Spatial Data Analyst

Result of ServiceProcessed statistics based on geospatial data analysis for 300 selected cities from all world regions across SDGs 11.2.1, 11.3.1 and 11.7.1 based on the harmonized DEGURBA methodology; data on housing stock estimates for 100 priority cities; and technical contributions made to capacity building efforts for SDG 11 indicators. Work LocationKenya Expected duration6 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND UN- Habitat established the Data and Analytics Unit under the Knowledge and Innovation branch of UN-Habitat as a specialized statistical unit in charge of global monitoring of the Habitat Agenda and other agendas with an urban linkage. DAU has more than 20 years' experience in the collection, analysis and production of urban data at the world level and in specific cities. In line with UN-Habitat's mandate, DAU is working to a) Improve the capacity of countries and cities to access relevant information, setting global standards in the design analysis and collection of urban data, and supports the translation of data/information into policy formulation; b) Guide methodological developments of the urban related indicators and targets used by the international development community to monitor global progress towards implementation of the NUA and the urban SDGs; c) Improve worldwide urban knowledge base by supporting governments, local authorities and civil societies in the development and application of policy-oriented urban indicators, statistics and other urban information. As part of UN-Habitat’s efforts to provide technical support to countries worldwide for efficient monitoring and reporting on urban development agendas, the Data and Analytics Unit under the Knowledge and Innovation branch, is currently leading SDG 11 and the NUA monitoring at the global level. This task involves development of methodologies which are globally applicable and adaptable to the country level for urban data generation, their piloting, building the capacity of countries to use these methods and undertake continuous reporting on the urban related indicators, and supporting countries and cities to generate accurate and up to date data which is used for national and global reporting on the progress towards sustainable cities and human settlements. UN-Habitat is also directly in charge of 11 indicators within the SDG framework (8 in SDG 11, 2 in SDG 1, and 1 in SDG 6) and supports work on 7 other SDG 11 indicators. In line with its strategic plan 2026-2029, and in the context of the global review of SDG 11 in 2026, UN-Habitat will update SDG 11 indicators, with a specific focus on housing. The results will also be presented at the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF 13) taking place 17-22 May in Baku Azerbaijan. The date will serve as a robust complement to the theme of WUF 13 which is “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities”. Towards this, a geospatial data analyst (consultant) is required to provide mapping expertise on ongoing work to support SDG 11 monitoring. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Data and Analytics Unit, and in collaboration with the geospatial data lead. UN-Habitat is also directly in charge of 11 indicators within the SDG framework (8 in SDG 11, 2 in SDG 1, and 1 in SDG 6) and supports work on 7 other SDG 11 indicators. In line with its strategic plan 2026-2029, and in the context of the global review of SDG 11 in 2026, UN-Habitat will update SDG 11 indicators, with a specific focus on housing. The results will also be presented at the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF 13) taking place 17-22 May in Baku Azerbaijan. The date will serve as a robust complement to the theme of WUF 13 which is “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities”. RESPONSIBILITIES The geospatial data analyst consultant will work in the Data and Analytics Unit, under the direct supervision of both the geospatial data lead and the Chief of the Data and Analytics Unit. The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks in a selected sample of cities from all world regions: • Provide technical contributions to the delineation of urban boundaries for calculation of SDG indicators 11.2.1, 11.3.1, and 11.7.1 based on the degree of urbanisation (DEGURBA) approach • Provide technical contributions to processing statistics for SDG indicators 11.2.1, 11.3.1, and 11.7.1 • Provide technical contributions to training, execution and validation of machine learning models developed by DAU for housing stock estimation. • Develop scripts for spatial data analysis, support automation, and contribute to capacity-building efforts including training on SDG 11 methodologies. Qualifications/special skillsA first-level university degree in remote sensing, geographic information systems, urban planning, geography, or any other closely related field is required. At least 2 years’ experience working on spatial data analysis, image interpretation, data extraction from satellite imagery and maps creation and digitization. High proficiency in Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing software (egs ArcGIS, ArcGIS online, QGIS, ErdasImagine, ENVI, Google Earth Engine) is required. Experience working as a spatial data analyst is desirable. Knowledge of and experience working with the SDGs is highly desirable. Knowledge in GIS relevant programming skills, geostatistical workflows and GIS online systems will be an added advantage. LanguagesFor this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Although not a requirement, knowledge of any other UN language will be an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.