Geospatial Information Officer (Earth Observation and Water Monitoring), Temporary, 80% part-time
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) promotes international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. It implements programs focused on space science and technology for sustainable development, including disaster management and emergency response through UN-SPIDER. This role is within the Space Applications Section in Vienna, reporting to the Chief of Section.
Job Purpose
This role supports the Central Asia Water and Land Nexus (CAWLN) Programme by developing and delivering Earth Observation (EO) and geospatial services for water accounting, agricultural monitoring, and land degradation analysis. The incumbent will coordinate the Space4Water initiative, integrating CAWLN resources into its portal and disseminating them globally. Responsibilities include advising Member States and partners on integrating EO services into policy, ensuring inter-agency coordination, preparing reports, and representing UNOOSA at international forums. The role also involves supervising staff and consultants, managing projects, and utilizing data visualization for planning and decision-making.
Responsibilities
Support the management and planning of the CAWLN Programme's Component 2, developing EO and geospatial services for water accounting, agricultural monitoring, land degradation, and drought/flood risk analysis in Central Asian basins. Coordinate the Space4Water initiative, integrating CAWLN methodologies and resources into its portal and global dissemination. Supervise staff and consultants, ensuring compliance with UN rules. Provide expert advice to Member States and international partners on integrating EO services into water and land management policies. Ensure inter-agency coordination to mainstream EO applications into food security, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development agendas. Prepare analytical reports, donor submissions, and other publications. Represent UNOOSA at international meetings and conferences. Analyze data using visualization methods for planning and reporting.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of professional experience in implementing geospatial or space-based technology programs for natural resources, agriculture, or environmental monitoring is required. Experience in providing technical support for water management and integrated river basin management is necessary. Experience in designing and implementing capacity-building programs and knowledge transfer activities is also required. Experience with EO, remote sensing, and GIS for agriculture/land management, and within the UN system, is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism in geospatial technologies and space applications for water management, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis. Familiarity with EO/GIS workflows (e.g., ArcGIS/QGIS, Google Earth Engine). Strong planning, organizing, and client orientation skills. Ability to analyze and interpret data for decision-making. Experience in data visualization is beneficial.