Geospatial Data Architect – Earth Observation, Climate Services

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Netherlands.

📋 Description

• Provide advice and guidance on AI-ready data architecture and the definition of geospatial AI services for institutional clients who will be developing their data space in-house.

• Conduct needs and gap assessments with all relevant stakeholders, providers, and users to understand data requirements.

• Design and outline the overall system architecture and technological strategy based on client needs and limitations, including the integration of diverse data types.

• Develop comprehensive technical specifications for external partners that explicitly detail what needs to be constructed and the quality standards to be maintained.

• Assess partner deliverables to ensure compliance with specifications and alignment with project objectives.

• Proactively identify technical risks and provide recommendations for trade-offs among scope, budget, and timeline.

• Assist in formulating guidelines for data governance and the ethical use of AI services, and where suitable, lead capacity development initiatives for effective service adoption.

• Contribute to the execution of ongoing projects by drafting deliverables, performing tasks, participating in project meetings both virtually and in person, and managing personal workload while proposing and creating content.

• Act as a representative for the team and the organization in both online and in-person meetings.

• Support the team’s business development efforts through activities such as proposal writing.

• Aid in identifying, defining, and developing new services and products.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over five years of experience in data and geospatial analysis, preferably within climate, environmental, or sustainability-oriented projects.

• Proven experience in designing technical solutions for government or institutional clients, with an understanding of their constraints and decision-making processes.

• Experience in managing external teams or contractors and coordinating intricate technical initiatives.

• Extensive knowledge of data architecture.

• Hands-on geospatial data engineering experience across the entire stack, including working with satellite imagery and geospatial data formats (GeoTIFF, COG, NetCDF), spatial databases such as PostGIS, building data pipelines, and deploying solutions on cloud platforms (AWS/Azure, Docker).

• Familiarity with APIs (REST, OGC standards) and version control/CI-CD practices is advantageous.

• Strong foundation in data science and GIS, with practical experience in managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data using tools like ArcGIS or QGIS.

• Proficient in Python, with the ability to translate complex datasets into actionable insights that promote climate action and systems innovation.

• Experience in designing and managing data workflows and pipelines, covering the full process from service definition to delivery.

• Solid understanding of Earth Observation (EO) data, including its sources, formats, and applications, along with the capability to assess technical contributions in relation to climate resilience requirements.

• Effective communicator capable of leading collaborative projects, engaging with diverse teams, and interacting with various (including non-technical) stakeholders in international and cross-cultural contexts.

• Experience in documenting workflows and assisting others in utilizing GIS, data, and AI tools.

• Comfortable using digital collaboration tools such as Office365, Teams, SharePoint, Salesforce, Miro, and Canva.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements

• Professional development opportunities