POSITION TITLE :	GIS specialist
CONTRACT TYPE :	Consultant, Level 1
UNIT/DIVISION :	VAM/RAM
DUTY STATION (CITY, COUNTRY) :	Brazzaville, Congo (with very regular field missions within the country and possibly abroad)
DURATION :	11 months, renewable depending on performance and availability of resources

CONTEXT

The position will be based in Brazzaville with the possibility of field missions. Under the direct supervision of the Head of RAM and the overall supervision of the Deputy Country Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the management of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for programme operations, as well as the design and/or preparation of geographic representations of spatial and non-spatial data. The GIS Specialist will create and maintain mapping applications, conduct advanced spatial analysis, develop, and maintain self-service tools, automate processes, and manage spatial and non-spatial data management. This position requires the employee to be flexible, able to multi-task, think intuitively, explore time management skills, and possess the ability to troubleshoot and find quick solutions. The GIS Specialist must take ownership of the project he/she is responsible for completing and will report regularly on the progress of GIS activities. The GIS Specialist must be able to assist in the operation and maintenance of the GIS system hardware and software and oversee all GIS activities in the office, in close coordination with WFP Regional Bureau and HQ GIS.

At this level, the position requires responsibility and initiative to independently respond to a variety of issues with both general and specific guidance. Judgment is required to deal with unforeseen operational issues on a daily basis. The incumbent must manage resources, train and coordinate with support staff regarding GIS issues, geospatial analysis and thematic mapping.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Head of RAM, the GIS Specialist will be responsible for performing the following tasks:

• Provide expert support and practical technical analysis to program activities that effectively address food assistance needs.
• Identify, curate, and maintain relevant geospatial data of varied standards and formats including but not limited to Earth observation satellites, probabilistic models and ground truth data.
• Develop methods and conduct advanced spatial analysis from diverse data sources including but not limited to risk and impact analysis to support disaster management efforts and programme planning.
• Provide GIS mapping capabilities and user-friendly data visualization (static and dynamic) in compliance with established WFP standards.
• Extracts features of interest from satellite images and analyses them using ArcGIS Desktop and/or QGIS, other image processing software. Confers data from multiple sources into standardized database formats.
• Produce digital maps and graphic products, as well as geospatial data deliverables in standardized geographic databases, shapefiles, and other formats usable in GIS and geospatial analysis.
• Collaborate with various team members to understand requirements, share geospatial content, and produce multi-disciplinary analyses (which is an approach to understand vulnerability better).
• Train internal GIS staff and support knowledge exchange and support capacity development activities for host government
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with various partners.
• Develop and continuously update the geo-referenced database in compliance with WFP’s corporate spatial data infrastructure standards.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Level of qualifications

• Master’s degree in GIS, geography, Geomatics, or related fields.
• Specialization in remote sensing is an asset.

Experience

• Five (5+) or more years of experience in GIS, data analysis and remote sensing.
• Extensive knowledge of geospatial analysis, cartography, cartographic and GIS concepts, database management, and production/development of products in easy-to-read, actionable formats for decision making is required.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS pro, ArcGIS Online and Enterprise, QGIS and remote sensing software for satellite image processing is required.
• Advanced knowledge of satellite image processing and land dynamics classification/assessment.
• Advanced experience working with Microsoft products, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience synthesizing and presenting data to technical and non-technical audiences and senior management.
• Knowledge of information management and data visualization is a plus.
• Able to effectively and quickly use all available tools and data sets to find creative solutions to challenging problems.
• Able to work independently and in a team environment.

Expertise

• • Mapping (ArcGIS, QGIS).
  • Knowledge of M&E and RBM (results-based management) principles.
  • In-depth knowledge of data format, query languages, and procedures for data exchange, processing, and analysis while mastering the handling of related and advanced techniques.
  • Knowledge of working with NGOs or UN agencies and knowledge of the rural world.
  • Good ability to analyze food security and nutrition data.
  • Experience with a UN agency would be an asset.
  • Experience in personnel management and performance optimization.
  • Direct knowledge and experience in emergency and development operations, including aspects of programming and work management and coordination of complex projects with different government entities and authorities.

Competencies and values

• • Integrity and Professionalism: demonstrates expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply sound judgment; very high level of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take responsibility; willingness to accept responsibility and ability to work autonomously according to established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising broad discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to handle information objectively, accurately and confidentially; spontaneous and service-minded.
  • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate within the rules and regulations of the organization.
  • Commitment to continuous learning demonstrates initiative and willingness to learn new skills and keep abreast of new developments in his/her field of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.
  • Planning and organization demonstrates organizational effectiveness and the skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient manner; ability to prioritize and plan, coordinate, and monitor one’s (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with tight deadlines, and to manage multiple projects/activities.
  • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to work effectively with other sectors/units within the organization; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and equality.
  • Communication: demonstrates interpersonal skills; good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise reports; ability to make presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to take and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff; ability to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.
  • Ability to adapt to hazardous health and safety situations, and flexibility to carry out field assignments.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Perfect command of the French language (written and oral) and able to work in English.