Technical Analyst - Environmental (Biodiversity Data Management and Digital Solutions)

UNOPS is seeking the support of a Technical Analyst - Environmental (Biodiversity Data Management and Digital Solutions) 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:

• Assist in establishing metadata documentation standards to ensure consistency and ease of reference across datasets.
• Assist the spatial planner in development of automated data validation tools to flag inconsistencies and improve data accuracy.
• Assist the GIS specialists to integrate spatial datasets effectively into the UN Biodiversity Lab platform.
• Maintain a database of data sources and update it regularly to track data provenance.
• Assist the policymakers to identify key biodiversity indicators and ensure relevant data is captured.
• Assist in preparing technical documentation on data governance policies and procedures.
• Assist in implementation of version control strategies for datasets to track changes and maintain data history.
• Contribute to the optimization of database queries to improve performance and reduce latency.
• Assist in the design and implementation of user-friendly dashboard for real-time biodiversity data monitoring.
• Assist in the development of mobile-friendly applications or tools to extend platform accessibility.
• Conduct user experience (UX) research to gather feedback on platform usability and recommend improvements.
• Develop case studies showcasing successful applications of the UN Biodiversity Lab platform.
• Organize hackathons or data challenges to engage researchers and developers in biodiversity solutions.
• Monitor and analyze engagement metrics for communications materials to refine outreach strategies.
• Assist in preparation of quarterly impact reports highlighting key achievements and advancements in biodiversity monitoring.

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) with no relevant experience is desirable; OR 
• First-level university degree (undergraduate, bachelor, or equivalent) preferably in environmental management/sciences, sustainable development, GIS, remote sensing, computer science, or research around topics prioritized by the Global Programme on Nature for Development, or any related field, with two (2) years of relevant experience, will be considered an asset; OR
• Secondary school diploma (or high school equivalent) and six (6) years of relevant experience are required.

• 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, biodiversity/climate change; spatial planning; GIS; remote sensing; computer science.

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