Data Visualization and Communications Associate

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

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

UNU-INWEH, headquartered in Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area), Canada, is one of 14 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

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

1- Website Maintenance & Content Creation

• Oversee the institute’s website and social media platforms, ensuring timely updates and engaging content.

• Coordinate the dissemination of news, research findings, and institutional messages across various communication channels.

• Support in editorial and publications to maintain consistency in branding, messaging, and visual identity across all materials.

• Assist in providing layout, proofreading, and editorial assistance to ensure high-quality, professional publications.

• Assist in the initial draft of press releases, news articles, and official communications to inform and engage partners, donors, and the public.

• Produce digital content, promotional materials, and multimedia resources to highlight the institute’s work and impact.

2- Data Visualization

• Design and create visually engaging infographics to present complex environmental data and research findings in an accessible format.

• Develop maps to visualize spatial environmental data (e.g. deforestation, pollution levels, disaster impact) using GIS software and online mapping platforms.

• Collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts to translate data and narratives into compelling visual stories through various visualization methods.

• Ensure all visualizations adhere to data integrity, ethical presentation standards, and accessibility best practices across all platforms.

• Integrate remote sensing imagery and geospatial data into map visualizations and story maps to communicate environmental narratives effectively.

3- Supporting the Global Environmental Intelligence Lab

• Support the core team and activities of the Global Environmental Intelligence Lab, a new platform to be launched by UNU-INWEH in 2025, with the focus on turning geospatial data into understandable information to guide different stakeholders.

• Produce content based on the Lab’s results (remote sensing, image processing, storytelling, fact finding, incident reports, post-disaster analysis, etc.).

• Prepare background materials, talking points, and briefing documents for the Director in collaboration with the Manager, Geospatial, Climate and Infrastructure Analytics Program, on events relevant to the Lab.

• Assist in preparing and drafting reports, proposals, concept notes, strategic documents, and agreements.

4. Learning Centre

• Support the overall work of the online learning center (https://lc.unu.edu) and online education activities of UNU-INWEH.

• Help in improving the design and branding of the Learning Centre.

• Contribute to course creation and management in collaboration with partners, other experts, and the UNU-INWEH team.

• Process course certification, reviewing material, and submitting to the Director for accreditation.

5. Support ad-hoc tasks as assigned by the Director and the Office of the Director.

Key Performance Indicators

• High-quality implementation of assigned tasks and services against specific timelines.

• Timely and quality contribution to assigned tasks and activities.

• Active engagement with the Office of the Director and relevant UNU-INWEH’s staff as well as with external collaborators and stakeholders, where required.

• Contribute to the Institute’s strategic plan delivery and implementation.

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 behavior, 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.

Behaviors:

• 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.

1) Education and certification

• Master’s (or equivalent) degree in environmental science, cartography, graphic design, remote sensing, GIS, geography, data sciences, teaching, education, journalism, communications, computer science, or related fields.

2) Required skills and experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in digital communications and content creation with sensitivity to political contexts.

• Proven ability to create engaging content tailored to diverse audiences across various online platforms.

• Skilled in designing data visualizations, such as infographics, charts, and graphs.

• Proficiency in creating maps and geospatial visualizations using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and online mapping tools.

• Proficiency in data analysis, graphic design, and content management tools (e.g., MS Office Suite, WordPress or Drupal, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS or QGIS).

• Knowledge of data integrity, ethical data presentation, and accessibility best practices in visualization.

• Familiarity with environmental data and concepts, including remote sensing, image processing, and environmental monitoring.

• Experience in developing online courses and materials, and managing e-learning platforms is desirable.

• Experience in website and social media management is desirable.

• Experience in research in academic environments is desirable.

• Experience in fundraising for research and communications is desirable.

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with keen attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting official correspondence and reports.

• Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural settings and engage with senior officials and international stakeholders.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English 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 a tax-exempt salary commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

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

As soon as possible.

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

04 May 2025

Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EDT Time-Zone 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.

Scam Warning

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