GIS and AI Solutions Specialist, Multiple positions

Peace and Security Cluster

Global Portfolios Office (GPO)

UNOPS GPO is a specialized unit that provides strategic oversight, operational guidance, and portfolio management for UNOPS' global projects. GPO works across the globe and comprises: 

• The New York Portfolios Office, including the Sustainable Development cluster and the Peace and Security cluster;

• The Geneva Office, including hosted engagements, the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) team based in Vienna, and other global programmes.

By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and networks of our Geneva and New York offices, and of the WEC team, GPO amplifies UNOPS impact in support of its strategic priorities and SDGs on a global scale. 

The GPO works closely with major global partners and benefits from close links with the Geneva liaison Office and the New York Board and External Relations Office.

About PSC and IMAT

The Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) includes the Information Management and Analytics Team (IMAT), which delivers advanced GIS, AI, and data-driven solutions for field operations in mine action, emergency response, infrastructure, and climate resilience.

About the GPO AI Solutions Hub
The GPO AI Solutions Hub, led by IMAT, is UNOPS global innovation portal that also serves as an incubator and accelerator of GIS and AI-driven solutions. It provides scalable AI and GIS solutions across multiple sectors, including Explosive Threat Management (ETM, disaster recovery, infrastructure planning, urban resilience, and public health. Core initiatives include:

• Explosive Threat Management: Building innovative GIS solutions into a mature suite of reporting and analytical tools supporting the UN Humanitarian Mine Action Sector under UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC).

• Disaster Response and Monitoring Platform: A predictive AI and remote sensing engine for disaster monitoring, damage assessment, and redevelopment opportunity identification.

• Compass: A suite of AI-driven GIS and reporting tools.

• GenAI Opportunity Matching System: A generative AI tool aligning field needs with internal capabilities.

• GIS Service Centre: A shared resource offering GIS/AI support, training, and on-demand analytics.

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.

• 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.

• Build and maintain AI/ML pipelines using tools such as Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Vertex AI, and BigQuery.

• 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.

• 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.
  
  

• 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.

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.

• Fluency in English is required.

• Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is desired.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA or LICA, depending on the ICS scale applicable at the home-based duty station)
Contract level: ICS-10 (P3/IICA-2/LICA-11 equivalent)
Contract duration: Until 31 December 2025 (with possibility of extension, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance)