National AFOLU GIS/MRV Specialist

Organizational Context

Papua New Guinea is implementing a GCF-REDD+ Results-Based Payment Pilot Programme to enhance its National REDD+ Strategy and forest/land-use monitoring systems. FAO supports the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and national partners in strengthening the Satellite Land Monitoring System (SLMS) and AFOLU MRV functions. This initiative aims to improve climate reporting, REDD+ implementation, NDC progress monitoring, and readiness for future climate finance. The role involves maintaining a practical GIS function within the CCDA SLMS Laboratory.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to strengthen national AFOLU GIS and MRV systems by applying GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data management techniques for forest and land-use monitoring. The position will contribute to national climate reporting, REDD+ implementation, and NDC progress monitoring. It involves supporting forest monitoring, land-use mapping, and geospatial analysis. Additionally, the specialist will provide technical coordination, capacity development, and knowledge management to enhance the institutional and technical capabilities of government counterparts and partner institutions.

Responsibilities

Compile and organize spatial and activity data for AFOLU components of BTR, National Communication, and REDD+ FRL processes. Prepare maps, statistics, and technical inputs for national MRV reporting. Support monitoring of NDC AFOLU actions and progress. Maintain MRV data inventories and supporting documentation. Coordinate technical reviews with contributing agencies. Support SLMS laboratory operations, including data inventories, organization, and archiving. Develop and update GIS/MRV workflows and standard operating procedures. Provide day-to-day GIS, remote-sensing, and data-management support and training. Coordinate the QA/QC and integration of external datasets. Support the preparation and QA/QC of forest cover benchmark and annual forest state datasets. Compile and review data for forest classification, change, and degradation. Support the development of time-series land-use, commodity, plantation, and road-network datasets. Analyze spatial relationships between deforestation/degradation and drivers. Prepare risk factors and allocation-support layers for REDD+ nesting and benefit sharing. Review MRV data requirements for ART-TREES, TFFF, and GCF RBP2. Prepare MRV data packages and work plans for readiness initiatives. Update MRV content on the national REDD+ website. Prepare user guidance and training materials for knowledge management.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, spatial database management, forest and land-use monitoring, and/or AFOLU MRV systems. Experience supporting national climate reporting, REDD+ implementation, NDC monitoring, or similar environmental programmes is highly desirable. Proficiency in GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote-sensing/geospatial tools (e.g., Google Earth Engine, Collect Earth).

Skills

Strong technical knowledge and practical experience in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and geospatial data management. Proven ability to analyze, manage, and interpret geospatial data for forest and land-use monitoring and environmental reporting. Experience supporting AFOLU MRV systems, REDD+ initiatives, or climate change mitigation programmes. Ability to prepare high-quality technical outputs, including maps, spatial databases, reports, and documentation. Experience in capacity development and knowledge management is an asset. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in GIS and remote-sensing software is essential.

Explore related opportunities