GIS, Remote Sensing, and Land-Use Planning Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

Papua New Guinea (PNG) hosts one of the world’s largest areas of primary tropical rainforest, rich in biodiversity and vital to local livelihoods. However, increasing pressures from land use change, resource extraction, and climate variability are accelerating deforestation and forest degradation. In response, PNG has advanced its REDD readiness through the development of a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS), submission of its Forest Reference Level (FRL), and participation in international mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the LEAF Coalition.

To support these frameworks and improve decision-making, accurate geospatial information and inclusive, community-driven land use planning are essential. National policy shifts, including the Protected Area Policy, emphasize participatory approaches that engage customary landowners in conservation and land management efforts.

In this context, FAO is supporting the Government of PNG—through CEPA, CCDA, and PNGFA—in implementing key initiatives (GEF-7, GEF-8, AIM4Forests, and EU-FCCB NFI) to enhance environmental monitoring, stakeholder capacity, and spatial planning. These efforts span several provinces, including Eastern Highlands (EHP), Western Highlands (WHP), Gulf (GUL), Western (WES), and East and West Sepik (ESP, WSP).

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Papua New Guinea

Reporting Lines

The GIS, Remote Sensing, and Land-Use Planning Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor. The incumbent will work in close consultation and coordination with International Epxert on National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) and Land Use Plan Decision Support System (DSS), in carrying out his/her tasks and duties.

Technical Focus

The GIS, Remote Sensing, and Land-Use Planning Specialist will contribute technical expertise in spatial data analysis, participatory mapping, and field-based remote sensing. Working closely with government partners, the Officer will also provide user-focused training and contribute to the maintenance of digital tools such as the national geoportal and forest monitoring dashboards, in coordination with the designated ICT consultant.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Facilitate participatory land use mapping in high conservation value landscapes (e.g., EHP, WHP, GUL, WES, ESP, WSP) in collaboration with customary landowners and provincial officials.
•    Compile, manage, and update spatial datasets (e.g., land use, biodiversity, protected areas, customary boundaries) from remote sensing, fieldwork, and stakeholder contributions.
•    Conduct spatial analyses to identify biodiversity hotspots, land use conflicts, and ecological corridors, and integrate findings into REDD risk mapping and baseline assessments.
•    Produce thematic maps, StoryMaps, dashboards, and other geospatial visualizations to support planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy communication.
•    Apply remote sensing tools (e.g., Collect Earth, Earth Map, SEPAL, GEE) for forest monitoring, land use change detection, and sample-based assessments.
•    Deliver training sessions on geospatial tools (e.g., QGIS, SEPAL, GEE) and develop tailored manuals, user guides, and troubleshooting materials.
•    Provide technical assistance to CEPA, CCDA, PNGFA, and provincial offices for spatial data management and the operational use of GIS/RS tools.
•    Contribute to land cover classification, change detection, and spatial indicator development for integration into project reporting and national monitoring systems.
•    Support the organization and maintenance of national geoportals and cloud-based platforms (e.g., NFMS/MRV dashboards), including uploading layers and metadata.
•    Maintain structured geospatial archives with proper version control, and document data management procedures for institutional continuity.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•    University degree in GIS, Land Use Planning, Remote Sensing, Geography, Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management or another field relevant to FAO’s mandate. 
•    3 years of relevant experience in in geospatial analysis, remote sensing, or participatory land use planning, preferably in support of environmental or natural resource management projects.
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Papua New Guinea

FAO Core Competencies

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION