that are consistent with agreed strategic goals; identifies priority activities and assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities and formulates plans 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 and resources efficiently.

Accountability:

• Acts in full consultation and in compliance with instructions from the Manager and the Senior Specialist in charge of operations, takes responsibility for delegated assignments; is accountable and trustworthy on administrative and financial matters requiring professional discretion and restraint; honors commitments by delivering outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports colleagues and takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and shares successes with the team where applicable.

Technological awareness:

• Keeps abreast of technology development and training methodology and delivery techniques; understands applicability and limitations of satellite technology; possesses sound knowledge of remote sensing and satellite data; shows willingness to learn new technology applications.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required;  knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage


Qualifications:

Education/experience:

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in one or more of the following: remote sensing, GIS, geography, or other equivalent related technical field; sound knowledge of disaster management, emergency response, urban and development planning; specialized training in development planning, and disaster management is considered an important asset.
• A minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience at the international level in the fields of geographic information, satellite analysis and any other relevant fields;
• demonstrated experience in project and programme design and implementation including at country level;
• good understanding of the fields of humanitarian affairs, crisis response, prevention and recovery, and development cooperation including field experience;
• demonstrated proficiency in coordinating the organization and implementation of training courses and in-country projects in GIS related topics;
• experience in interacting with training and academic partners and regional entities.

Languages:

• Perfect command of written and oral English is indispensable; other UN official languages are an asset.