Earth observation innovations contractor

Result of Service

Technical and Research Outputs: Production of technical documents, research papers, or case studies, particularly focusing on the application of open-source earth observation in peace and security contexts. This might include innovative uses of geospatial data as relevant to DPPA’s mandate, and outcomes of the new predictive models developed. Advisory and Consultative Contributions: As a principal adviser, contributions to strategic discussions, offering expert advice on project directions, potential enhancements, and alignment with broader organizational goals.

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Responding to the Secretary-General’s call for the United Nations to leverage emerging technologies and innovative practices, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) established an Innovation Cell in 2020. This team has been pivotal in leading experimentation and pilot projects, both at headquarters and within special political missions. The Innovation Cell has spearheaded the creation of an environmental database using open-source earth observation data, fostering transboundary dialogues on climate change and its intersections with peace and security, while staying attuned to global technology trends and their strategic implications. To contribute to the Innovation Cell’s pioneering efforts in harnessing open-source earth observation data, the incumbent will collaborate with the open-source earth observation innovation analyst and the focal point in the Innovation Cell, focused on two objectives for 2024: – Providing Technical Direction: Offering guidance to DPPA’s open-source earth observation initiatives for enhanced political analysis and transboundary cooperation, responding to ad-hoc requests to apply open-source tools effectively. – Staying Ahead of Emerging Technologies: Keeping abreast of new developments in open-source earth observation technology, such as AI-enhanced computations, relevant for peace and security use cases. This involves convening scientific, academic, and peace and security exchanges, and providing quarterly updates on emerging geospatial technology trends.

Qualifications/special skills

For Senior Contractor: Education: Advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Environmental Sciences, Economic, Environmental Policy, Political Science, law or in a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience managing geospatial projects and conducting research and analysis on issues related to conflict and imagery analysis, humanitarian affairs, disaster risk reduction or related issues is required. Languages: Proficiency and demonstrated drafting ability in English.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.