Senior Associate, GIS at eHealth Systems Africa

Summary

• The Senior Associate, GIS assists in the implementation of technical projects within eHA’s Geographic information systems (GIS) Department. S/he assists in the coordination, compilation and analyzing of geospatial data; S/he prepares data, analyzes data, and prepares paper and web map applications using various tools and applications.

Keywords:

• GIS, QGIS, ArcGIS, FME, Data Analytics, Project Management, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, the Senior Associate, GIS will work under the supervision of the Coordinator, GIS to perform the following responsibilities:

• Develops computer interfacing, data translation, data collection, mobile, web and computer applications using GIS and data collection applications
• Coordinates the acquisition of new spatial data and supervises the integration of the data into eHA’s GIS.
• Integration of data from multiple sources into the spatial data repository
• Identifies, understands, and articulates solutions for issues by means of strong knowledge of open source GIS tools including PostGIS, gdal, QGIS and Geoserver, and ArcGIS (including ArcGIS for Desktop and other ArcGIS technologies)
• Supports the development and maintenance of custom processes and models to ensure data quality assurance. Manages individual data and application development projects.
• Coordinates directly with all eHA’s departments to develop and maintain specific GIS data and analysis. Conducts GIS data capture using Global Positioning System (GPS) positioning equipment and other means
• Provides support for GIS data conversion, systems integration and application development and implementation.
• Designs, develops, tests, documents and certifies applications, programmes and systems functionality
• Provides support in relationship to GIS, GPS data collection and related software.
• Examines request for mapping products and determine methods of using GIS to meet the request of eHA. Designs a variety of databases using data modeling techniques
• Assists with designing and implementing training plans. Provides support and training on various aspects of GIS software, database creation and use. Coordinates GIS activities with programmers and technicians. Responsible for updating, maintaining mapping standards and work processes
• Design, maintain and update appropriate map templates, graphics, layouts, charts and graphs for data representation and analysis to support all required organization projects.
• Maintain and improve and or make positive contribution to improve the organization standard map templates in line with eHealth Africa cartographic standards
• Assist with the building, testing, documentation, installation and training of new open source  applications tools
• Produce web maps and visualizations using open source geospatial tools

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
• May frequently travel between company work-sites. Some international travel may be required.
• Presents a professional demeanor at all times. Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Responds well to supervisor requests and feedback.
• Participates in and promotes a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, training classes and supervision.
• Adheres to Policies and Procedures.
• Adheres to eHealth Africa Code of Conduct as well as ethical standards of the field.

Qualifications

• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to successfully perform this job.

Education/Experience:

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information Systems, Computer Science, Surveying and Geoinformatics, Geography, or other GIS/Information Systems Technology related degree.
• 2+ years of GIS experience and minimum of 2 years hands-on GIS Analytical experience.
• Working knowledge of open Source GIS stack (QGIS, PostGIS and Geoserver), data transformation tools (FME Desktop and/or Kettle) and Commercial GIS stack (ArcInfo, ArcView, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox), ArcSDE, ArcGIS Server.
• Relevant working experience in an NGO is desirable
• Experience working in an agile environment.
• Working knowledge of carto visualization platform.
• Strong knowledge and experience of Geospatial data management life cycle.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and deliver within tight timelines while being flexible in adapting to new roles.
• Strong teamwork skills that include the ability to work effectively within teams, ability to motivate others, and timely/quality deliverables and decision making. Presentation experience is preferred. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, organizational skills and great attention to detail. Action oriented and resilient in a fast-paced environment.

Certifications and Licenses

• GISP certification or RICS Chartered Geomatics certification desirable.

Personal characteristics
The Senior Associate, GIS should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

• Adaptability: Demonstrates a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Behaves Ethically: Understands ethical behavior and business practices, and ensures that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Builds Relationships: Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicates Effectively: Speaks, listens and writes in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develops new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Focuses on Partner/Client Needs: Anticipates, understands, and responds to the needs of internal and external clients and partners to meet or exceed their expectations within the organisational parameters.
• Fosters Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organisational effectiveness.
• Positive Contribution: Positively influences others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Makes Decisions: Assesses situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and makes clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organizes: Sets priorities, develops a work schedule, monitors progress towards goals, and tracks details, data, information and activities.
• Plans: Determines strategies to move the organization forward, sets goals, creates and implements actions plans, and evaluates the process and results.
• Solves Problems: Assesses problem situations to identify causes, gathers and processes relevant information, generates possible solutions, and makes recommendations and/or resolves the problem.
• Thinks Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organisation.

Computer Skills:

• Working knowledge of project management tools, e.g. Atlassian Jira, Redbooth, etc.
• Specialist in open Source GIS (QGIS, PostGIS and Geoserver), data transformation tools (FME Desktop, Kettle and python) and Commercial GIS (ArcInfo, ArcView, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox), ArcSDE, ArcGIS Server.
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suite.

Language Ability:

• English is the spoken and written language.
• Ability to read, analyse, proof and edit documents, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from executive and senior managers, employees, the general public and clients/partners.

Math Ability:

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can become louder at times due to group discussions or activities. eHealth Africa is a tobacco-free environment.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee is frequently required to sit and use a computer and/or reach with hands and arms.

Above All:
We believe strongly in our mission and our core values and our teams are most successful when they do also.

• Impact & Quality: We work on solving big problems. We believe in the power of technology to make a transformational difference in health systems, and we know that when we do high-quality work, we have the opportunity to change lives in the communities we impact.
• Innovative Problem Solving: We maintain a worldview driven by possibilities, not limitations. We build smart systems that will sustain beyond our tenures. We challenge prevailing assumptions, respect the urgency of the environments we operate in, and take smart risks to search for the best solution.
• Passion: We care intensely about what we do, and about whom we do it with. We inspire others with our tenacity and commitment to our communities and each other.
• Honesty: We are honest with our communities, our partners, our donors, and ourselves. We communicate with candor, respect, and humility. We are quick to admit our own mistakes, and work to correct them with openness & expediency.
• Growth & Learning: We embrace curiosity. We pursue and promote continuous learning, share our skills and knowledge, and actively work to make ourselves and those around us better.
• Ownership: We work to become part of the fabric of the communities in which we work. We value our seat at the table and invest in the places we call home.