National Spatial Information Systems SpecialistNational Spatial Information Systems Specialist
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030…
Job description
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Organizational Setting
Papua New Guinea is advancing the development of a national Protected Area Registry System under the EU-funded FCCB/SRBC Accelerator (UNJP/PNG/021/EC). The PA Registry System is expected to serve as CEPA’s official source-of-truth registry for protected areas, linking legal records, verified GIS boundaries, management documents, monitoring evidence, and reporting outputs. The system will build on the existing GeoNode-based Biodiversity and Climate Geo-Portal rather than developing a new platform from scratch. It is expected to support PA master records, spatial boundary management, document repository functions, user roles and approval workflows, Web-GIS publication, automated reporting, and future linkages with WDPA/WDPCA, PIPAP, PAME/METT, Lukim Gather, FERM, Earth Map, Deforestation Alerts System, Carbon Registry/PES and other systems.
In parallel, FAO is supporting related work on participatory land use planning, forest and land-use monitoring and mapping, restoration initiative tracking, peatland mapping and monitoring, food security monitoring, and early warning system and anticipatory action. These workstreams require strong national coordination, spatial data management, field-based engagement, and practical linkages with government systems, including CEPA’s PA-related systems and DLPP’s land-use planning systems.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall and technical supervision of the FAO Chief Technical Adviser, and in close coordination with relevant FAO technical experts, ICT/developer consultants, CEPA, DLPP, CCDA, PNGFA and other national counterparts, the Specialist will support the development and operationalization of the GeoNode-based PA Registry System, as well as related spatial planning, restoration, peatland monitoring activities and food security monitoring and early warning activities.
Technical Focus
Provide technical support for the development and operationalization of the GeoNode-based Protected Area (PA) Registry System through spatial information systems, GIS database management, land-use planning, restoration monitoring, peatland mapping, and food security early warning systems. The incumbent will support spatial data management, GeoNode/PostgreSQL/PostGIS administration, stakeholder coordination, and the integration of geospatial information into national environmental information systems.
Tasks and responsibilities
PA Registry and GeoNode-based Geo-Portal Development Support
• Review the existing GeoNode-based Biodiversity and Climate Geo-Portal and support the confirmation of requirements for the PA Registry System.
• Contribute to the preparation of functional specifications, data model notes, workflow descriptions, user-role definitions and metadata templates for the PA Registry.
• Coordinate with FAO, CEPA, ICT/developer consultants and relevant partners to support GeoNode/MapStore/PostgreSQL-based system enhancement.
• Support testing, issue tracking, user feedback collection and acceptance of PA Registry functions, including PA records, boundary management, document linkage, Web-GIS and reporting functions.
• Prepare user-oriented documentation and support training for CEPA and relevant partners.
PA Data Registration, Database Management and PAME/METT Linkage
• Compile, clean and structure PA-related datasets, including PA names, CEPA Registry IDs, WDPA IDs, legal status, management information, GIS boundaries and metadata.
• Support upload, update and quality control of PA spatial and attribute data through GeoNode and the backend PostgreSQL/PostGIS database, in coordination with ICT/developer consultants.
• Assist CEPA in linking gazettal records, FPIC/landowner agreements, management plans, maps, reports and other supporting documents to PA records.
• Review available PAME/METT and NRM Hub information and support practical options for linking management effectiveness evidence to PA Registry records.
• Support preparation of PA statistics, maps, summaries and reporting outputs for SRBC, CBD/GBF, WDPA/WDPCA, PIPAP and related reporting needs.
Participatory Land Use Planning, Mapping, Monitoring, and DLPP LUP System Linkage
• Support participatory land use planning and mapping activities in selected landscapes relevant to protected areas, restoration and sustainable land management.
• Work with DLPP, CEPA, provincial authorities, PA managers and customary landowners to compile and validate spatial planning information.
• Prepare maps and spatial products to support land use planning, stakeholder consultations and community validation.
• Identify practical linkages between PA Registry outputs, participatory land use planning products and DLPP-related systems or workflows.
• Ensure sensitive community, landowner and customary land information is handled according to agreed data governance and access-control arrangements.
FERM Restoration Initiative Registration and PA Landscape Linkage
• Review the relevance of Open Foris FERM for restoration initiatives located within or around PA landscapes, buffers, corridors and degraded ecosystems.
• Identify and compile candidate restoration initiative information, including location, area, intervention type, implementer, status and monitoring evidence.
• Support preparation or entry of FERM-compatible restoration initiative records, in coordination with FAO, CEPA and relevant partners.
• Link restoration initiative information with PA Registry records where relevant, while maintaining the PA Registry as the official source of PA legal and boundary information.
• Prepare practical notes on how FERM, Earth Map and PA Registry information can support GBF Target 2-related reporting.
Peatland Mapping and ART-TREES-relevant Monitoring Planning
• Review global peatland datasets, Indonesian experience and CIFOR or other relevant technical work on peatland mapping and monitoring.
