GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist

Key responsibilities:

• Identify, assess, validate, and document geospatial and related datasets relevant to CAFI’s MRV indicators and programme monitoring needs;
• Continue the development of CAFI’s PES GIS platform within existing ESRI systems, including ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Server, ArcPy workflows, ArcGIS Experience Builder, and related solutions;
• Support deployment, maintenance, and improvement of GIS services, applications, and workflows within CAFI’s enterprise architecture;
• Design and document end-to-end geospatial workflows for data ingestion, processing, analysis, visualization, and dissemination;
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of CAFI’s GIS database and related geospatial data structures;
• Establish and apply protocols for metadata, traceability, and quality assurance of geospatial data;
• Ensure compatibility with PostgreSQL/PostGIS, OGC services, and Python-based geospatial libraries where relevant;
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b. Spatial data management, integration, and automation

Support the integration, automation, and operational management of geospatial data and workflows across CAFI systems and partner reporting channels.

• Develop and maintain scripts and automated workflows for periodic ingestion and updating and bulk processing of of geospatial datasets to support indicator production and reporting
• Support integration of parcel-level and other implementation-level spatial data where relevant;
• Compile, organize, manage, archive, and quality-check spatial data submitted by implementing organisations and partner institutions for completeness, consistency and alignment with CAFI standards
• Contribute to harmonization of spatial datasets across countries, projects, and implementing entities to improve consistency and comparability.
• Identify opportunities to optimize workflows and modernize GIS operations across CAFI systems;
• Improve existing ESRI-based tools through custom ArcGIS Experience Builder widgets, interface enhancements, and related developments;
• Ensure that geospatial data management practices comply with UNDP requirements on data protection, cybersecurity, and secure digital operations.
• Explore opportunities to apply AI-based solutions for geospatial data processing, analysis, visualization, and reporting, where feasible;

c. Spatial analytics, dashboards, and visualization

Support the development of geospatial analytical tools and visual products for operational, technical, and strategic use.

• Develop query tools, dashboards, and interactive geospatial analytical interfaces for operational use and PES monitoring.  
• Produce maps, visualizations, and spatial analyses related to MRV indicators, land-use change, and other CAFI priorities;
• Conduct technical reviews to ensure to ensure that geospatial tools and visual products are functional, user-centric, and fit for use within the CAFI GIS portal and related systems;
• Support the preparation of maps, geospatial summaries, and analytical outputs for internal coordination, programme monitoring, donor reporting, and other Secretariat needs;
• Contribute to the integration of spatial information into CAFI’s wider monitoring, reporting, and decision-support processes.

d. Partner Support, Interoperability & Field Integration 

Support the continued development and maintenance of CAFI’s geospatial infrastructure within its enterprise environment while promoting interoperability and long-term sustainability.

• Support implementing organisations and partner institutions in preparing and submitting spatial data in the required formats and according to agreed protocols;
• Provide technical guidance on GIS methodologies, field data workflows, and relevant equipment for teams using CAFI PES tools;
• Provide technical assistance to improve the preparation, formatting, transmission, and usability of partner-submitted spatial data;
• Advise on linkages between CAFI PES geospatial systems and relevant national tenure registries and land information systems;
• Promote good practices in spatial data quality, field data standards, and operational reporting;
• Support the effective use of geospatial tools in field implementation, monitoring, and verification processes.
• Incorporate feedback from users and stakeholders to refine tools, workflows, and data structures

e. Reporting, documentation, and knowledge management

Support institutional reporting, technical documentation, and knowledge generation related to CAFI’s geospatial systems and data.

• Prepare monthly progress reports on activities, outputs, challenges, and planned next steps;
• Report on the status, completeness, and quality of spatial data submissions from implementing organisations and partner institutions;
• Deliver technical documentation for workflows, scripts, datasets, systems, and developed tools;
• Prepare user guidance and operational documentation to support the sustainability and handover of geospatial systems;
• Contribute to technical notes, lessons learned, and other knowledge products related to geospatial monitoring and spatial data management;
• Support preparation of geospatial inputs for CAFI reporting, strategic reviews, and other institutional processes.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Academic Education    Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in GIS, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Data Science, or related field is required Or A first-level  university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant Work experience      Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of  progressively responsible experience in GIS and remote sensing, Monitoring & Evaluation, Performance-based Payment Mechanisms, Participatory Natural Resource Management, Environmental Protection, or related fields. 

Required skills and competencies    

•    Ability to use current software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google earth engine, Python, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Internet) is required.
•    Previous experience in a GIS/Remote sensing expert role on forests and land use is required.
•    Previous experience in working on Payments for Environmental Service is required
•    Previous experience in working with countries from the Congo Basin is required
Desired additional skills and competencies    •    Previous experience working with the UN and/or in a developing country is desirable.
•    Experience with environmental conservation, forest management and/or sustainable agriculture programs is an advantage.
•    Demonstrated experience in relation to land tenure registries and land surveyor methods is an asset.
Required Language(s) (at working level)    Fluency in English and French languages is required.