Technical Specialist - Environmental (Biodiversity and Climate Data Specialist)

UNOPS is seeking the support of a Technical Specialist - Environmental (Biodiversity and Climate Data Specialist) to advance the Global Programme on Nature for Development’s work to support governments to use spatial data and systematic conservation planning in their efforts to plan, implement, monitor, and report on their commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the other Rio Conventions, and the nature-based elements of the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. The goal of the assignment is to provide GIS and coding support, contribute to the development of technical documents, guidance materials, and other related resources for the UN Biodiversity Lab and a variety of projects and initiatives that bring together the world’s governments, UN agencies, and leading scientists to develop and implement approaches around the globe to identify where nature-based actions to protect, manage, or restore biodiversity and ecosystems can more effectively and efficiently meet national commitments and priorities for biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development.

Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Manager the duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop methodologies for validating and standardizing datasets before integration into the UN Biodiversity Lab.
• Establish automated data quality control procedures to detect inconsistencies and errors in datasets.
• Create a protocol for data interoperability to facilitate seamless integration between global, regional, and national datasets.
• Develop guidance materials for national teams on best practices for spatial data collection and management.
• Conduct user experience (UX) research to optimize the platform's usability and accessibility.
• Establish a mechanism for gathering and analyzing user feedback to drive continuous platform improvements.
• Develop interactive data visualization tools to support policy decision-making.
• Collaborate with developers to ensure the platform is compatible with emerging geospatial technologies.
• Create a roadmap for the integration of AI and machine learning capabilities to enhance data analysis.
• Establish outreach initiatives to connect with NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector partners for platform adoption.
• Create an online knowledge-sharing repository with best practices, case studies, and lessons learned.
• Facilitate cross-country knowledge exchanges to enhance collaboration on spatial data applications.
• Assess and document the impact of capacity-building activities, ensuring continuous improvement in training approaches.
• Establish a user support system, including FAQs, tutorials, and a help desk, to assist stakeholders.
• Organize stakeholder roundtables to showcase successful applications of the platform and gather insights for improvement.
• Track platform adoption metrics and prepare reports on user engagement and impact.
• Develop partnerships with regional data hubs to enhance national-level engagement.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent)  preferably in environmental conservation/sciences, development, sustainable development, international relations, or research around topics prioritized by the Global Programme on Nature for Development with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree)  preferably in environmental conservation/sciences, development, sustainable development, international relations, or research around topics prioritized by the Global Programme on Nature for Development with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.

• Relevant experience is defined as  work or academic experience, preferably in at least one of the following topics at a conceptual and/or practical level: international environmental policy, natural resource management, conservation, biodiversity, climate change. 

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in a second official UN language is desired.