Consultant, Early Action & Risk Tracking Hub (eEARTH)

About the role

ToR: Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Consultant - Infrastructure Monitoring Module, eEARTH 1. Background Crisis Group is developing an infrastructure monitoring module within the eEARTH interface , a broader platform focused on the analysis of climate, resource and conflict-related dynamics. The module aims to support the monitoring of critical infrastructure developments and changes over time using satellite imagery. The project will primarily rely on publicly available earth observation data, particularly Sentinel-1 (SAR) and Sentinel-2 (optical) imagery, to detect and analyze changes such as infrastructure damage, (re-)construction, and expansion (e.g., ports, roads, buildings). The module is intended to support frequent monitoring across selected geographies and should be designed with scalability, usability and analytical relevance in mind. 2. Objective of the Consultancy The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical backstopping and expert guidance to Crisis Group's team during the development of the AI-based system for detecting infrastructure changes from satellite data. The consultant will advise on appropriate data selection and machine learning approaches for infrastructure change detection, review methodological choices, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide feedback on interim and final outputs. 3. Scope of Work The consultant will provide targeted, short-term technical support (estimated at 15-24 hours in total) across the following areas: 3.1 Methodological Guidance and Model Selection Advise on suitable AI/ML approaches for change detection using satellite imagery, including: Classical machine learning vs. deep learning approaches Supervised vs. unsupervised methods Time-series analysis techniques Practical trade-offs between model accuracy, interpretability, computational cost, and scalability Provide recommendations on handling multi-modal data (e.g., combining Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2) Suggest best practices for preprocessing, feature extraction, and data labeling 3.2 System Design for Continuous Monitoring Provide guidance on designing a scalable and efficient monitoring pipeline, including: Data ingestion and updating workflows Automation and scheduling for frequent monitoring Strategies for generalizing across different geographies ● Recommend best practices for maintaining model performance over time (e.g., retraining, validation) 3.3 Ad Hoc Technical Support Provide troubleshooting support during development Advise on addressing technical challenges as they arise Review interim outputs and provide feedback 3.4 Final Evaluation Review the implemented system once operational Provide an expert assessment of: Model performance and robustness Scalability across geographies Sustainability of the workflow 4. Deliverables The consultant will provide the following deliverables: Initial consultation and written summary of technical recommendations on model selection and system design; Ongoing advisory support during development (as needed within the agreed level of effort); Feedback on selected interim outputs produced by the project team; Final technical review note summarizing key findings, limitations and recommendations. 5. Duration and Level of Effort The total estimated level of effort is 15-24 hours. The consultancy is expected to start around July 2026 and be completed by late 2026 or early 2027, depending on project progress. The work will be conducted remotely, with inputs provided through virtual meetings, email exchanges and written comments on selected outputs. Requirements 6. Required Qualifications The consultant should have: Demonstrated expertise in machine learning and/or deep learning applied to geospatial or remote sensing data; Experience working with satellite imagery, including Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, or comparable datasets; Familiarity with change detection techniques and time-series analysis; Experience designing scalable data pipelines and monitoring systems Ability to assess methodological trade-offs, strong problem-solving and experience providing technical advisory support to multidisciplinary teams. 7. Reporting and Coordination The consultant will work closely with Crisis Group's eEARTH project team. Communication will be conducted via emails and virtual meetings, with flexible scheduling aligned to project needs. The consultant will report to the designated project lead and coordinate with team members responsible for data analysis, interface development and thematic research. 8. Application Requirements Interested candidates should submit: A brief cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining their interest in the assignment and how their experience aligns with the required qualifications; A current CV; Examples of up to three relevant projects, publications, or technical products demonstrating expertise in remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis, change detection, and/or AI/ML applications; A proposed hourly rate in USD. If interested, pl