GEOSPATIAL ANALYST

Organizational Setting

This position is located in FAO Representation to Pakistan, based in Country office in Islamabad. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments using geospatial technologies to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The position is on SB 3 SC 6.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Pakistan, and Direct Supervision of Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), the incumbent will carry out the following tasks.

Technical Focus

Geographic Information Systems/Remote Sensing. 
Conduct GIS and RS assessment and provide technical guidance and support to project staff on GIS and RS data collection, processing, and analysis.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Perform image processing activities within the unit for all kinds of multi sensor satellite imagery including high resolution multispectral imagery to support FAO’s programme in the country.
•    Support and maintain the development of both static and dynamic map applications at national level.
•    Maintain and update databases of operational information and presence map geo-spatial operational information (access areas per activity, distribution points, warehouses etc.)
•    Update and produce post distribution overview summary map, and respond to ad-hoc map generating needs, in accordance to UN standards.
•    Leverage on NASA, Sentinel & other open-source resources for download & processing of flood data to develop flood inundation maps to aid in planning mitigation measures & decision making.
•    Preparing training materials, tutorials & presentations & undertake cross training by providing training to government counterparts to ensure technological awareness & understanding regarding field data collection, imagery geo processing techniques, methodology & associated capabilities. 
•    Investigate and propose new remote sensing techniques & develop new imagery derived products using the available imagery data & resources in emergency situation.
•    Performing quality control & quality assurance of all GIS products maintained by GIS unit through established QC / QA processes.
•    Liaise with FAO HQ and Regional Office (RAP) to support in uploading geospatial data, maps and associated materials to the common GIS space and linked to FAO’s official website (HiH) as needed.
•    Ensure the highest quality standards for satellite imagery derived geospatial products through GIS web services.
•    Support in crop type mapping using machine learning processes with minimum supervision.
•    Facilitate drafting of new LoAs and amendment of old LoAs with Agriculture Departments and tracking their technical perspectives. 
•    Generation of maps for day-to-day activities, such as route mapping, and logistics assistance.
•    Maintenance of common as well as mission operational geodatabase and map catalogue, including replication & synchronization.
•    Participate in coordination meetings and support team’s internal and external communication activities.
•    Any other task assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in GIS and/or Remote Sensing 
•    Minimum five years of experience in applications of remote sensing for monitoring agriculture, land resources evaluation and/or other natural resources studies
•    Working knowledge of English and Urdu 
•    National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiar with FAO’s structure and work, and FAO specific GIS architecture.
•    Proven experience in using ArcGIS (desktop and online) for spatial analysis and mapping; experience using QGIS highly desirable.
•    Proven experience in spatial data collection and management.
•    Experience working in humanitarian context is highly desirable.
•    Experience in GIS-related programming (ArcPy or equivalent) to automate regular tasks is desirable.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of objectives and function of technical programmes as well as of FAO and/or UN operational guidelines and procedures.
•    Capacity to manage tasks in a systematic and efficient manner with judgment, analysis, independence and initiative.
•    Demonstrated ability to establish good working relationship and team spirit both inside the Organization and with external partners such as government officers, UN partners, donors or NGOs.
•    Ability to use computer software such as MS Office and other project management software and database.
•    Previous experience in the UN system and excellent skills in written and verbal English language will be a strong asset.
•    Knowledge of FAO’s project management systems is an asset.
•    Prior knowledge in monitoring agriculture and geospatial-based projects and programmes.
•    Competence in spatial data handling, analysis, GIS and cartography.
•    Proven communication skills and fluency in the English language.

Selection Criteria

•    Proficient in the use of GIS/RS softwares such as ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, Erdas Imagine, QGIS, Google Earth Engine and programming languages such as Python and SQL.
•    Experience in Geostatistical modelling, spatial modelling and spatial database management.
•    Knowledge of the areas of work of FAO.
•    Experience on using a programming language (e.g. Python, GEE API) for spatial data analysis.
•    Ability to apply techniques on data cleaning.
•    Proven experience on writing technical documentation.
•    Quality of both oral and written communication skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION