Geographical Information System Officer

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• Demonstrable organizational skills
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills and documented experience in negotiations
• Depending on the field activity's mandate, significant prior experience in relevant fields such as international customs practices and procedures, law enforcement, and military observations and arms control may also be required
• Negotiating experience, preferably in the area of monitoring operations and/or related activities

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

First level university degree or equivalent experience

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience including minimum 1 year in a relevant field strongly preferred

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Professional fluency in English, both oral and written, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely;
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure; proven resilience to high stress environments;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Knowledge of base mapping, geographic information system (GIS) design and implementation, spatial and non-spatial database design, data management, web technologies and project management tools;
• Ability to operate Windows applications including MS Word, Excel, Outlook as well as familiarity with internet search engines and techniques; experience with MS Access or other commercial databases desirable;
• Ability to assess situations and react rapidly, as well as to adjust and cope with changing tasks and priorities;
• Ability to co-operate effectively with supervisors and colleagues with diverse experiences and backgrounds;
• Advanced technical qualifications and broad knowledge of geographic information and its related matters;
• Knowledge of different data collection methodologies;
• Proven skills to analyse statistical information;
• Ability to translate planning-specifications into technical briefs for data capture and analysis, and vice versa;
• Experience in developing and implementing operational, logistical and administrative plans;
• Ability to brief complex plans comprehensively, accurately and coherently;
• Demonstrated excellent organizational and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication, presentation and team-building skills;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision in an environment where rapid response to emergencies is essential;
• Cultural sensitivity and political judgement.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian languages is a distinct advantage;
• Experience of working in an international environment;
• Experience of working in Eastern Europe and/or knowledge of the region;
• Familiarity with OSCE policies, procedures, practices and organizational structure.

Initial duration of appointment/assignment for this post is until 31 March 2018, subject to a subsequent OSCE Permanent Council Decision to extend the mandate of the Mission.

If applicable, deployment is subject to attendance to and successful completion of pre-deployment training and assessment.

Applicants are hereby notified that the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) is designated by the OSCE as a nonfamily duty station. This designation is based on the fluid and dynamic working environment in the SMM and with due consideration to recommendations of the UN International Civil Service Commission. The currently prevailing working conditions in the duty station may include working in a hazardous location with extended hours of service, and possibly curtailed freedom of movement. Successful candidates who are appointed to locations deemed by the OSCE as hazardous will receive hazard pay. In addition, all successful candidates will be required to participate in the OSCE accident and life insurance scheme in accordance with the OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Information Management Officer, the Geographical Information System Officer performs the following specific functions:

1. Takes responsibility for the timely preparation, maintenance and provision of geographical information system and maps in support of the Mission's operations;
2. Co-ordinates the collection, processing, evaluation and dissemination of geographic datasets;
3. Conducts geographic/terrain analysis studies and prediction of the effects of terrain, weather and situation on the Mission's operations;
4. Implements quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures on all mapping products generated and disseminated by the Unit, including geographic datasets and maps;
5. Supports strategic planning, implementation and management of relevant information technology (IT) related matters within the Unit, in full consultation with the Information and Communication Technology Section (ICT);
6. Designs, implements and maintains the Mission's geo-database system as well as other geographic information systems (GIS) and associated services, ensuring appropriate data security and access controls;
7. Contributes to the production of the Information Management Cell's (IMC) reports as requested by the supervisor and in line with the Mission's overall strategic direction;
8. Archives mission geographical dataset and maintains the GIS geo-database;
9. Provides input and conducts geographic information training and education programmes for Mission staff;
10. May travel within Ukraine including the Eastern Oblasts, upon request;
11. Performs other related duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE SMM, please see http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds. Please note that nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are not eligible to apply.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.