Support mapping and community outreach activities of UN Mappers

Host entity: GSC ITA

Application deadline: 31/08/2026

Mission and objectives

GSC ITA organization mission TBD

Assignment context

This is an opportunity to contribute to geospatial and crowdsourcing mapping activities to assist UN missions, and to learn about the United Nations overall. Collaborating closely with the UN Maps Crowdsourcing Team and the UN Mappers community, the volunteers will help in enhancing geospatial data by providing accurate data and street-level base maps, as well as improving community outreach activities to foster and expand the UN Mappers community. The volunteers will serve as UN Mappers Ambassadors based on their home country and/or UN missions' area.

Task description

We are looking for four (4) active and dedicated Online Volunteers who have knowledge and skills in mapping in OpenStreetMap (OSM) through various editors and coordination tools (including iD editor, HOT Tasking Manager, JOSM and MapRoulette) and motivated to advocate for UN Maps, open data, and open mapping in their local digital volunteering communities.

Specifically, for each volunteer:

OV 1
Responsibility: Geospatial Data Contributor
Tasks:
• Collect geospatial data through OpenStreetMap (OSM) and other GIS tools.
• Clean, validate, and upload datasets into UN Maps’ geospatial databases.
• Ensure data accuracy (check duplicates, correct errors, validate with existing layers).
Output/Deliverable: Provide short documentation of methodologies used and statistics of data produced (tools, coordinates, data sources).


OV 2
Responsibility: Community Builder & Outreach Lead
Tasks:
• Support the growth of the UN Mappers community and collaborators.
• Contribute to the creation of local/regional UN Mappers chapters and identify potential partners (universities, NGOs, youth groups).
• Spread awareness via social media posts, online campaigns, and newsletters.
Output/Deliverable: Documented outreach activities (audience reached, engagement metrics, lessons learned).

OV 3
Responsibility: Training & Event Organizer
Tasks:
• Plan and deliver mapathons, online training, and community mapping events.
• Use MS Teams or other online tools to host sessions.
• Prepare training materials (slides, guides, recorded sessions).
Output/Deliverable: Collected participant feedback and tracked participation engagement for all activities.

OV 4
Responsibility: Mentor & Coordinator
Tasks:
• Act as a mentor for local community mappers, providing technical guidance and advice.
• Maintain regular online contact (chat groups, forums, email) to answer questions.
• Provide one-to-one or small-group mapping support when needed.
Output/Deliverable: Share success stories and highlight active members to motivate the community through community channels.


The task will include the following in general terms:

Contribute to UN Maps’ geospatial databases and collect geospatial data through OSM and other GIS tools

Engage on UN Mappers community growth by supporting the exploratory establishment of local/regional UN Mappers chapter/s or community/ies spreading awareness online through social media

Deliver mapathons/training opportunities and mapping activities with their communities of reference through MS Teams calls / online.

Serve as UN Mappers mentors and coordinators in their community by keeping online contact with their community and provide online mapping support

Collaborate with various interested organizations and community groups to organize mapping activities and campaigns virtually

Coordinate with the UN Maps Crowdsourcing & Outreach Team and report about mapping activities, community growth, lessons learned and challenges regarding the implementation of UN Mappers chapters strategy.

The average estimated workload is expected to include a regular weekly report on mapping and outreach activities. The Online Volunteer/s will work closely in coordination with the UN Maps Team and learn about community engagement in OpenStreetMap and mapping with the UN.

Skills and experience

Must have been contributing to OpenStreetMap projects for at least 6 months.

Have knowledge and skills in mapping in OpenStreetMap through various editors and project tools (including iD editor, HOT Tasking Manager, JOSM, MapRoulette,)

Preferably with advanced mapping skills

Preferably with mapathon organizer/training experience

Must adhere to the UN System Code of Conduct

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