[5475] GIS & Geospatial Technology Expert

Job Title: GIS & Geospatial Technology Expert – Food Security Unit
Customer: EU Institution
Location: European Union
Service Delivery: Remote
Contract Type: Freelance

Introduction / Context:
The Food Security Unit, formerly MARS, has been at the forefront of global crop monitoring and food security assessment since 1993, leveraging agro-meteorological models and remote sensing data. The Unit supports early warning systems, crop yield forecasting, and global food security analysis, contributing to initiatives such as GEOGLAM, the IPC framework, and the Global Report on Food Crises.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a GIS & Geospatial Technology Expert to support the design, development, and implementation of crop monitoring technologies. Working closely with JRC experts, you will maintain and enhance the ASAP (Anomaly hotSpots of Agricultural Production) system, improve early warning monitoring products, and support analysts in producing agricultural assessments.

Key Responsibilities:
• Maintain, enhance, and customize the ASAP system, ensuring database completeness and optimal performance.
• Integrate seasonal weather forecasts and yield forecast visualizations into the system.
• Process and analyze geospatial data (raster and vector) using Python.
• Manage spatially enabled relational databases (PostgreSQL/PostGIS).
• Develop and support GIS services using Geoserver and other mapping tools.
• Implement geospatial processing and analysis tools, and integrate them with other applications.
• Conduct technical assessments of technologies and geospatial products.
• Produce clear, structured technical documentation and reports.
• Apply GIS and geospatial analysis to the agricultural domain, particularly in food security monitoring.

Qualifications & Experience:
• Master’s degree (Level 7 EQF) in GIS, Geospatial Sciences, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or related field.
• Strong experience with GIS software and tools.
• Proven skills in geospatial data processing and analysis, including Python programming.
• Knowledge of spatial databases, especially PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
• Experience with Geoserver or similar mapping servers.
• Background in environmental monitoring or agricultural applications preferred.
• Ability to write clear and structured technical documentation.

Additional Information:
• The scope of the assignment may evolve according to project needs and portfolio requirements