Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in Geospatial Science, Land Management, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, or a related field. Knowledge of geospatial modelling and developing decision support tools is an advantage

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is recruiting a Consultant to support a regional initiative focused on transforming food systems through stronger land and climate information systems. This role contributes directly to efforts aimed at improving resilience in livestock-dependent pastoral communities across the Horn of Africa. The assignment emphasizes evidence-based analysis, policy alignment, and targeted investment strategies that address climate vulnerabilities and land-tenure challenges in pastoral systems.

The consultant will support the development of analytical products, technical guidance, and policy insights that help ministries and research institutions improve decision-making in livestock value chains. This includes strengthening data systems, enhancing early warning tools, facilitating land and pasture-use mapping, and supporting climate-risk assessments. The work will contribute to improved policies on land governance, sustainable resource management, and livestock-based livelihoods.

The assignment also includes engagement with government officials, regional bodies, development partners, and non-state actors to promote policy coherence and facilitate capacity-building activities. These collaborations aim to expand understanding of climate impacts on pastoral systems and help countries design more resilient livestock-sector strategies. The consultant will also contribute to research, policy dialogues, and technical workshops to support the broader aims of the project.

The initiative focuses on Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda—countries that share climate vulnerabilities but differ in institutional readiness and development stage. This creates opportunities for cross-country learning and the development of scalable insights that can guide future investments at regional and continental levels. The project aligns with the Kampala CAADP Declaration (2025) and supports Africa’s broader agenda to build resilient agri-food systems and accelerate sustainable development.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall coordination and management of project activities in the target countries.
• Acquire, process, and manage spatial and non-spatial data from satellite imagery, climate models, remote sensing, field surveys, and socio-economic studies.
• Utilize advanced GIS tools and technologies to generate actionable insights for land use, livestock value chains, and climate adaptation.
• Adapt and customize decision support modules, including livestock suitability, land tenure, and climate prediction tools.
• Develop and operationalize a geoportal to centralize datasets, generate country profiles, and visualize investment opportunities and risks.
• Identify areas for private sector investment in livestock value chains through geospatial and climate intelligence.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops for technical officers and stakeholders, including hands-on training on decision support tools and geospatial analysis.
• Prepare reports, workshop materials, and technical documentation to support project deliverables and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure ethical data collection practices and engage with local communities in project implementation.

Result of Service
Strengthened national and regional capacities to enhance food-system resilience, supported by improved climate and land information systems, aligned policies, and data-driven investments targeting livestock value chains.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in Geospatial Science, Land Management, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, or a related field. Knowledge of geospatial modelling and developing decision support tools is an advantage

A minimum of 7 years of experience in geospatial data analysis in land and climate for policy support in the context of the agricultural value chain development, preferably in Africa is required • Proficiency in geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, or similar) and programming languages (Python, R) is required • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply geospatial tools and methodologies to address complex issues is an advantage • Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders is required • Familiarity with African agricultural value chains, land tenure systems, and rural development challenges. • A strong commitment to ethical data collection and community engagement.

Work Location
Addis Ababa

Duration
4 months within an 8-month period

Deadline: 02/12/2025

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