Expert - Mainstreaming Earth Observation data for global environmental projects

Routine data collection and analysis are essential to applying the analytic rigor to support evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management. Mainstreaming geospatial data in planning, implementing, monitoring and adapting GEF projects and programs will help achieve greater impact by increasing operational efficiency.

Over the past 5 years, the availability and accessibility of geospatial data has risen dramatically due to greater computational capabilities and the proliferation of open source and user-friendly, web-based platforms. Information derived from space-based Earth Observation systems is particularly useful for assessing and monitoring environmental change[1] and there are numerous potential applications of remotely-sensed data in GEF investments.

Several GEF Agencies, including the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Program, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Conservation International (CI) are already incorporating geospatial data and analysis into their programming, including through the development of platforms and tools such as the UN Biodiversity Lab, Collect Earth, Earth Trends, Spatial Agent, etc. The GEF Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) is similarly using geospatial data to conduct impact evaluations for specific projects and for entire portfolios. For example, a 2015 IEO evaluation of protected areas recommended using geospatial technology to target GEF interventions more effectively. In addition, a 2016 GEF report on Biodiversity Mainstreaming concluded that, “Modest and targeted investments in spatial and land-use planning can be quite impactful and set the stage for future mainstreaming work.”

However, the uptake of geospatial data in the design, implementation and monitoring of projects and programs is by no means widespread in the GEF Agencies. And there is a new requirement for GEF-7 to include geo-referenced information and a map showing where a project is located.  

STAP intends to develop a guidance document to help GEF Agencies, in-country partners, and practitioners to mainstream geospatial information in developing, implementing and monitoring GEF programs and projects.

This will include:

(i)                  a scientific primer on geospatial concepts including Earth Observation, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems to improve the understanding of these concepts, how they can be deployed in projects of relevance to the GEF, and to encourage their uptake in GEF-7 projects and programs. This section should provide GEF and non-GEF existing case studies and include references and sources of information for additional learning.

(ii)                guidance to help project managers fulfil the requirements under PART II: PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 1b) when completing their Project Information Forms (PIFs).[1] This information will take into account existing guidance provided by the GEF Portal, and will recommend additional, more detailed methods for collecting and displaying relevant geospatial information.

(iii)              signposting of geospatial data sets, data products, platforms and tools that are relevant to GEF-7 investments, with a focus on GEF-7 programming and performance indicators.

(iv)               recommendations to the GEF on how to mainstream remote sensing and other geospatial data to maximize global environmental benefits and enhance knowledge management.

The Consultant will develop a detailed outline of the components listed above. This will include a short description of how the information will be obtained (i.e. literature review, interviews, etc.), the expected length of each section, and how each section will contribute to the overall objectives of the guidance.

Deliverable: Detailed outline of STAP Guidance Document

When the outline has been agreed, the Consultant will draft the report.

Deliverable(s): Draft Guidance Document

The Consultant will incorporate comments from external experts, the GEF and its Agencies, and a Science Editor to produce the final Guidance Document.

Deliverable: Final Guidance Document, ready for layout and design

The STAP Secretariat should be consulted as needed for relevant input during the development of the guidance, and for comment at each stage. Skype, or conference calls, will be held at regular intervals to discuss progress, major findings and any difficulties. Modifications to the details of the report may be discussed and agreed during these calls.   

Education:

• Advanced university degree in Geography, Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Management or related degree with extensive experience in remote sensing and GIS for environmental applications required ((MA or Ph.D. preferred).

Work Experience:

• Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of remote sensing, GIS required. Experience working with various data sets, platforms and tools related to conservation is necessary.
• A good understanding of environmental issues of importance to the GEF (e.g. biodiversity, water, land degradation, climate change, etc.) and how remote sensing and GIS are commonly used in these fields highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the GEF is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience using geospatial data for land use or other type of spatially-explicit planning purposes and an understanding of the processes involved in planning, implementing and monitoring projects using these data and associated methods is preferred.
• Experience in writing papers on the application of geospatial information (including remote sensing data) for environmental purposes is highly desirable

Languages:

•             Fluency in both written and oral English. Required.

Contract type: Lumpsum

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.