National AFOLU GIS/MRV Specialist

About the role

The National AFOLU GIS/MRV Specialist will support Papua New Guinea's Green Climate Fund REDD+ Results‑Based Payment Pilot Programme. Based in the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) Satellite Land Monitoring System Laboratory, the specialist will strengthen GIS, remote sensing and geospatial data management for national forest monitoring and AFOLU measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the GIS function within the CCDA SLMS Laboratory, including forest benchmark mapping and annual monitoring.
• Improve land‑use, commodity, plantation and road‑network datasets and conduct deforestation and degradation driver analysis.
• Provide spatial support for REDD+ nesting, benefit sharing, and national reporting requirements such as the Biennial Transparency Report and National Communication.
• Assist with technical specifications, coordination, QA/QC and integration of externally produced large‑scale datasets.
• Contribute to related mapping initiatives, including EU Deforestation Regulation, food‑security analysis and El Niño climate‑risk assessments.

Required profile

• Experience in national‑level GIS and remote sensing applications for forest and land‑use monitoring.
• Familiarity with REDD+ MRV processes, climate reporting and AFOLU sector requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government agencies such as CCDA and PNGFA.
• Strong analytical skills for driver analysis, risk mapping and data quality assurance.

Required skills

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – data creation, analysis and visualization.
• Remote sensing and satellite imagery interpretation.
• Geospatial data management and database integration.
• Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of spatial datasets.
• Technical coordination of external data production.