Apply for the UNDP GIS Fellowship 2026: Portuguese-Speaking Opportunity in Istanbul & Remote
United Nations Development Programme is offering a GIS Course Guide Fellowship (Portuguese-speaking) for 2026, providing a unique opportunity for early-career professionals in geospatial technologies and data science.
The fellowship is based in Istanbul, with options for remote work, and is hosted under the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.
This six-month, full-time fellowship is ideal for candidates interested in applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital technologies to support sustainable development goals (SDGs).
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is part of the SDG AI Lab, a joint initiative under UNDP that focuses on leveraging AI, machine learning, and GIS for development impact. It is implemented in collaboration with the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), as well as partners such as UNDP Brazil and the Brazilian Space Agency.
The selected fellow will contribute to the Future Tech Leaders (FTL) Programme, which aims to train a new generation of technology specialists in AI-driven space technologies and digital innovation.
Key Responsibilities
The GIS Fellow will play an active role in both training and technical implementation, with responsibilities including:
GIS Training and Curriculum Development (50%)
- Design and deliver GIS learning modules for the Space Tech Bootcamp and community trainings
- Prepare teaching materials and facilitate learning sessions
- Provide guidance and mentorship to participants
- Monitor learner progress and foster an engaging learning environment
Programme Support for Portuguese-Speaking Communities (30%)
- Support programme implementation in Portuguese-speaking countries, including Brazil and Angola
- Engage participants and facilitate communication within global learning communities
- Assist in organizing events and community engagement activities
GIS and Digital Solutions Development (10%)
- Analyze geospatial data and develop insights for development challenges
- Create maps, infographics, and cartographic outputs using tools such as QGIS and ArcGIS
- Contribute to AI and machine learning solutions using GIS data
Additional Support (10%)
- Assist in meetings, research activities, and knowledge management
- Provide administrative and coordination support as required
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme (Master’s or higher)
Relevant fields include:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Geography or Cartography
- Data Science or Computer Science
- Engineering or related disciplines
Technical Skills Required
Candidates should demonstrate strong technical expertise, including:
- Proficiency in Python programming
- Experience with GIS tools such as QGIS or ArcGIS
- Familiarity with geospatial libraries (e.g., GDAL, Rasterio, Geopandas, Fiona)
- Experience with data workflows, Jupyter Notebooks, and large datasets
- Knowledge of databases (e.g., PostGIS) and additional programming languages (R, SQL, JavaScript) is an advantage
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Portuguese and English (required)
- Knowledge of an additional UN language is considered an asset
Desired Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Interest in innovative teaching and digital learning methods
- Ability to work in multicultural and diverse environments
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proactive attitude and willingness to learn emerging GIS technologies
Why Apply for the UNDP GIS Fellowship?
This fellowship provides a valuable opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and sustainable development. Fellows will:
- Gain international experience with a leading UN agency
- Work on real-world projects using GIS, AI, and space technologies
- Contribute to global initiatives supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
- Build technical expertise and professional networks across multiple countries
Application Details
- Location: Istanbul, Türkiye (with remote option)
- Duration: 6 months
- Application Deadline: 20 April 2026
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNDP careers portal before the deadline.
Call for Action
The UNDP GIS Course Guide Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for Portuguese-speaking professionals to contribute to global development through geospatial technologies.
With a strong focus on training, innovation, and real-world impact, this fellowship is ideal for candidates looking to advance their careers in GIS, AI, and international development.
APPLY HERE
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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