• Compile available spatial datasets relevant to peatland identification, including soils, wetlands, topography, hydrology, forest cover, land cover change and fire information.
• Conduct preliminary assessment of data gaps, uncertainty and potential priority areas for peatland mapping in PNG.
• Review possible links between peatland mapping, PA Registry, restoration planning, land use planning and carbon-related reporting.
• Prepare a short concept note and recommended work plan for ART-TREES-relevant peatland mapping and monitoring, including data, methods, validation needs and institutional roles.
Food Security Monitoring and Early Warning System
• Review current food security monitoring indicators, data sources, and early warning protocols used by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), National Weather Service (NWS), and international partners (e.g., FAO GIEWS, WFP).
• Identify and compile key food security indicators, including climate-related data (rainfall, drought indices), agricultural productivity (NDVI, crop yields), and market price information for integration into the Geo-Portal.
• Utilize remote sensing tools (such as Earth Map or FAO ASIS) and GIS to map food-insecure areas, high-risk climate zones, and their intersection with protected areas and customary land use.
• Support the definition of early warning thresholds and the development of automated alert workflows to notify stakeholders of potential food security threats (e.g., El Niño-induced drought or pest outbreaks).
• Coordinate with ICT consultants to develop a Food Security Dashboard within the existing GeoNode-based portal to visualize real-time data, vulnerability maps, and reporting trends.
• Support the preparation of food security bulletins and summary reports for the National Disaster Centre and relevant clusters, ensuring that monitoring outputs are accessible to decision-makers.
• Prepare user manuals for food security data entry and analysis and conduct training sessions for government counterparts and provincial officers on maintaining the early warning system.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geomatics, Geography, Statistics, Data Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Land Administration, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in GIS, spatial information systems, geospatial database management, environmental information systems, land-use planning, remote sensing, or natural resource management.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Papua New Guinea.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in GIS, GeoNode, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, spatial databases, web-based GIS platforms, remote sensing and spatial data management.
• Extent and relevance of experience supporting protected area management, land-use planning, environmental monitoring, restoration initiatives, peatland mapping, biodiversity conservation, or natural resource management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in data analysis, statistical methods, quantitative monitoring systems, and the use of statistical software such as R, Python, SPSS, Stata, or equivalent for analysis of food security, environmental or spatial datasets.
• Familiarity with GIS software and geospatial tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS, GeoNode, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MapStore, Open Foris FERM, Earth Map, and remote sensing platforms.
• Experience in spatial data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), metadata development and geospatial data standards.
• Experience preparing technical documentation, user manuals and delivering training to government counterparts.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities and development partners.
Additional information
Selection Criteria
• Demonstrated experience in the development or implementation of spatial information systems or national geospatial databases.
• Experience working with protected area, forestry, biodiversity, restoration, land administration or environmental management programmes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GeoNode-based platforms, spatial database administration and Web-GIS applications.
• Experience integrating spatial datasets from multiple sources and supporting decision-making through GIS products and spatial analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing quantitative data, developing indicators, and applying statistical or data analysis software (e.g. R, Python, SPSS, Stata, or equivalent) to support monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision-making.
• Experience working with national and sub-national government agencies and coordinating multi-stakeholder technical initiatives.
• Experience supporting capacity development, knowledge transfer and technical training.
• Previous experience with FAO, UN agencies or other international development organizations would be considered an advantage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geomatics, Geography, Statistics, Data Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Land Administration, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in GIS, spatial information systems, geospatial database management, environmental information systems, land-use planning, remote sensing, or natural resource management.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Papua New Guinea.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in GIS, GeoNode, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, spatial databases, web-based GIS platforms, remote sensing and spatial data management.
• Extent and relevance of experience supporting protected area management, land-use planning, environmental monitoring, restoration initiatives, peatland mapping, biodiversity conservation, or natural resource management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in data analysis, statistical methods, quantitative monitoring systems, and the use of statistical software such as R, Python, SPSS, Stata, or equivalent for analysis of food security, environmental or spatial datasets.
• Familiarity with GIS software and geospatial tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS, GeoNode, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MapStore, Open Foris FERM, Earth Map, and remote sensing platforms.
• Experience in spatial data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), metadata development and geospatial data standards.
• Experience preparing technical documentation, user manuals and delivering training to government counterparts.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities and development partners.
Additional information
Selection Criteria
• Demonstrated experience in the development or implementation of spatial information systems or national geospatial databases.
• Experience working with protected area, forestry, biodiversity, restoration, land administration or environmental management programmes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GeoNode-based platforms, spatial database administration and Web-GIS applications.
• Experience integrating spatial datasets from multiple sources and supporting decision-making through GIS products and spatial analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing quantitative data, developing indicators, and applying statistical or data analysis software (e.g. R, Python, SPSS, Stata, or equivalent) to support monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision-making.
• Experience working with national and sub-national government agencies and coordinating multi-stakeholder technical initiatives.
• Experience supporting capacity development, knowledge transfer and technical training.
• Previous experience with FAO, UN agencies or other international development organizations would be considered an advantage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.