Job opening at International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union is hiring: Geographic Information System (GIS) Consultant (Home-based) to strengthen agricultural technical advice using geospatial technologies!

Job Title: Geographic Information System (GIS) Consultant
Location: Home-Based (Remote)
Contract Type: Consultant
Duration: 6 months
Closing Date: 3 March 2026 (Midnight Geneva Time)
Salary: USD 280 – USD 650 per working day (based on experience)
Recruitment Open To: External Candidates

The role is fully remote and will require engagement with key regional stakeholders, particularly in Central America.

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).

ITU’s mission is to connect the world by improving communication infrastructure globally, establishing global standards, and managing the international radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

The agency also organizes major global telecom events that bring together the most influential leaders from governments, the private sector, and international organizations.

ITU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and achieving gender balance within its workforce. The organization encourages applicants of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, to apply for its opportunities. ITU adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and strives to ensure equal opportunities for all its employees.

Position Overview

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Consultant will support ITU’s efforts to improve agricultural technical advice using geospatial technologies.

This consultancy will involve designing and implementing a comprehensive GIS system for agricultural purposes, based on international standards, including the Digital Disaster Risk Reduction Maturity Model (DDRRMM) and GovStack GIS Building Block, along with ISO/TC 211 and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards.

The consultant will collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including government ministries and international organizations, to develop GIS solutions that enhance agricultural practices through effective data integration, mapping, and spatial analytics.

Key Responsibilities

1. GIS Resource Inventory and Evaluation

Conduct an inventory of existing GIS resources across relevant government institutions, including ministries of agriculture, environment, and natural resources.
Evaluate the current state of GIS capabilities and identify opportunities for improvement.

2. Design GIS Integration Mechanism

Develop a mechanism to integrate existing GIS resources with satellite data (e.g., Copernicus and Sentinel) and drone imagery, including infrared photography.
Ensure the integration supports agricultural decision-making and operational efficiency.

3. Design Protocols for GIS Data Use

Create protocols for incorporating drone data and infrared sensor data into the GIS framework.
Propose standards and procedures for the sustainable and regular updating of the GIS system.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

Identify and engage relevant stakeholders in the process, including government entities such as the Ministry of Agriculture, National School of Agriculture, and National Center for Agricultural and Forestry Technology.
Coordinate activities with the Technology Transfer Center to ensure alignment with national and regional priorities.

5. Optimization of ArcGIS Systems

Provide recommendations for optimizing the performance of existing ArcGIS portals and improving user experience for agricultural applications.
Propose an interoperability plan for integrating ArcGIS with other government systems.

6. Reporting and Documentation

Deliver key reports, including a diagnostic report on existing GIS resources and a design report for the manure and fertilizer web system.
Develop an ArcGIS integration report and provide recommendations for GIS sustainability.
Coordinate a final presentation for stakeholders, showcasing findings and recommendations.

7. Final Presentation and Workshop

Conduct a three-day workshop in El Salvador, presenting findings and engaging key stakeholders on GIS application in agriculture.

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to provide the following deliverables:

Stakeholder Identification Report – A list of relevant stakeholders for GIS integration.
Diagnostic Report – A report evaluating existing GIS resources across public institutions.
Application Report – A detailed report on GIS applications in agriculture, including user experiences.

Web System Design Report – A design report for a manure and fertilizer web system that is ready for contracting development.
ArcGIS Integration Report – A report detailing the interoperability plan and governance proposal for ArcGIS and existing GIS resources.

Mechanism Reports – Reports detailing the integration of GIS resources, satellite data, and drones, with governance and sustainability recommendations.
Final Presentation – A presentation delivered during the workshop in El Salvador, summarizing findings and next steps.

Competencies

To be successful in this role, the consultant should demonstrate the following competencies:

Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with public-sector partners and stakeholders at both national and regional levels.
Technical Writing: Strong writing skills to draft analytical reports, proposals, and technical documentation.

Geospatial Expertise: Knowledge of connectivity, data validation, and quality reporting in geospatial systems.
GIS and Remote Sensing Knowledge: Competence in contemporary GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data management practices.
Leadership: Ability to initiate and maintain effective working relations with international and government officials.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Advanced university degree in geography, geospatial sciences, environmental engineering, computer science, earth observation, remote sensing, or a related field.
Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with 15 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

A minimum of 10 years of experience in the design and implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Proven experience in managing GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and integrating satellite data (e.g., Copernicus, Sentinel).
Experience in image processing from drones and infrared sensors.

Proficiency in managing spatial databases (e.g., PostGIS, GeoServer).
Familiarity with Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards and GIS interoperability.
Experience in agricultural or environmental projects is desirable.

Languages:

Advanced proficiency in English is required.
Knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

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Remuneration Information

The consultant will receive a daily rate between USD 280 and USD 650, depending on work experience. The exact rate will be determined during the selection process.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the ITU career website and complete the online application. Applicants are required to provide complete and accurate information, as the evaluation process may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews.

Application Deadline: 3 March 2026 (Midnight Geneva Time). Apply Here: Geographic Information System (GIS) Consultant

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Recruitment Process

Please note that ITU uses video, teleconference, and email for communication during the recruitment process. Only selected candidates will be contacted, and reference checks will be conducted for those advancing to the final selection stage. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

International Telecommunication Union is hiring: Geographic Information System (GIS) Consultant (Home-based)

Job Description