GIS Expert

Result of ServiceNA Work LocationRemote Expected duration15 November to 31 December 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesUNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 6 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA's services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Relief and Social Services, the GIS Expert will support UNRWA’s Relief and Social Services Department in visualizing and enhancing the use of geospatial datasets related to displacement, social services, and community infrastructure. The consultant will work in close coordination with relevant UNRWA units and field offices to strengthen geospatial data collection, management, and visualization capacities. 1. Coordination and Management - Set up and operationalize an ESRI ArcGIS Online account for UNRWA. - Provide technical supervision and mentorship to a GIS Intern, ensuring alignment of tasks with project objectives and UNRWA data management standards. - Coordinate with relevant UNRWA units (data, GIS, IM, and field offices) to integrate GIS tools and workflows across departments. Deliverables 1: - Operational ArcGIS Online account; supervision and progress reports of GIS intern activities; periodic updates on GIS-related activities. 2. Development of UNRWA Displacement Data Map Visualization - Assess existing data structures for displacement within Power BI and related systems. - Explore technical options for linking Power BI and ArcGIS Online to produce interactive and dynamic visualizations. - Design and implement an interactive dashboard/map visualising UNRWA displacement data. - Ensure compliance with UNRWA's data protection, confidentiality, and information-sharing standards. Deliverables 2: - Prototype and final version of interactive displacement dashboard; user guidance for maintenance and updates. 3. Improve Primary and Field Data Collection by UNRWA Staff - Review current field data collection processes across relevant departments. - Design a standardized data collection form or entry guide tailored to UNRWA’s displacement and infrastructure datasets. - Conduct capacity-building sessions for UNRWA field staff on standardized geospatial data collection, quality assurance, and upload workflows. Deliverables 3: - Standardized data collection tools (templates, data entry guide); training materials and conducted capacity building sessions. 4. Update and Complete Existing UNRWA Geospatial Data - Review and catalogue existing UNRWA geospatial datasets. - Recommend appropriate tools and platforms for geospatial data hosting and maintenance (including OpenStreetMap integration). - Facilitate collaborative “mapathons” events in partnership with academic institutions and volunteer mapping networks to enhance UNRWA geospatial layers. Deliverables 4: - Recommendations for data hosting, collection and management solutions; updated UNRWA geospatial datasets; documentation of mapathon activities. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Geoinformation Science, Disaster Management, Environmental Science, Geography, or related field. At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data visualization within humanitarian, development, or research contexts. Proven experience managing ArcGIS Online environments, including Story Maps, Dashboards, and web-based applications. Demonstrated record of designing and managing geospatial analyses in complex humanitarian and conflict-affected contexts. Experience in capacity building, including design and facilitation of GIS training workshops and development of user-friendly tools for non-technical staff. Familiarity with open-source data ecosystems such as OpenStreetMap, HDX, and Copernicus; experience organizing community mapping or “mapathon” events is an asset. Solid understanding of data protection and confidentiality standards in humanitarian contexts. Strong technical skills in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and QGIS; knowledge of Python, ArcPy, or R for geospatial analysis is desirable. Excellent coordination, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to work independently and in multicultural teams. Excellent command of English (spoken and written) is required. Additional InformationOverall remuneration for the consultancy is set at 15,000 USD. 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.