Programme Management - Senior Officer (Open-source Earth Observation Innovation) - [RETAINER]

Under the supervision of Project Manager and in close collaboration with the Innovation Cell programme manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following: 

• In consultation with the project manager develop a plan for expanding Geoguard based on the needs of DPPA (notably the Climate, Peace and Security Unit) and partner UN entities. This plan should include timelines, resource allocation, coordination mechanisms with regional desks, field presences, and service providers, as well as specific steps for implementation. It should also include a sustainability and knowledge transfer plan of Geoguard.
• User-Testing and Feedback Reports: Create regular reports documenting the user-testing process of project deliverables. These reports will be generated both in-person at workshops and virtually, based on feedback from stakeholders identified. 
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Support programme manager in developing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the progress and impact of the Geoguard expansion. This framework should include key performance indicators, monitoring schedules, and evaluation methodologies.
• Project and Stakeholder Management Documentation: Provide regular updates and reports on project management aspects, including stakeholder engagement strategies, project milestones, challenges faced, and corrective actions taken.
• Academic and Technical Partnerships: Engaging in the establishment and documentation of partnerships with academic and technical entities. These partnerships should focus on advanced modeling for environmental phenomena like dust storms and their implications for peace and security
• Engaging in the production of technical documents, research papers, or case studies, particularly focusing on the application of open-source earth observation in peace and security contexts. This might include insights gained from the expansion of Geoguard, innovative uses of geospatial data as relevant to DPPA’s mandate, and outcomes of the new predictive models developed.
• Advisory and Consultative Contributions: Contribute to discussions on project directions, potential enhancements, and alignment with broader organizational goals.     

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Effective development of the GeoGuard expansion workplan and public-facing products will align with project objectives. 
• Key deliverables include a stakeholder list, at least two published products, user engagement workshops, and a checklist of open-source earth observation tools for peace and security agenda.
• Progress will be tracked through workshop reports on implementation and horizon scanning, with a final lessons learned report informing future initiatives.

Payment Plan:

• Payment for the retainer contract will be made based on actual working units completed, as verified through approved timesheets and deliverables.

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY a. Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Environmental Sciences, Economic, Environmental Policy, Political Science, law or in field related to the post description with two (2) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Environmental Sciences, Economic, Environmental Policy, Political Science, law or in a field related to the post description with four (4) years of relevant experience is desirable.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in managing geospatial projects and/or conducting research and analysis on issues related to conflict and imagery analysis, humanitarian affairs, disaster risk reduction or related fields.

Desired experience:  (The following experience and skills are optional, candidates who do not have them are welcome to apply)

• At least one year of experience managing geospatial projects at the international level, such as a multilateral organization, for a peace and security mandate is desirable.
• Training experience to UN Staff and stakeholders on open-source geospatial tools relevant to peace and security is desirable.

c. Language:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.