Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Field Technology Section (FTS) within the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) based in Mogadishu. The incumbent reports to the Chief of FTS.

Responsibilities

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

• Coordinates the timely preparation, maintenance and provision of geospatial information and maps in support of the mission’s operations; Oversees the collection, processing, evaluation and dissemination of geospatial data. Supervise geospatial/terrain analysis studies and prediction of the effects of terrain, weather and situation on the mission’s operations; Monitors and ensures quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures on all products generated and disseminated by the Section, including geospatial data and maps.

• Provides substantive support to the Chief FTS in the strategic planning, implementation and management of all geospatial information related matters: Assists the Chief in managing the Section, and provides policy support, proposals and options on programmatic/administrative tasks including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting and staff recruitment.

• Coordinates with counterparts in other offices of the mission, ATMIS, UN agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the host nation on collection and sharing of geospatial data; Undertakes the timely exchange of geospatial information between the mission and the Geospatial Information Section, Operations Support Division, OICT; Undertakes day-to-day geospatial operation matters between the mission and the Geospatial Information Section of the UN Global Service Centre (UNGSC).

• Develops and conducts geospatial information training and educational programmes for mission staff; Participates in mission start-up and other field work as required; Manages taskforce team and projects; Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates substantive knowledge and experience in the field of geospatial information. 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.

Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

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

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of geospatial information (e.g., geospatial information applications, geospatial database management, geospatial/terrain analysis, cartography and mapping, image process, GPS and surveying) or related fields is required.

Proficiency in the use of geospatial information systems (GIS) software and applications is required.

At least 2 years’ experience providing services in the field of geospatial information systems to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.

Two years’ managerial experience is desirable.

Familiarity with spatial database systems such as ArcSDE or ArcGIS Server is desirable.

Experience in project management for development of web mapping applications is desirable.

Experience in budget, staffing and performance management and reporting is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English or French, (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

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.

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.