Senior Geospatial Information Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is in the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre (UN-GGKIC), Statistics Division (SD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), based in Deqing, China. The Senior Geospatial Information Officer, as the Deputy Head of the Centre, reports to the Head of the Centre. The Centre's overarching goal is to work towards the ambitions of implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) set by Member States, to develop capacity, promote and support the required innovation, leadership, coordination and standards to develop, strengthen, integrate and deliver national geospatial information policy, data, systems, tools, services and capabilities into their national government development policies, strategies and arrangements. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, under the direct supervision of the Head of the Centre, the Senior Geospatial Information Officer is responsible for the following: • Implements the substantive work programme and projects of the UN-GGKIC in accordance with the agreed Framework Plan of the Centre, including its work related to policy and knowledge, science and innovation and technical and capacity development. • Plans and directs the work programme on the use of geospatial data, analysis, and technology providing both methodical and managerial supervision of all activities; Plans, organizes and manages staff and evaluates their performance. • Provides substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to the Centre's International Advisory Committee, the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, administrative budgetary programmes and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. • Plans, supervises and coordinates the development of approaches, guidance and tools for the integration of geospatial information, statistics and other relevant data to deliver the overarching goal of the Centre. • Plans, coordinates and delivers technical advisory activities for national capacity development on aspects of global geospatial information management through missions, consultations and training workshops. • Collaborates with management to prioritize organization and geospatial information needs. • Guides team members to identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns, using machine learning techniques, statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured and unstructured sources of information and data. • Ensures appropriate processes and techniques for each project are used by team members. • Develops and oversees data management, analysis, reporting, quality control and standards, including their implementation by geospatial staff. • Elaborates and manages geospatial information management strategies, plans and technical models that respond to the strategic objectives and institutional mission within the organization. • Provides overall guidance and inputs on technical aspects aimed at customizing geospatial information tools and resources, development of new products to respond to organization needs. • Directs and establishes processes, selection, best practices, tools and installation of geospatial technology resources so that geospatial information assets are managed in a secured and efficient way for users and stakeholders. • Coordinates and consults with users, management, vendors and technicians to develop, strategies, policies, analytical models and innovative technology implementation Ensures adequate partnerships are signed and appropriately used. • Oversees, manages and leads geospatial information management staff, including selection, training and performance. • Represents the Centre at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive-related issues. • Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue or hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions including the United Nations Geospatial Network. • Deputizes for the Head of the Centre as required, and performs other related duties, as assigned. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of the operational focus of the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. Ability to provide technical advice in the development and implementation of policies, programmes and methodologies. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks \"outside the box\"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. • Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow, empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree, or equivalent) in geography, geomatics (survey and mapping), geospatial information, Earth sciences, computer sciences or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in geospatial information management, applied spatial analytics, earth observations, mapping, data visualization, stakeholder management or related area is required. Experience in using geospatial data and information to guide decisions, develop strategic direction and oversee execution is required. Experience in geospatial information and technologies management such as database management, spatial analysis, mapping, programming languages, enterprise management, development of spatial methodologies and/or quality control is required. Experience with team and project management is required. Experience in international organizations is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).