Yaroslav Smirnov

Yaroslav Smirnov is an experienced professional in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data management, currently serving as an Information Management & GIS Officer with IOM - UN Migration since August 2022. Prior roles include Senior GIS and Data Specialist at IMPACT Initiatives, Senior GIS/Database Officer, and GIS Assistant at REACH Initiative. Yaroslav has contributed to the 50° North Spatial Blog as an author since December 2015, focusing on geospatial technologies and education. Academic experience includes a University Lecturer position at Chernivtsi National University, where courses on GIS mapping and technologies were taught, and a brief tenure in teaching under the Erasmus+ program at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University. Yaroslav held the role of Advisor Manager for the Joint Operational Programme Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova, focusing on historical and ethnographic mapping. Educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Geographic Information Science and Cartography from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a Master's degree from Chernivtsi National University.