Result of ServiceA single, reliable GLI web-GIS environment that (i) keeps existing GLI platforms and geodatabases fully maintained and enhanced, (ii) documented geospatial APIs and OGC services for seamless data exchange, (iii) consolidated geogli.com and grih.info into one production platform, and (iv) creation of up-to-date technical/user documentation and approved monthly progress reports. Work LocationHome-Based. Expected durationJanuary to March 2026. Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). (www.unccd.int) The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is the annual international forum for the governments of 19 industrialized countries and the European Union (EU). The G20 Leaders' Declaration, issued in November 2020, launched the \"Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats\" (G20 Global Land Initiative). Building on existing initiatives and on a voluntary basis, the G20 countries share the ambition to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in the amount of degraded land by 2040. The G20 Global Land Initiative, with oversight from UNCCD, will focus on building capacity, engaging the private sector, empowering civil society and showcasing success. Engagement with the private sector, including in relation to mining, agriculture and forestry, will be key to encourage support for land restoration efforts and the adoption of sustainable land management practices. The Initiative Coordination Office seeks a web/database developer consultant to assist the G20 GLI team conduct Geographic Information Science (GIS) activities and maintain and develop web applications. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the Information Management Officer, the candidate will: • Maintain and update the existing GLI data platforms and associated Geodatabases, develop and implement the following features: zoom, pan, a layer control panel to toggle different data layers, and custom widgets for measurement tools, drawing tools, and data export options. Additionally, ensure performance tuning of the server databases and promptly upgrade various server software packages. • Configure and manage MapX and superscript libraries, as well as Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Services (OWS) such as GeoServer for the GLI data platforms • Develop Geospatial APIs for data sharing and establishing interoperability between GLI geospatial platforms and other relevant data platforms. • Prepare GIS data layers for GLI data platforms and offer assistance with GIS data cleaning and preparation for statistical analyses, and assist in drafting reports, presentations, and training materials; • Perform any additional tasks related to the G20 mission, including those involving the GLI internal information system. Qualifications/special skills- A degree in information technology and Web GIS Developer or a closely related field is required; - Minimum 4 years of experience in web GIS development with proficiency in research is required; - Strong understanding and experience using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, web scripting and SQL programming is required; - Knowledge of publishing ArcGIS services and working with ArcGIS Online and Enterprise is required; developing mash-ups with other mapping technologies such as Google Maps and Bing is required. - Familiarity with web and database technologies such as React JS, Angular JS and NodeJS is required. - Experience with relational databases (MySQL and Postgres) is desired; - Proven experience in software upgrades / installations and testing procedures is desired; - Understanding of vector and raster applications is desired; LanguagesFluency in English, both oral and written, is required. Additional InformationOnly individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 11 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 11 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App. 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.