Geo Spatial (GIS) Data Analyst

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The mission of the UNICEF evaluation function is to help drive results for children by fostering evidence-informed decision- making. Evaluation in UNICEF supports both learning and decision-making, which in turn support better results for children. Evaluation also helps to hold UNICEF accountable for contributing to results for children, or for failing to do so. The evaluation function conducts a diverse set of independent, credible and impartial corporate thematic, institutional effectiveness, humanitarian, country-led, impact and joint evaluations to ensure UNICEF uses evaluation evidence to improve outcomes for children. The UNICEF Evaluation Office serves as the steward of the UNICEF evaluation function and is located at the New York headquarters. The director of evaluation provides strategic leadership to the global evaluation function at all three levels of the organization (global, regional and country).

The Evaluation Office at UNICEF plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of programs and interventions globally. To enhance the quality and depth of evaluations, integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data presents a valuable opportunity. This is particularly relevant for evaluating UNICEF efforts in climate and disaster risk reduction for children and young people. Also, given the advances in spatial analytical approaches and spatial data science, the Evaluation Office is keen to explore these methods to generate nuanced insights from planned evaluations. In addition, spatial data can provide further insights into socio-economic, health and epidemiology, and education measurement. This consultancy aims to explore and integrate GIS data into evaluation methodologies, thereby improving the granularity and relevance of evaluation findings. The integration of spatial analysis will facilitate more robust data interpretations, uncover geographical patterns, and support evidence-based decision-making.To this end, the Evaluation Office is seeking a geospatial data analyst who will work closely with impact evaluation and other thematic portfolios in integrating spatial data analysis. The Evaluation Office values highly motivated candidates who strive to excel and stay abreast of the latest evaluative knowledge and methodological innovations.

Purpose

The primary objectives of hiring a geospatial analyst for the UNICEF Evaluation Office are to enhance the organization’s evaluation methodologies through the application of GIS data and spatial analytical approaches. This involves developing frameworks to incorporate GIS data, enhancing spatial understanding within existing evaluation frameworks, and improving the quality of evaluation findings through advanced spatial analysis techniques. The analyst will also assess and utilize existing open-source GIS data, integrating appropriate datasets into evaluation practices to enrich data analysis and insights. 

• Furthermore, the analyst will understand the needs of the Evaluation Office by conducting a brief needs assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for incorporating diverse datasets, including GIS data in planned and ongoing evaluations. The consultant will collaborate with evaluation teams to align GIS data applications with specific evaluation products and requirements. Additionally, the analyst will identify new opportunities for GIS integration, exploring innovative ways to integrate GIS data into evaluation practices and staying updated with advancements in GIS technology and methodologies to continually improve evaluation processes and improve quality of findings. The consultant will focus on evaluations that are conducted in humanitarian and fragile setting with particular focus on climate fragility and outcome /impact level change.
• Identifying opportunities and developing applications of geo-spatial data use in evaluation, particularly in evaluating impact and outcome level change
• Identify and evaluate open-source GIS data relevant to UNICEF’s evaluations and develop protocols for integrating and validating this data; contribute to improvements in availability, quality, and accessibility of spatial data for evaluations.
• Engage with other team members and Evaluation Office staff to understand needs and document current practices for potential GIS data integration into impact evaluations as well as other types of evaluations.
• Use GIS data to provide detailed spatial insights in reports and create visualizations and maps for effective communication of findings.

Designing Methodologies and Data Analysis

• Provide technical advice and conduct spatial data analysis relating to evaluations of UNICEF programmes, for example programmes responding to climate and environmental risks faced by children.
• Pilot and test new GIS applications in specific evaluation projects to assess their effectiveness and potential for wider use.
• Identify opportunities for integrating GIS-based data with other qualitative and quantitative data sources.

Learning and capacity development

• Conduct brown bag sessions for Evaluation Office staff on GIS applications and methodologies.
• Research and recommend new GIS tools, datasets, and technologies that could enhance evaluation methodologies.
• Develop guidelines and documentation on the integration of GIS data in evaluations.
• Document and archive the used spatial data and codes using software like Git

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare reports detailing the methodologies used, findings, and recommendations.
• Document the processes and best practices for integrating GIS data into evaluations for future reference.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

• Identifying opportunities and developing applications of geo-spatial data use in evaluation, particularly in evaluating impact and outcome level change. Mapping GIS databased for at least three evaluations, Spatial analysis and maps for at least three evaluations – By 31 October 2024
• Designing Methodologies and Data Analysis. Three pilot applications, Data analysis for at least 3 evaluations, Integration of GIS with other types of data (at least 2 evaluations) – By 30 September 2025
• Learning and capacity development.  One-two webinars, Consolidating, synthesizing the most recent knowledge on GIS in application to evaluation (library) One technical guidance paper – By 30 September 2025
• Reporting and Documentation. Contributing to the final reports of at least 3 evaluations, One methodology brief summarizing lessons learned from pilots – By 30 September 2025

Qualifications

Education:

• At least a master’s degree.
• Disciplines:  Advanced University degree in Geography, GIS, Spatial Analysis or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience in applying GIS data to evaluation and research exercises with peer reviewed or gray publications.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in handling large
• geospatial datasets.
• Proficiency in GIS software and tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, WorldPop).
• At least 3 years of experience in developing/ managing in open source GIS technology solutions.
• At least 3 years of experience in operating in GIS- related projects in low- income settings.

Competencies/Knowledge:

• Knowledge and experience in spatial data science
• Experience leading scoping, user testing, and training for technology products
• Ability to meet high scientific standards.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate spatial data into actionable insights.
• Proven ability to work with internal and external stakeholders at multiple levels, including providing technical support and capacity building and establishing/managing external partnerships.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of another United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/574937