Data Management and Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, Administration, Geospatial information systems

Application deadline: 02/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP's mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.

Assignment context

The Cox’s Bazar Analysis and Research Unit (CARU), UNDP Bangladesh’s in-house data collection and analysis unit, is the only institutional provider of real-time data on violence, criminality, and social tensions in districts affected by the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh.

Through its Research Facility, CARU generates knowledge, evidence, and insights on the drivers of conflict, violence, and extremism, while strengthening the capacity to analyze disinformation, exclusion, and intolerance in Bangladesh. CARU provides an essential service to Bangladeshi policymakers, humanitarian agencies, development partners, diplomatic missions, and civil society organizations working to support women, refugees, minorities, and other vulnerable communities.

CARU is seeking to recruit a GIS Specialist to strengthen the unit’s capacity to analyze, visualize, and communicate security-related data through GIS mapping and data visualization tools. The incumbent will support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to promoting stability, inclusivity, and social cohesion in Cox’s Bazar District.

The GIS Specialist will provide both substantive and administrative support to UNDP’s research and data initiatives. The position will report to the Technical Specialist, Research and Survey Analysis, under the Cox’s Bazar Analysis and Research Unit (CARU) of the UNDP Crisis Response Office in Cox’s Bazar, and will work closely with CARU team members and other UNDP colleagues.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Technical Specialist, Research and Survey Analysis, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following, but not limited to, tasks:

• Assist research activities for CARU in Cox's Bazar.
• Support the implementation of GIS and graphic design initiatives, data management systems, including databases and spreadsheets, as well as online data collection tools, data cleaning, and verification of collected data.
• Support and participate in analytical work by processing data and information in creative and representative formats using advanced GIS and graphic design software.
• Perform regular monitoring of mainstream and social media to identify trends and drivers of social tensions in Cox’s Bazar.
• Interview and engage with local people, government representatives, and NGOs on the ground to gain additional insights into recent trends.
• Plan visits to host communities and Rohingya camps to collect data, as required.
• Ensure the entry of collected data into the system in a systematic and organized manner.
• Manage, clean, and analyze data, and present findings in a creative and user-friendly manner.
• Assist in drafting periodic reports and special updates.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• The Data Management Specialist will provide integral support and enhance the efficiency of the CARU team.
• Accurate media monitoring, data entry, and analysis of information for both internal and external audiences will strengthen the team's capacity and support UNDP's efforts in this area. The candidate’s initiative will be instrumental in achieving high-quality results.
• Ensuring full compliance of administrative activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintaining high-quality internal systems and files.

Skills and experience

• Experience in managing and analysing media monitoring data;
• Experience in using software for data analysis, e.g., MS Excel, SPSS, Stata, NVivo, and GIS;
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing are mandatory;
• Database design, administration, and maintenance are mandatory;
• Experience in working in a humanitarian context is an advantage;
• Experience in administration and administrative assistance is mandatory;
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Bangla;
• Working knowledge of the Rohingya/Chittagonian dialect is an advantage;
• Knowledge of data management with advanced IT skills;
• Skilled in the MS Office package and data analysis.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Bangladesh, situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal and adjacent to the Indian Ocean, is home to the world's longest unbroken sandy beach, stretching approximately 120 kilometres and accessible by road alongside the waves. This town is situated in the Chittagong Division of southeastern Bangladesh, near Myanmar (Burma).

For Bangladeshis, it does not get much better than Cox’s Bazar, the country’s most popular beach town, surpassing even Kuakata. It is often considered the "Cancun of the East." The town is filled with well-designed concrete structures and affluent 3-star and 5-star hotels, catering largely to the country’s elite and international tourists.

The beach is somewhat crowded during the tourist season, from October to March, particularly near the hotel-motel zone, but remains relatively untouched during the rest of the year, from April to September, when it is often a better time to visit.

Located about 150 km south of Chittagong Metropolitan City, Cox’s Bazar is connected to both Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and Chittagong, the country’s principal port city, by air and road.

You can check the full entitlements at the duty station at: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service are available at: https://explore.unv.org/cos.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.