Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in Field Technology Section of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Kabul. The Assistant Geospatial Information Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of Chief Field Technology Section.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Assistant Geospatial Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Engage in the timely preparation, maintenance and provision of geospatial information and maps in support of the mission’s operations;
• Collect, process and evaluate geospatial data including vector, raster and thematic data; and compile large-scale operation maps and small-scale briefing/report maps;
• Assist in carrying out geospatial/terrain analysis studies and prediction of the effects of terrain, weather and situation on the mission’s operations;
• Assist in maintaining of the mission’s geo-database system and intranet map services;
• Assist in the sharing of geospatial data with other offices of the mission as well as field offices of other UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs);
• Assist in the timely exchange of geospatial information between the mission and the DFS Cartographic Section;
• Assist to undertake day-to-day geospatial operation matters between the mission and the Geospatial Information Section of the UN Global Service Centre (UNGSC);
• Assist in providing geospatial information training and education programmes for mission staff.
• Liaise with offices/agencies as well as professional geospatial communities of the host nation, including a National Mapping Agency, in order to exchange geospatial data and cooperate/collaborate on geospatial aspects for the needs of mission operations;
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting;
• Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of graphic software, data-analytics, database management systems and cloud platforms. Ability to work with spatial database systems such as ArcSDE or ArcGIS Server. 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.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in geospatial information science, cartography, geography or other disciplines that involve geospatial information related programmes is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

With relevant bachelor’s degree, a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of geospatial information (e.g., geospatial information applications, geospatial database management, geospatial analysis, cartography and mapping, image processing) or related fields is required.

Proficiency in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) software is required.

Experience in development of web mapping applications is required.

Good computer skills in particular Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are required.

Proficiency in the use of GIS applications and Global Positioning System (GPS) is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge in oral and written Pashto or Dari is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.