UNV Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Officer

Job ID/Title :UNV Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Officer - (2 positions)
Brand :UNV
Application Deadline :     04-Feb-15
Duty Station :UN-Habitat - Ramallah
Languages Required :Arabic, English,   
Duration of Initial Contract : 6 months contract, with possibility of extension(s)
 

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Background:
The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) jointly with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) are seeking an experienced National United Nations Volunteer Specialist “Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Officer”- two positions for duration of six months, renewable based in Ramallah.
 
This post is a United Nations Volunteers assignment and based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically, as well as socially. It contributes to creating social cohesion and capital, through helping to build trust and reciprocity among citizens.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UNV volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.
In all assignments, UNV volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UNV volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

Description of Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the UN-Habitat Project Manager for “Spatial Planning Support to Palestinian Communities in Area C (West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory)” and the head of GIS Department, Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
-Converting AutoCAD format to GIS: approved urban master plans; urban master plans in the objection stage; detailed urban master plans; approved Urban master plans in Area C; urban master plans in Area C in the objection stage; partial urban master plans;
-Scanning, geo-referencing, digitizing from hard copies to GIS:
-Scanning of urban master plans (approved, objection, Approved Area C, Area C objection, Partial) attach them with the digital;
-Digitizing all urban master plans (from geo-referenced hard copies) that have no digital format;
-Verifyingvalidating spatial data based on multiple sources and software techniques (topology):
-Verifyvalidate urban master plans (approved, objection, Approved Area C, Area C objection, Partial);
-Verifyvalidate the spatial and attributes of communities particularly the small ones;
-Verifyvalidate the parcels layer: parcel number, block number, community name;
-Converting non-registered parcels (received from directorates or municipalities) from CAD format to GIS;
-Analyzing spatial data to respond to particular needs: building models with ArcGIS model builder; building workbench using FME;
-Modifying urban master plans according to decisions approved by higher planning council:
-Modifying an approved road or land use within an urban master plan;
-Proposing new road within an urban master plan;
-Editing urban master plans based on the processed citizen objections;
-Data entry and analysis;
-Producing maps;
-Collectingsticking out spatial data using GPS for the purpose of approving aerial photos received from private companies;
-Publishing maps with ArcGIS Server to generate map services that can be shared and exchanged with other institutions;
-Administration of SQL enterprise geodatabase (creation, permissions, privileges, versioning, etc.);
-Configuration and development of web application and related workflows;
-Reports and presentations;
-Any other related tasks that may be required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:
-Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
-Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
-Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
-Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
-Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
-Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:
-Project/programme development: technical inputs provided to the development of programmes and projects which are in line with the relevant Governing Council resolutions, the Strategic Action Plan “Planning Support to Palestinian communities in Area C”, and the Palestinian National Development Plan, and in line with her/his technical profile and expertise;
-Project management: the affected Local Government Units and the Ministry of Local Government and the Planning Department in particular, as well all the related partners, supported in the effective and timely execution of the EU Project Document annex Logical Framework by providing appropriate technical and management support;
-Advisory services: technical inputs provided on urban planning-related matters in the EU Project Document and the Strategic Action Plan, drawing on UN-HABITAT’s and the partners experiences and best practices;
-A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies :
Competencies and values:
-Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
-Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations;
-Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;
-Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
-Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
-Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
-Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
-Technological Awareness - Fully proficient computer skills, particularly in using relevant technology and its application to archives, library, documentation and record keeping.
-Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Qualifications :
Qualifications, skills, experience:
-BSc in Civil Engineering or Developers/Web programmers;
-2 years experience in handling/managing spatial data at enterprise level;
-Robust knowledge in: ArcGIS DesktopServer; AutoCAD and AutoCAD Map 3D; FME Safe; Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle; Geocortex; Skelta;
-Proper knowledge in designing urban master plans (UMPs) and processing of citizen objections on these UMPs is an asset;
-Language Requirements: good command of spoken and written English and fluent in Arabic; knowledge of Hebrew is considered an important asset;
-Driving License for Category A Vehicles (including 4x4);
-Ability to work under pressure;
-Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Living Conditions:
As this is a national UNV assignment, the incumbent will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.
Conditions of Service:
A 6-months contract, renewable (depending on availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance) with monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to US$ 740 paid in local currency; Life, health, and permanent disability insurance; A Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event relocation is required, resettlement allowance upon satisfactory of service and assignment.
Interested and qualified candidates are kindly requested to apply on-line no later than 4 February 2015 to the following address:
 

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UNV Programme
UNDP/PAPP Jerusalem
Equal Employment Opportunity prohibits discrimination against anyone. It attempts to ensure that all applicants, males-females and all races have a fair opportunity in a hiring process, in competing for promotions, and equal access to training/professional development opportunities.

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