Geospatial Data Specialist

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: 2500971 Geospatial Data Specialist  

Job Posting

: 07/Apr/2025

Closure Date

: 30/Apr/2025, 9:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: RAP - Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok)

Job Type

: Non-staff opportunitiesType of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

: Thailand-BangkokDuration: Up to 11 months when applicablePost Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

 

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

 

Organizational Setting

FAO’s 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 FAO’s 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.. 

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 countries’ 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 Focus 

The specialist will provide technical expertise in geospatial analysis and satellite data processing to support project design, implementation, and capacity building.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Conduct technical assessments to identify appropriate satellite imagery, geospatial datasets, and analytical methods for spatial analysis projects
•    Perform satellite image pre-processing tasks including mosaicking, stacking, atmospheric correction, and object-based image analysis
•    Develop and refine methodological approaches for spatial data analysis and remote sensing applications
•    Create and maintain geospatial databases and ensure data quality control
•    Develop geospatial solutions for monitoring natural resources, land use, and environmental changes
•    Support the development of innovative geospatial tools using cloud computing platforms (e.g., GEE, SEPAL) and AI/ML techniques
•    Prepare technical reports, scientific papers, and guidelines documenting spatial analysis activities, results, and recommendations
•    Disseminate geospatial data and metadata through various formats including digital atlases, map layouts, and posters
•    Support the development of knowledge products such as documentation, guidelines, and training materials
•    Assist in preparing presentations and visual materials for project reporting and stakeholder communication
•    Update and maintain relevant geospatial content on FAO websites and platforms
•    Develop and maintain online mapping applications and data portals
•    Support the integration of field measurements with remote sensing data for improved analysis
•    Perform other duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Geography, Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing, Water resource management, Climate change, River basin management, or related fields
•    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
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in working with geospatial technologies, including GIS software, remote sensing, and spatial data analysis
•    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
•    Extent and relevance of experience in producing high-quality maps, visualizations, and geospatial outputs that adhere to Organization’s standards and best practices
•    Extent and relevance of experience in conducting spatial analysis, modeling, and interpretation to support decision-making in water resources management and irrigation projects
•    Demonstrated experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to incorporate geospatial insights into projects
•    Demonstrated experience in providing technical guidance and training on geospatial technologies to colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
•    Familiarity with FAO's geospatial data standards, tools, and platforms is an advantage
•    Demonstrated experience of working on geospatial projects at the field level in Asia and the Pacific is an advantage.

Selection Criteria

•    Relevant experience and knowledge in collecting, managing, and analysing geospatial information and data, especially for sustainable agricultural projects
•    Relevant experience in working successfully in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations.
•    Proven ability to deliver quality outputs working under tight deadlines.

 

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ 
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

 

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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