Project Analyst – Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Management

Job Description Tiered Approach In line with UNDP’s commitment to preserving internal capacity and supporting existing staff, most vacant posts across UNDP, UNFPA, and UNV are advertised under a tiered application process: Level 0: Permanent (PA) or fixed-term (FTA) international staff of UNDP/UNFPA/UNV whose posts are being eliminated or whose contracts expire or are not renewed in 2026. Level 1: Other UNDP/UNFPA/UNV staff holding PA or FTA contracts. Level 2: UNDP/UNFPA/UNV staff on temporary (TA) contracts, regular PSA staff, and UN Volunteers (Experts and Specialists). Level 3 or no level indicated: All other UNDP/UNFPA/UNV contract types, staff from other agencies, and external candidates. Please note the level(s) indicated in the job title, if any, and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. Unit/Project Description The Central African Republic (CAR), home to over 22.3 million hectares of forests (45% of national territory), aims to reverse deforestation trends (0.26% annual loss, ~58,000 ha/year) and reduce poverty through sustainable forest and land management. Under Axis 4 of the National Development Plan (PND) 2024–2028, the country seeks to transform forest conservation into direct financial value for local communities via Payment for Ecosystem Services (PSE) mechanisms—supported by the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI). In 2025, CAR received a CAFI preparatory grant of USD 300,000 to develop a 5-year (2026–2030) PSE project for Bangui and its surroundings. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a national PSE system, anchored in the regional CAFI platform. The UNDP CAR Office’s Environment, Energy, and Climate Change (EE&CC) Unit supports the government in implementing environmental, sustainable development, and energy policies—including rural renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, agroforestry, and sustainable forest management. Scope of Work The Project Analyst – GIS and Data Management will support the implementation of the PSE project, contributing to the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023–2027 and national priorities under the PND, particularly Strategic Axis 5: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience. Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will: Develop, manage, and analyze spatial and non-spatial data for planning, M&E, and independent verification; Operationalize the CAFI PSE platform by ensuring data reliability, spatial analysis, and technical reporting; Support field operations, training, and quality assurance. Key Duties and Responsibilities Develop and Maintain Project Spatial and Non-Spatial Databases Design and update thematic maps for planning; Maintain land registries; Collect and manage socio-economic data; Conduct biophysical monitoring. Georeferencing and Integration of Enrollment Data Map and archive parcel, community forest, and landscape unit boundaries using GPS, GIS, and satellite imagery (orthophotos, high-resolution imagery); Establish structured archival systems to track boundary versions (dates, authors); Store shapefiles, metadata, and documents per recognized geospatial data standards; Integrate collected data into the CAFI digital platform and ensure quality (validation, consistency). Training and Capacity Building Train field teams and aggregators on mobile data collection tools (KoboToolbox, GPS, tablets); Develop tailored training modules; Provide advanced KoboToolbox training (form design, configuration, submission management, synchronization); Train on GPS/tablet use (coordinate capture, trace recording, calibration, field best practices); Demonstrate standardized data collection procedures; Provide on-site mentoring and produce mentoring reports with observations, recommendations, and corrective actions. Cartographic and Visualization Products Produce maps, infographics, and visual tools for project monitoring and communication; Conduct spatial analyses for PSE interventions (agroforestry, Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA), conservation, and fuelwood activities). Technical Support to Independent Verification Prepare and structure cartographic data for evaluation; Generate verifiable statistical and geospatial evidence; Use satellite imagery, drone data, and Earth observation for forest cover monitoring and result validation. Data Security, Archiving, and Sharing Ensure regular backups and data integrity; Structured archiving and documentation for traceability; Secure data sharing with project partners per confidentiality and internal protocols. Contribute to the GIS Pillar and Unit Activities Support the EE&CC Unit through technical advice and knowledge sharing on GIS and data management; Contribute to work plans, M&E frameworks, annual reports, and other mandated exercises; Provide quality assurance for project/program evaluations; Facilitate capacity building, knowledge sharing, and awareness-raising; Identify, synthesize, and document lessons learned and good practices. Expected Results & Impact Robust, maintained spatial and non-spatial project database (maps, land registries, socio-economic data, biophysical monitoring); Updated thematic maps for planning, monitoring, and communication; High-quality technical support to independent verification (data, maps, statistics, geospatial evidence); Strengthened institutional capacity and knowledge sharing on GIS tools and data management. Institutional Arrangement The Analyst will report directly to the Project Manager, who reports to UNDP management. Competencies Core Competencies (Level 1) Delivering Results: Plan and manage own work; deliver quality outputs on time; Innovative Thinking: Open to creative ideas; pragmatic problem-solver; Learning & Sharing: Curious, open-minded; shares knowledge and learns from mistakes; Adapting with Agility: Adapts to change; manages ambiguity and uncertainty; Acting with Determination: Demonstrates energy, motivation, and resilience; Engaging & Collaborating: Compassionate, builds positive relationships; Promoting Diversity & Inclusion: Respects differences; confronts discrimination. Cross-Cutting & Technical Competencies Organizational Development & Management: Results-based management, strategic implementation; Knowledge Generation: Transform information into actionable knowledge; Communication: Clear, concise, audience-appropriate communication; Digital & Innovation – Data Analysis: Extract, analyze, and visualize data for decision-making; Partnership Management: Build and maintain effective partnerships. Minimum Qualifications (NPSA) Education Required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Geomatics, GIS, Remote Sensing, Environment, or related field; Alternative: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields + 2 years of qualified experience. Experience Master’s holders: No minimum experience required; Bachelor’s holders: Minimum 2 years of professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, and database management applied to forestry, agriculture, or natural resource management. Desired Skills Proven experience in GIS-based monitoring systems and integration of spatial and socio-economic data; Experience/knowledge of MRV, PSE, or REDD+ standards is an asset; Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with attention to detail and organization; Demonstrated ability to train multidisciplinary teams (field agents, aggregators, local institutions); Experience in Results-Based Management (RBM) / Project Cycle Management (PCM) is an asset; Knowledge of sustainable development and climate change, with a focus on “leave no one behind”; Practical experience integrating gender dimensions into international projects; Understanding of biodiversity conservation, law enforcement, sustainable livelihoods, and related issues. Language Requirements Fluent French (required); Working knowledge of English (required). Travel Field missions may be required; travel expenses will be reimbursed per UNDP rules. Equal Opportunity UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Selection is based on merit and competence. Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse UNDP has zero tolerance for harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and abuse of authority. Selected candidates are subject to background checks. Right to Select Multiple Candidates UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for future similar positions. Scam Alert UNDP never charges fees at any stage of recruitment. For more information, visit: www.undp.org/scam-alert (https://www.undp.org/scam-alert)