Dutystation: Home based
Functional responsibilities
Reporting to the IM Team Lead, the AI and GIS Solutions Specialist will lead the technical development of the Disaster Response and Monitoring Platform, contribute to the expansion of the UNOPS Global GIS Service Centre, and support emerging sectoral analytics solutions in health, Disaster Risk Reduction, and urban resilience.
A. GIS and Remote Sensing Services
Maintain and optimize scalable GIS systems using ArcGIS Enterprise/Online, Google Earth Engine, and OpenStreetMap.
Design and implement modular geospatial workflows for real-time monitoring and spatial reporting.
Expand GIS support services under the UNOPS Global GIS Service Centre across regions and thematic areas.
Oversee data ingestion and spatial analysis pipelines covering health facilities, infrastructure, road networks, and urban assets.
B. Research and Development (R&D)
Support R&D in advanced geospatial technologies including satellite remote sensing, GIS, and machine learning to support evidence-based decision-making.
Develop predictive modeling tools for explosive ordnance risk mitigation using machine learning and statistical methods.
Conduct large-scale satellite image analysis to monitor land use, deforestation, and environmental impacts from both conflict and natural disasters.
Monitor and analyze emerging Explosive Threat Mitigation (ETM) technologies, such as drones and autonomous triggering systems; deliver periodic technology trend briefings.
C. AI / Machine Learning and Automation
Automate detection of ETM trends and actor tactics through NLP-driven analysis, with output visualized via live dashboards.
Automate spatial and non-spatial workflows for dashboards (e.g., Looker), maps, and alerting systems.
D. Technical Integration and Interoperability
Ensure seamless integration of tools with UNOPS Information Management Systems (IMS), Business Intelligent (BI) platforms, and field toolkits.
Manage codebases via GitHub, adopt microservice architecture, and promote reusable design patterns.
Collaborate with technical leads on the Compass platform and contribute to interoperable standards for global tools.
Deliver virtual and in-person training workshops for GIS and AI users in UNOPS regions.
Contribute to technical documentation, user guides, and SOPs for the Disaster Response and Monitoring Platform.
Support the GIS & AI Community of Practice with tools, templates, and mentoring.
Foster inclusive capacity development, with a focus on national IM/GIS personnel.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent), preferably in GIS, Remote Sensing, Geography, Data Science, or a related discipline, with five years of experience;
OR
A first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with seven years of experience.
Experience
Relevant experience is defined as experience in GIS and remote sensing project delivery.
Proven expertise in Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, and cloud-based AI/ML platforms (preferably Vertex AI) is required.
Proven experience with Esri Enterprise, Google Earth Engine, PostGIS, and spatial decision-support dashboards is required.
Experience with GenAI or NLP applications for document analysis or automated reporting is desired.
Knowledge of humanitarian information systems (e.g., IMSMA), disaster risk reduction, or post-conflict recovery is desired.
Experience with health systems, urban planning, or infrastructure datasets and analytics is desired.
Familiarity with SDG monitoring, remote sensing for development, and ethical AI principles is desired.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is desired.
TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE
UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
