Individual Contractor - Geospatial Quality Assurance, Training and Analytical Support Specialists (Geneva office based)

Organizational Unit

United Nations Satellite Centre

Expertise

The United Nations Satellite Centre, UNITAR, delivers geospatial analysis and satellite-derived products to support humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, human rights monitoring, and sustainable development. To ensure the consistency, reliability, and scalability of its analytical outputs, the United Nations Satellite Centre applies structured quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes across its workflows and contributes to capacity development through applied training initiatives, including collaboration with academic institutions.

This roster is established for Individual Contractors (non-regular staff) to provide independent technical quality assurance, analytical advisory services, and training contributions supporting the United Nations Satellite Centre’s operational, analytical, and capacity development activities.

Roster members will contribute across emergency, development, and complex crisis contexts, supporting the continuous improvement of analytical practices and the development of applied learning approaches linked to operations.

Key areas of expertise and functions include:

• Conducting independent QA/QC review of geospatial outputs, including maps, datasets, web services, and analytical reports
• Providing structured technical feedback and recommendations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with United Nations Satellite Centre standards
• Reviewing and assessing geospatial methodologies, workflows, and analytical techniques
• Verifying compliance with cartographic and analytical standards, data licensing and satellite imagery usage conditions, and metadata and documentation requirements
• Identifying technical inconsistencies, uncertainties, and sources of error, and proposing corrective measures
• Contributing to the development and refinement of QA/QC frameworks, procedures, templates, and internal guidance materials
• Providing technical advice and analytical input in complex, high-priority, or time-sensitive contexts, including emergencies, disasters, and conflict situations
• Supporting validation of outputs, testing of methodologies, and resolution of technical issues through targeted analytical tasks
• Contributing to the design and development of applied training modules, course content, and structured learning programmes aligned with operational geospatial workflows
• Translating technical workflows into practical learning materials, exercises, and case-based applications
• Conducting QA/QC of outputs produced by the Centre to support quality improvement and applied learning processes
• Supporting traineeship programmes, including definition of assignments, technical input to evaluations, and engagement with academic partners
• Contributing to the development and dissemination of training materials in collaboration with universities and learning institutions
• Supporting the evolution of AI-assisted analytical approaches, distributed production models, and training-to-operations integration mechanisms
• Contributing to knowledge products, documentation, and scalable approaches linking training, analytical production, and capacity development

Expected outputs may include QA/QC review notes, technical assessments, contributions to training materials, feedback on analytical outputs, inputs to workflows and guidance materials, and summary reporting on findings and recommendations.

Assignments are Geneva office based, requiring close interaction with United Nations Satellite Centre teams. Engagements are delivered under Individual Contractor modalities, with no supervisory responsibilities.

Experience

At least 6 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in geospatial analysis, remote sensing, or geographic information systems, including demonstrated experience in:

• Conducting and/or reviewing satellite imagery analysis and geospatial production across humanitarian, disaster, development, or conflict contexts
• Applying QA/QC processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and methodological soundness of analytical outputs
• Working with geospatial workflows, including data acquisition, processing, analysis, and product generation
• Providing technical advice, structured feedback, and analytical guidance to improve outputs and workflows
• Contributing to training, mentoring, or capacity development activities, including applied or operational learning

Experience in emergency response environments, international organizations, or multi-actor collaboration settings is an asset.

Education level

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in geospatial science, remote sensing, geography, GIS, engineering, or a related technical field.

Language skill

Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.

Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.