GIS / Remote Sensing Expert, Bonn, Germany

General

Description of assignment title: GIS / Remote Sensing Expert

Assignment country: Germany

Duty stations: Bonn

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 07/06/2026

Expected end date: 12/31/2026Long-term benefits and allowances

Sustainable Development Goal: 13. Climate action

Host entity: UNOOSA Germany

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Expert UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives:

• The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), established in 1958, is the UN office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. Its UN-SPIDER programme facilitates the use of space-based technologies for disaster management and emergency response.

Context:

• This UNV assignment is part of UNOOSA's UN-SPIDER Programme, which facilitates the use of space-based technologies and geospatial information for disaster risk management and emergency response. UN-SPIDER supports Member States in accessing and applying satellite-derived data and Earth Observation (EO) information to strengthen disaster risk reduction frameworks and emergency response capacities. The programme works in close collaboration with national disaster management authorities, regional partners, and international organizations to promote evidence-based decision-making and capacity building for disaster resilience.

Task description:

• Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Jumpei Takami or his/her designated representative(s), the Remote Sensing Expert will:
• Lead the acquisition and processing of multi-sensor satellite data (optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)) to support disaster risk assessments, emergency response operations, and capacity-building activities for Member States, in line with the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster -----
• Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER)'s mandate.
• Support the planning and execution of Technical Advisory Missions (TAMs) to Member States, providing expert advice on integrating space-based information and
• Earth Observation data into national disaster risk reduction and emergency management frameworks.
• Contribute to the UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal by developing and updating technical content, Recommended Practices, and training materials related to remote sensing and geospatial applications for disaster risk reduction.
• Support the coordination of the UN-SPIDER Regional Support Offices (RSO) network and contribute technical expertise to relevant intergovernmental processes and international forums, including the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS ) and its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC).
• Provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS ) and remote sensing technical assistance during disaster events, including support to emergency mapping mechanisms such as the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, and coordination with relevant UN entities and partner organizations.
• Support the identification of follow-on project opportunities and contribute to the development of project proposals for continued engagement in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, including liaison with Member States and relevant stakeholders to assess needs and priorities

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 7 years

Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience:

• 5 years

Languages:

• English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level:

• Master's degree in Remote Sensing, Geomatics, Earth Sciences, or related engineering fields

Competencies and values:

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Skills and experience:

• 5 years in satellite remote sensing, geospatial analysis, or related Earth observation fields.
• Experience in satellite remote sensing, specifically the acquisition and advanced processing of Very High Resolution (VHR) optical and SAR data;
• Experience in developing and deploying automated remote sensing workflows using Google Earth Engine, Python, or similar cloud-based geospatial platforms;
• Experience in creating high-precision Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and surface models for flood or storm surge simulations in coastal environments;
• Experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR) projects, preferably involving Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or similar coastal geographies; experience with AI/Machine Learning for feature extraction from satellite imagery is highly desirable, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills; accuracy and professionalism in document production;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and tight deadlines;
• Have affinity with or interest in space-based technologies for disaster management, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Area(s) of expertise:

• Crisis and emergency response, Engineering and construction , Natural and life sciences

Driving license:

• -

Other information