INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems. ITU also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
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Geographic Information System (GIS) Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2263
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 3 March 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
- Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
- Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
- Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)
The regional offices provide assistance to the ITU Member States of the Region, ensuring a close relationship and collaboration. To implement the agreed programs and projects, in accordance with the ITU Strategy Plan and the BDT Action Plan, with the active support of all Departments, providing timely information about their development. To provide proper line management and support, the Regional Directors report to the Director of the BDT.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The purpose of the consultancy is to strengthen agricultural technical advice using geospatial technologies. The consultant will design and implement a comprehensive GIS mechanism and associated protocols and will use appropriate international standards and document their use in the deliverables. Specifically, the consultant will use the Digital Disaster Risk Reduction Maturity Model (DDRRMM), developed under UNDP's DX4R initiative and GovStack GIS Building Block alongside ISO/TC 211 and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the ITU Area Representative, Central America and in coordination with government entities such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), National School of Agriculture (ENA), National Center for Agricultural and Forestry Technology (CENTA), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and the Secretariat of Innovation among others, the consultant will:
- Conduct an inventory and evaluate GIS resources currently available across government institutions.
- Design an integration mechanism to consolidate the existing GIS resources, satellite data (including Copernicus and other sources), and drone imagery including infrared photography.
- Design protocols for the incorporation of drone data and infrared sensors.
- Propose standards, procedures and methodologies for the regular updating, maintenance, and sustainability of the GIS mechanism.
- Provide targeted recommendations to optimize the use of ArcGIS and enhance the performance and utilization of existing ArcGIS portals.
- Identify and engage relevant stakeholders and coordinate activities with government entities and the Technology Transfer Center.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Identification of relevant stakeholders.
- Preparation of a diagnostic report on existing GIS resources in public institutions.
- Submission of a report detailing GIS application in agriculture, encompassing user experiences.
- Delivery of a manure and fertilizer web system design report; design of a system ready for contracting its development, enabling practical outputs from existing GIS resources.
- Submission of a report on ArcGIS integration mechanism, including an interoperability plan and a governance proposal. Recommendations for optimising ArcGIS and existing GIS resources.
- Integration of mechanism reports: mechanisms for integrating existing GIS resources, satellite data (Copernicus) and drones, including i) an interoperability plan with existing systems and (ii) a governance proposal for operation and sustainability.
- Coordination and delivery of a final presentation to key stakeholders through a three-day workshop in El Salvador.
COMPETENCIES
- Ability to facilitate engagements with public-sector partners and stakeholders at national and regional level.
- Strong writing skills for drafting analytical reports, proposals, and technical documentation.
- Knowledge of connectivity, data validation and quality reporting in geospatial systems.
- Competence in contemporary GIS, remote sensing and spatial data management practices.
- Ability to initiate and maintain effective working relations with international and government officials.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in geography, geospatial sciences, environmental engineering, computer science, earth observation, remote sensing, or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.
A first level university degree in one of the fields in combination with fifteen years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience:
At least ten (10) years of experience in design and implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Experience in management of GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS).
Experience in Integration of satellite data (Copernicus, Sentinel).
Experience in Image processing from drones and infrared sensors.
Experience in Spatial databases (PostGIS, GeoServer).
Experience in Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and interoperability standards.
A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.
Experience in agricultural or environmental projects is desirable.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 280 to USD 650 per working day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU career website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
