• On-site

• • Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area), Ontario, Canada

• UNU-INWEH

Job description

United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)

UNU-INWEH, headquartered in Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area), Canada, is one of 13 research and training institutions that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-INWEH’s vision is a world free of water, environmental and health problems where sustainable development, environmental health, and human security are assured for all. Its mission is to help resolve pressing water, environmental, and health challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people. UNU-INWEH pursues its mission through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on-the-ground scalable science-based solutions to grand water, environmental and health challenges; and global outreach.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Manager, Geospatial, Climate and Infrastructure Analytics Program, the Geospatial Application and Data Analytics Associate will support the development and application of geospatial and data-driven analytical tools to advance UNU-INWEH’s research, policy engagement, and knowledge dissemination. The incumbent will contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of geospatial applications, data visualization products, and web-based analytical platforms that translate complex environmental data into accessible and policy-relevant outputs, including tools such as the Flood Mapping Tool, the SDG Policy Support System, and the Watershed Resilience Atlas.

The incumbent will support the integration of geospatial data, remote sensing imagery, and analytical outputs into interactive tools, dashboards, and digital platforms, contributing to the Institute’s capacity to generate and communicate scientific knowledge. In addition, the role will provide technical support to ensure the functionality, performance, and security of digital research infrastructure and platforms, working closely with research teams, central UNU IT services, and external partners to support the effective delivery and dissemination of research outputs.

Contingent upon the level of appointment, the incumbent is expected to:

1. Geospatial Application Development and Cloud Management

• Assist in the development and enhancement of new mapping and geospatial applications to support emerging projects and research initiatives.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and continuously enhancing customized geospatial web applications, including the UNU-INWEH Flood Mapping tool, the SDG Policy Support System, and the Watershed Resilience Atlas.
• Support application hosting, deployment, and server infrastructure using cloud platforms such as Google Cloud and AWS.
• Implement and maintain rigorous code backup protocols, version control (e.g., Git/GitHub), and deployment pipelines to ensure system stability and disaster recovery.
• Monitor application performance, conduct debugging, and improving code for speed, scalability, and security.

2. Website Enhancement and New Development

• Support the technical enhancement, maintenance of research-related digital platforms, including data portals, geospatial dashboards, and online analytical tools.
• Assist in the design, development, and deployment of new websites and web portals for various emerging UNU-INWEH initiatives, projects, and partnerships.
• Contribute to ensuring all web platforms adhere to technical best practices, accessibility standards, and robust security protocols.

3. Data Analysis and Visualization

• Support data analysis to support the development of UNU research reports, policy briefs, and scientific publications.
• Contribute to the design of interactive tools and infographics to present complex environmental data and research findings in an accessible format.
• Develop maps and interactive dashboards to visualize spatial environmental data using GIS software, online mapping platforms, and web-visualization libraries.
• Assist in the integration of remote sensing imagery and geospatial data into web visualizations to communicate environmental narratives effectively.
• Contribute to ensuring all visualizations adhere to data integrity, ethical presentation standards, and accessibility best practices across all platforms.

4. Learning Centre Platform Management

• Support the implementation of design, branding, and functional upgrades to the learning management system (LMS) to improve the overall user experience
• Assist in managing the technical architecture, enhancement, and maintenance of the online learning center (https://lc.unu.edu) and online education infrastructure of UNU-INWEH.
• Support platform stability, troubleshooting system issues, and resolving technical problems for users and administrators.

5. Technical ICT Support for Research Operations

• Provide ICT support to academic and research teams, assisting with the setup of research software and troubleshooting data tools to ensure uninterrupted scientific work.
• Facilitate academic collaboration by assisting in the maintenance of SharePoint sites for research output and data management
• Provide additional technical or academic support to research operations as assigned by the supervisor.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and accurate support for the development, configuration, and maintenance of geospatial applications, web platforms, and digital tools in support of UNU-INWEH projects and research initiatives.
• Stable, secure, and well-managed cloud infrastructure, hosting environments, and deployment workflows, ensuring system reliability, performance, and business continuity.
• Effective data analysis and delivery of clear, accurate, and accessible geospatial visualizations, dashboards, and digital outputs to support research, policy communication, and publications.
• Reliable technical maintenance and continuous improvement of the Institute’s websites and Learning Centre platform, ensuring usability, functionality, and adherence to technical and accessibility standards.
• Responsive and effective IT/ICT coordination and user support, including troubleshooting, SharePoint management, and liaison with internal and external technical stakeholders.
• Timely delivery of outputs with strong accuracy, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, while maintaining professional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Qualifications

1) Education and certification

• Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, geographic information systems (GIS), data sciences, IT, environmental science/engineering, civil engineering, or relevant fields related to the position responsibilities;
  OR

  A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree, provided it is accompanied by a minimum of three (3) years of additional relevant post-bachelor's experience.

2) Required skills and experience

• A minimum of one (1) year of post-Master's relevant technical experience in web/application development, cloud infrastructure management, and system maintenance is required; Or
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant post- Bachelor's experience is required.
• Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining web applications and managing cloud hosting environments (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud).
• Working knowledge in version control systems (e.g., Git), code backups, and secure deployment workflows.
• Experience in the technical administration, troubleshooting, and enhancement of Learning Management Systems (LMS) or similar e-learning platforms.
• Experience in providing general IT and ICT coordination and troubleshooting support.
• Experience in administering Microsoft SharePoint sites, including access management, structure, and collaborative tools.
• Knowledge of data integrity, ethical data presentation, and accessibility best practices in web development and visualization.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Consistent delivery of high-quality outputs within deadlines, with strong attention to accuracy and effective collaboration across teams and stakeholders.

3) Desirable skills and experience

• Experience in full-stack development using Python, the Django web framework, and React.
• Proficiency in creating maps and geospatial visualizations using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial web libraries.
• Experience in backend website maintenance, performance optimization, and developing new websites (e.g., using WordPress, Drupal, or modern web frameworks).

4) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

Immediate

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

24 May 2026

Submissions must be received by 11:59PM EST on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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