global position

Under the supervision of the head of SPACIAL the Spatial Data Scientist – Remote Sensing will lead and implement advanced remote sensing analysis tasks, including processing of optical and SAR data, timeseries analysis, and predictive modeling with primary focus on the modeling of temporal dynamics across complex landscapes. The position will support a range of projects and programmes across CIFOR-ICRAF, including Regreening Africa, Knowledge for Great Green Wall Action (K4GGWA). Towards Ending Drought Emergencies (Twende), and upcoming assessments of soil and land health with funding from NORAD.

Duties and responsibilities

Spatial data science

• Optical data processing and analysis, including from sensors such as Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8/9.
• SAR data processing and analysis, primarily Sentinel 1.
• Timeseries analysis, including detection of trends and anomalies in temporal data (vegetation, precipitation, land surface temperatures, etc)
• Predictive modeling of time series data, including forecasting where relevant.
• Applications of machine learning for predictive modeling and mapping of indicators relevant to assessment of ecosystem health using a combination of field data and remote sensing.
• Spatial data analysis tasks, including spatial queries, vector data extraction, processing, and cleaning.
• General data analysis and report writing.
• Supervise a team of junior spatial data scientists and developers.
• Develop communication products/outputs where relevant.

Capacity development

• Lead internal capacity development seminars within CIFOR-ICRAF.
• Capacity development of partners and stakeholders through workshops as part of projects with particular emphasis on spatial data processing and modeling.

Stakeholder engagement

• Work closely with the CIFOR-ICRAF stakeholder engagement team (SHARED) to provide analytical outputs that feed into project delivery, for example monitoring outputs as part of the Great Green Wall.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement events as part of the development of decision support tools and platforms.

Various Other Tasks

• Contribute to micro-dashboard development as part of the Global Resilience Impact Tracker platform
• Support projects and programs with analytical support and stakeholder engagement with decision makers.
• Lead and/or contribute to scientific papers.
• Contribute to proposal development and writing.

Requirements
Education, knowledge and experience

• MSc degree in remote sensing and spatial data science is required with proven ability to conduct highly complex analytical tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Advanced computer programming skills in R Statistics, some knowledge of Python and/or Julia, database technologies, and data management.

Personal Attributes And Competencies

• Excellent skills in organizing and priority setting, with the ability to work effectively under time pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Have initiative and capable of working independently as well as an effective team player.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Experience working with a wide and diverse network of groups and individuals.
• Proactive, target driven, and diligent.
• Works with trustworthiness and integrity.

Education, knowledge and experience

• MSc degree in remote sensing and spatial data science is required with proven ability to conduct highly complex analytical tasks.
• Advanced computer programming skills in R Statistics, some knowledge of Python and/or Julia, database technologies, and data management.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Globally Recruited Staff (GRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in USD, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The appointment will be for two (2) year period, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Kenya, Nairobi.

Application process

The application deadline is
09 Oct 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.