Consultant on development of potential pond retention location methods

Result of ServiceThe objectives of this consultancy assignment are to: a. Develop methods based on big data and AI to identify the potential locations of the retention ponds in the Cimanuk-Cisanggarung Water Basin. b. Improve flood mitigation and water management knowledge to enhance resilience against climate change impacts. c. Support SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation by ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water resources. d. Encourage decision-making based on data regarding environmental issues and disaster management. e. Contribute to enhancing the environmental and economic sustainability of local communities and stakeholders. The primary focus will be on contributing to the following SDG targets: Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes. Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation, as appropriate. Under the supervision of the Chief of Section (SAS) and Project Manager, the Consultant will undertake the following tasks: 1. Consult with and train local government stakeholders. 2. Organize and deliver capacity development activities for technical experts and other stakeholders. Work LocationRemote Expected duration15/10/25-15/04/26 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Space Application Section (SAS) of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD) is implementing the Asia-Pacific Plan of Action on Space Applications for Sustainable Development (2018-2030), which was formulated by ESCAP member States in 2018. As ESCAP progresses towards the second phase of the Plan of Action, the innovative use of digital technology and geospatial information system will play an essential role in developing new and emerging sustainable development solutions. Integrated geospatial data applications have the potential to provide innovative pathways to support a comprehensive evaluation of the progress being made toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this project, ESCAP is focusing on bridging regional resources in geospatial information applications to support space and mapping agencies and local governments of pilot regions/cities by integrating geospatial data, existing statistics and ground-based information for evaluations, decision-making demonstrations and monitoring the progress and implementation of the SDGs. In 2024, ESCAP conducted the inception workshop on target SDGs identification, needs assessment, and development of action plans for the use of integrated spatiotemporal data in local SDGs monitoring and decision-making in the pilot regions/cities in Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. The primary stakeholders in these pilot areas are the end users in local city governments and ministries, who have limited georeferenced sectoral data and statistics and need support in building their capacity to integrate sectoral data with satellite-derived data for timely situation analysis and decision-making. Based on the results of the inception workshop, ESCAP is working with the National Research and Innovation Agenda of Indonesia (BRIN) to implement the project with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation). The work completed so far includes developing an AI-based model to predict retention pond locations based on DEM characteristics, land use/cover, rainfall, soil type, and other factors. A site and suitability analysis of the study area was also completed. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced degree in engineering, space science, GIS and related fields At least 15 years of working experience in geospatial information applications working with city-level decision-makers and policymakers, capacity development, SDG monitoring, and mapping. Knowledge and experience in tropical Asia are required. At least 10 years of experience in Indonesia is required. Capacity development, big Earth data analysis, remote sensing, proficiency in geospatial data analysis software. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Working proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.