GIS Officer for the Development and Implementation of Social Tenure Domain Model

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:UN-Habitat
DUTY STATION: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Nairobi.
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Consultant: GIS Officer for the Development and Implementation of Social Tenure Domain Model
SUPERVISOR: Unit Leader, Land and GLTN Unit , ULLG Branch
CONTRACT TYPE & DURATION 12 months with possibility of extension VACANCY CLOSING DATE 6thFebruary 2015

BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Land and GLTN Unit, located within the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance Branch of UN-Habitat has the mandate to develop, test and disseminate pro-poor and gender responsive approaches in regard to urban land, innovative residential tenures, affordable land management/administration systems, and land related regulatory/legal frameworks and tools. The Unit hence focuses on research and tool development also to supply technical advice to Member States and backstop the Regional offices and other sections of UN-Habitat. Land tools provide a resource for enabling action. While there has been extensive global discussion around land policies that work for the poor, there has been insufficient attention paid to the development of methods for developing and implementing these pro-poor land policies. Consequently what are required are land tools that are affordable and accessible for all sections of the population in countries around the world. This is essential for creating societies with sustainable, equal access and use of land. Work has already started on these approaches, both for developing and post-conflict societies. Incremental expansion of this work over time, as capacity is developed, will take place through the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN, the Network), the Secretariat of which is located at UN-Habitat.

UN-Habitat through the Global Land Tool Network and its partners is developing and implementing the Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM). STDM, as it stands, has the capacity to broaden the scope of land administration by providing a land information management framework that would integrate formal, informal and customary land systems and administrative and spatial components. STDM makes this possible through tools that facilitates recording all forms of land rights, all types of rights holders and all kinds of land and property objects/spatial units regardless of the level of formality. An initial framework of STDM version was developed which is primarily based on free and open source software packages like QGIS, PostgreSQL and PostGIS and based on the pilot experience in Uganda. It was identified that the current version need further improvements and additional functionalities to address the information requirements of other context (e.g. post conflict/disaster, customary, etc.) and need to be further tested in various contexts and situations. It was also identified that STDM tool has to be rolled out in select countries with the accompanying technical assistance, database customisation and capacity development initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITES

Under the overall supervision of the Unit Leader of Land and GLTN Unit under the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance Branch of UN-Habitat, the consultant will perform the following tasks and responsibilities:

1. On Tool Development

• Lead in further development of STDM based on various peer and technical reviews.
• Develop the STDM Versions for public release including the related technical documentation.
• Supervise the design, development and maintenance of website for STDM including content management, moderation and updating.
• Identify further technical requirements for STDM development and engage appropriate partners to assist in further development.
• Support the social and governance review of STDM

2. On Capacity Development
• Assist the finalisation of training package on participatory enumeration and STDM.
• Lead in the development of STDM instructional videos for training and information purposes.
• Design and coordinate the STDM training for developers’ community.
• Support other STDM training and capacity development initiatives.

3. On Pilot Testing and Country Implementation

• Provide technical and capacity development assistance to select countries including Haiti, Colombia, Uganda, DRC, Fiji, Namibia, and support relevant initiatives in other countries.
• Take the lead in supporting the development of STDM country implementation strategy.
• Support other related country level work.

4. On Partnership, Knowledge Management and Communications

• Coordinate the partnerships with land professionals and STDM training providers and provide support to other partnerships.
• Lead in the establishment of community of developers and users.
• Lead in the development of videos, information materials and dissemination of lessons learned and experiences.
• Support other related work on partnership, knowledge management and communications on STDM tool.

5. Perform other tasks or functions as appropriate.

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning and Organising: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

EDUCATION
University degree in a field deemed relevant to the subject areas covered by these Terms of Reference such as Computer Science, Geomatics, GIS Programming/Design and Database Programming.

WORK EXPERIENCE
A minimum of five years’ experience in the field of software development and IT technical solutions;

1. Advanced knowledge in software development using open and free source software packages like PostgreSQL, PostGIS, QGIS, Java, C++, mobile applications and other tools.
2. Work experience in the applications of GIS and DBMS software.
3. Knowledge on land management and land issues particularly in Developing Countries context is preferred.
4. Work experience with NGOs, government institutions and disadvantaged communities is desirable.
5. Previous UN working experience is preferred;
6. Excellent skills of the English language, both understanding and writing skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage.

REMUNERATION
Remuneration shall be computed based on tasks assigned and results delivered.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should include:· Cover memo (maximum 1 page)

· Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:

1. Educational Background (incl. dates)
2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years / months)
3. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
4. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
5. Expectations regarding remuneration (daily)
6. List of referees

· Optional: A document developed by the applicant that is able to depict his / her ability to perform the tasks described in these Terms of Reference.

All applications should be submitted to:Global Land Tools Network Secretariat,
UN-HabitatP.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Email: info.ullg@unhabitat.org cc: Josephine.Ruria@unhabitat.org
Subject of the email: Application - GIS Officer-STDM

Please be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the UN-Habitat e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org

Deadline for applications: 6thFebruary 2015

UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org