Organizational Setting
FAOโs Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) provides support to its member countries to access resources from various donors and partners through project identification, proposal development and implementation to meet its overall global strategic vision. Working closely with its member countries, RAP ensures multidisciplinary support to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to country and regional priorities.
This work is coordinated at the regional level by the FAO-RAP Climate change, resilience, land and water Module (CRLWM). The Module supports the development and implementation of FAOโs field program across the region and responsible for the technical quality and coherence of projects under the program at national and regional levels. With funding from the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility, the Module in close collaboration with FAO country offices, has developed regional programs on climate smart and resilient agriculture and sustainable rice landscapes. These initiatives aims to support member countries in developing evidence-based strategies for sustainable land management, crop resilience, and GHG emission reduction. Spatial analysis and Remote Sensing techniques play a crucial role in supporting the targeting and monitoring of these initiatives..ย
FAO is building a roster of skilled professionals with expertise in geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and agricultural climatology to support the development of standardized guidelines, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms. These efforts aim to strengthen member countriesโ abilities to implement CSA practices, enhance adaptive capacity, and align agricultural development with global climate commitments.
Reporting Lines
The Gesopatial Data Specialist will work under the overall technical supervision of the RAP Natural Resource Officer, and in close coordination with all relevant FAO colleagues and in collaboration with national agencies and other stakeholders.
Technical Focusย
The specialist will provide technical expertise in geospatial analysis and satellite data processing to support project design, implementation, and capacity building.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Conduct technical assessments to identify appropriate satellite imagery, geospatial datasets, and analytical methods for spatial analysis projects
โข ย ย Perform satellite image pre-processing tasks including mosaicking, stacking, atmospheric correction, and object-based image analysis
โข ย ย Develop and refine methodological approaches for spatial data analysis and remote sensing applications
โข ย ย Create and maintain geospatial databases and ensure data quality control
โข ย ย Develop geospatial solutions for monitoring natural resources, land use, and environmental changes
โข ย ย Support the development of innovative geospatial tools using cloud computing platforms (e.g., GEE, SEPAL) and AI/ML techniques
โข ย ย Prepare technical reports, scientific papers, and guidelines documenting spatial analysis activities, results, and recommendations
โข ย ย Disseminate geospatial data and metadata through various formats including digital atlases, map layouts, and posters
โข ย ย Support the development of knowledge products such as documentation, guidelines, and training materials
โข ย ย Assist in preparing presentations and visual materials for project reporting and stakeholder communication
โข ย ย Update and maintain relevant geospatial content on FAO websites and platforms
โข ย ย Develop and maintain online mapping applications and data portals
โข ย ย Support the integration of field measurements with remote sensing data for improved analysis
โข ย ย Perform other duties as required
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in Geography, Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing, Water resource management, Climate change, River basin management, or related fields
โข ย ย At least 1 year of relevant work experience for Category C or 5 years for Category B in geospatial assessment including developing country contexts and/or countries in transition
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of workย
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in working with geospatial technologies, including GIS software, remote sensing, and spatial data analysis
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in applying geospatial techniques in cross-disciplinary domain of GHG emissions, nature-based solutions, agro-biodiversity, ecosystem services, or related fields
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in producing high-quality maps, visualizations, and geospatial outputs that adhere to Organizationโs standards and best practices
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in conducting spatial analysis, modeling, and interpretation to support decision-making in water resources management and irrigation projects
โข ย ย Demonstrated experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to incorporate geospatial insights into projects
โข ย ย Demonstrated experience in providing technical guidance and training on geospatial technologies to colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
โข ย ย Familiarity with FAO's geospatial data standards, tools, and platforms is an advantage
โข ย ย Demonstrated experience of working on geospatial projects at the field level in Asia and the Pacific is an advantage.
Selection Criteria
โข ย ย Relevant experience and knowledge in collecting, managing, and analysing geospatial information and data, especially for sustainable agricultural projects
โข ย ย Relevant experience in working successfully in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations.
โข ย ย Proven ability to deliver quality outputs working under tight deadlines.