Dan Royal Job/Vacancies

BACKGROUND
The STDM is a multi-partner software development initiative to support pro-poor land administration. It has the capacity to broaden the scope of land administration by providing a land information
management framework that would integrate formal, informal, and customary land systems and administrative and spatial components. The emphasis is on social tenure relationships embedded in the continuum of land rights concept promoted by GLTN and UN-HABITAT.
The prototype of STDM software has been developed by UN-HABITAT by commissioning the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) and reviewed by the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG). The system has been developed using open-source software modules to support land information management in informal and customary settlements in developing countries, amongst others.
STDM Phase 1 (Prototype) is built around four open-source software: Apache Tomcat which is used to mediate client server architecture; PostgreSQL and PostGIS employed to provide non-spatial and spatial database functions; ILWIS incorporated to provide visualisation and manage raster data.  JAVA and C++ were used to develop the user-interface. The prototype is still missing import/export, robust analysis capabilities and printable output functionalities.
There is a need now to link the STDM to QGIS, a popular open source GIS package to manage land information and assist community development initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Study the STDM Prototype using open-source software to manage land information in a informal/customary settlements. Write a report on the STDM Prototype software addressing its components  - Apache Tomcat (managing the client-server environment), PostgreSQL/PostGis (managing the DBMS) and Ilwis (providing the GIS functionalities) and how they are integrated for operation of the package. The report should include a detailed discussion on the DBMS design (using a design diagram) with explanation of the primary/foreign keys and how they are formulated and used to define the relationship/link amongst the tables.
• Develop the necessary software modifications to the PostgreSQL/PostGis DBMS  (as defined in the Prototype) so that it can be linked to QGIS using the built-in linking modules.
• Assist and advise on how to optimize QGIS capabilities and on how to further improve STDM.

METHODOLOGY
The Consultant will make use of the following methodology:

• Discussion with the supervisor/s and key staff on the proposed work plan and subsequent revisions and implementation;
• Inform management as soon as possible any bottlenecks, constraints and problems being encountered in relation to some tasks that will require some other interventions outside of the scope and technical expertise of the consultants.
• Progress reporting twice a month.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS/ DELIVERABLES
Output 1:

• Analyze (ITC-Developed) STDM Prototype
  Study in detail the role of each component in the integrated system i.e. ILWIS, Apache Tomcat and PostgreSQL/PostGIS. This includes object relational mapping, message transmission, database schema, database indexes and spatial tables, level of usage of stored procedures, security measures for authentication and authorization of resources and also for data transmission, roles of system users, extensibility and scalability features of the system.

• Submission of a report including a database schema showing the entity relationships (at the end of 2nd week).

Output 2:

• Perform the actual reconstruction of the Primary and Foreign keys in the original PostgreSQL/PostGIS  STDM database so that it links to QGIS.
• Testing of the QGIS linkage to STDM Prototype (populating the DBMS using direct data import  facility of QGIS and PostgreSQL/PostGis).
• Submission of the final report and modified software (at the end of 4th week).

REPORTING
The Consultant will be reporting on a day to day basis to Hemayet Hossain and Danilo Antonio, Land Tenure and Property Administration Section, Shelter Branch, Global Division, UN-HABITAT.
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Knowledge of concepts and approaches relevant to the land sector and ability to conduct independent analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations. Communication: Excellent oral/communication skills and ability to articulate ideas in a clear and accurate manner including the ability to prepare and edit a variety of written documents, reports and briefs.
Planning and organising: ability to work under pressure, establish priorities and plan, coordinate own work plan, use time efficiently and apply judgement in the context of competing deadlines.
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
EDUCATION
University degree in a field deemed relevant to the subject areas covered by these Terms of Reference such as computer science, GIS programming/design and data base programming.
WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of three years experience in the field of software development.
• Advanced knowledge in software development using open-source software like PostgreSQL, PostGIS, QGIS and Apache-Tomcat, Java, Python and C++.
• Work experience in the applications of GIS and DBMS software
• Knowledge on land management and land issues is preferred
• Team working ability;
• Previous UN working experience is preferred
• Excellent skills of the English language, both understanding and writing skills.
• Work experience with NGOs is desirable

LANGUAGE SKILLS
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage.
OTHER SKILLS

• Very good writing and computer skills, including Word Processing, PowerPoint, Lotus and Excel.
• Ability to work under pressure and in an ethnically diverse and political setting.

Applications should include: Cover memo (maximum 1 page) Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information: Educational Background (incl. dates) Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months) Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.) Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments Expectations regarding remuneration Proof of relevant work All applications should be submitted to: Mr. H. Hossain UN-HABITAT P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Email: or Important Note: Please be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org Deadline for applications: 27 August 2010 UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or  companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: