Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

The project has been providing information on opium cultivation, production, poppy eradication verification and drugs prices in Afghanistan to the national and international stakeholders for planning policies and strategies on counter narcotics activities. The opium cultivation and production estimates are based on statistically representative remote sensing and opium yield surveys. The project has provided timely knowledge outputs in the form of comprehensive reports. In view of the changing situation on the ground, the dynamics of poppy cultivation and changing security settings, survey design and methodology have been modified periodically to improve the efficiency of the surveys and high-quality data. Research on focused areas such as yield estimation methodologies and risk maps are being conducted through experts to provide information on appropriate intervention strategies. 

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The incumbent will be required to:

• Assist in the planning and implementation of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) related research on illicit activities 
• Contribute the remote sensing area and yield surveys by analyzing respective data including the download, layer stacking, mosaicking and ortho-rectification of the satellite images; 
• Applying GIS and remote sensing techniques for interpretation and visual digitalization of very-high-resolution satellite imagery; Quality check of poppy field visual interpretation products.
• Conduct multi-date imagery analysis for studying crop dynamics; manage and record image analysis files on daily base; visually rank poppy fields in very high-resolution satellite imagery for opium yield and production estimation. 
• Manage and organize the satellite images catalogue, and maintain the information extracted from satellite data. 
• Update the acquisition time windows for satellite imagery using time series imagery as appropriate, updating the agriculture mask using medium to high-resolution imagery for the key sample provinces. 
• Provide mapping and other GIS support the project and related activities, including to generate land-cover maps at community level for assessing the impact of Alternative Development projects of UNODC 

Perform other related duties as required in the scope of current position.
 

Competencies

Core values

Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different team members, where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats men and women equally. Does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Core competencies

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies the priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foreseen risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary; uses time effectively. 
 Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Technology Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software, e.g. GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS), and other statistical applications such as SPSS, R or Python, programming language, use and search of information on the Internet, etc. 

Required Skills and Experience

• First level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, computer science, engineering, social sciences, geography, or any other relevant field. Master’s degree in above mentioned areas is an advantage. 
   

Experience:

• At least two years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in GIS, remote sensing, and crop monitoring or other relevant areas are required. Experience in agricultural assessments and crop classification based on remote sensing data, including visual interpretation of satellite imagery is required. At least 2 years of experience in applying GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) is required.
• Experience in research on illegal activities is an asset, as is experience in working with the UN or other international development organizations.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Russian with excellent drafting skills is required. Knowledge of local as well as other Central Asia languages is desirable.

Computer skills

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment is required.

Others:

• Have affinity with or interest in drug control, organized crime and research, as well as in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including government counterparts.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Applicants are ready to intensively work on satellite images interpretation for consecutive hours.