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UN Maps Learning Hub

United Nations (UN Mappers)

Published on August 31, 2026

LocationWorldwide DeadlineRolling · OPEN FundingFully funded International applicantsYes

About the opportunity

Through the UN Maps Learning Hub, UN Mappers offers a self-training platform accessible to anyone discovering open geospatial information to support United Nations development and peacekeeping efforts. The platform includes a series of courses to learn basic and advanced features of OpenStreetMap editing, QGIS analysis and map making, and how to leverage the UN Maps application. Courses are independent of each other and can be accessed in any order, supporting online self-paced study with quizzes and tests. The platform supports the six official languages of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, and Russian) and other languages via community-led translation.

Funding and benefits

  • Free access to self-paced geospatial training courses
  • Multilingual support in the six official UN languages and community-translated languages
  • Progress tracking through quizzes and tests
  • Community support from expert contributors
  • Future opportunity to obtain official UN Mappers certification of theoretical and practical skills

Who can apply?

  • Accessible to anyone discovering open geospatial information and wishing to participate in the OpenStreetMap project or support UN efforts
  • Some specific courses (such as UN Geoportal basics) are reserved for UN personnel only

When to apply

  • Open continuously with rolling access for self-paced enrollment

How to apply

  • Visit the UN Maps Learning Hub website
  • Browse available courses (such as OSM basics, OSM advanced, QGIS training, and UN Geoportal basics)
  • Enroll in the desired course to start learning and tracking progress

Additional information

  • Courses are released under a CC-BY-SA 2.0 free license
  • Future certifications will involve passing an evaluation test and fully mapping several UN Mappers project tasks reviewed by the UN Mappers team

Our Take on This Opportunity

This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.

You may be a strong fit if…

  • Individuals seeking free, self-paced training in OpenStreetMap editing and QGIS analysis
  • Anyone interested in supporting United Nations development and peacekeeping efforts through geospatial information

What should you think carefully about?

  • Some advanced courses, such as UN Geoportal basics, are restricted exclusively to UN personnel
  • Certifications require passing evaluation tests and mapping multiple project tasks

How could this fit your current goals and plans?

This self-training platform fits learners looking to build practical technical skills in mapping at their own pace, with options to earn official UN Mappers certification for their professional portfolio.

Our take

Open data enthusiasts and geospatial learners will find immense value in these free courses, though those seeking live instruction or guaranteed employment should look elsewhere.

Ready to apply?

Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.

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