REACH Senior GIS Officer (Public Health Unit) at IMPACT Initiatives

Reference No: 21 / NGA / SGISO01
Location: Abuja / Maiduguri, Borno
Department: REACH
Contract Duration: 12 months
Starting Date: ASAP

Functions

• Under the functional supervision of the head of the REACH data / GIS unit Nigeria, as well as the IMPACT Country Focal Point and ACTED Country Director, the REACH Remote Sensing and GIS Officer is responsible for application of geographic information systems and remote sensing in Nigeria including relevant aspects of research design, support in designing data collection tools, ensuring (spatial) data quality, geo-spatial and remote sensing analysis, drafting of maps, and production of web maps and information management systems. 

Position Objectives and Functions
Research Planning:

• In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), support assessment planning in line with project and program objectives and with IMPACT’s research cycle and other relevant guidelines;
• Contribute to draft assessment ToRs with a specific focus on the analysis plan, and related mapping, as well as data management plan;
• Develop geo-spatial analysis of assessment areas to be used in developing daily assessment plans, field movement plans and accompanying operational maps for field teams;
• In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), support construction of quantitative sample.

Remote Sensing Research Implementation:

• Harmonisation of available data through Secondary Desk Review (SDR) in the form of static maps, interactive dashboards or Web Maps;
• Develop and lead GIS and Remote Sensing strategy for the mission to identify new workflows, secondary data uses, and analysis to support across REACH teams.
• Plan and develop satellite-based modeling techniques (e.g. natural hazard susceptibility and early warning) which highlight hazards and risks for the country.
• Understand, maintain and improve models already present and running, in order to use them upon request;
• Suggest and conduct satellite-based analyses, such as rapid damage assessments, change detections, natural disaster mapping, and time series.
• Such activities will be based on a variety of different sensors including multispectral optical sensors, SAR sensors and very high resolution optical sensors;
• Work with IMPACT Global GIS Specialist on new Remote Sensing research viable for the context of Nigeria.
• Liaise with IMPACT HQ on the procurement of UNOSAT services and satellite imagery.

GIS Research Implementation:

• Ensure that collected data is properly geo-referenced, enabling the production of maps and related products;
• In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), document all changes in data collection that lead to a modification in the agreed TORs, ensuring that the IMPACT CC and IMPACT HQ are informed and agree on the modifications.

Drafting of Products (Maps and Factsheets):

• Ensure accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data;
• Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines on data visualization.
• Support in reviewing other GIS Officer’s products to support in improving the mission’s GIS standards and quality;
• Maintain regular communication with IMPACT HQ on progress and deadlines for GIS products.

External Engagement:

• Link with relevant partners to consult and involve them in the GIS components of a research cycle;
• Represent IMPACT in relevant meetings/working groups and support the presentation of research findings through GIS inputs to relevant third parties in order to enhance their use and impact;
• Follow up on issues identified by partners or during meetings/working groups;
• Promote an active use of datasets, GIS products and research findings by partners and the broader humanitarian community for their decision making.

Capacity Building:

• In coordination with the Research Manager and GIS Specialist, support the development and implementation of capacity training plans for GIS and other team members, particularly on remote sensing capacities;
• Be available to provide regular support and technical backstopping.

Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure Mapping assessment support:

• Support in research design and implementation of WASH infrastructure mapping assessments in Nigeria;
• Draft tools, cleaning scripts, analysis scripts, and reporting templates for assessment
• Ensure data quality through support on data tasks, such as data cleaning and analysis to uphold standards.
• Support in WASH Severity Classification (WSC) workshop and analysis.
• Liaise with WASH Sector in Northeast Nigeria, and provide technical support for the sector as well as local government agencies  

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Geography/GIS or a related discipline required;
• 3+ years of experience in GIS / Database management, preferably in humanitarian context
• Demonstrated expertise in manipulation and analysis of remotely sensed data, spatial analysis, zonal statistics, and other complex geoprocessing tasks required
• Demonstrated expertise in automation of cartographic and spatial analytical process required
• Experience writing and editing scripts and analysing complex data with R required; knowledge of other statistical programming languages and packages a plus;
• Knowledge in dashboard development and maintenance required (Shiny, Tableau, PowerBI or other)
• Thorough understanding of humanitarian data landscape an extreme asset
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of collaborative online workspaces and data storage applications
• Demonstrated experience designing and maintaining web-based GIS solutions an asset
• Experience with mobile data collection (ODK, ONA, KOBO);
• Knowledge of the Adobe Suite, particularly Illustrator and InDesign required; demonstrated ability to integrate workflow processes between ArcGIS and Adobe Suite a must
• Excellent teamwork skills required
• Demonstrated ability to build capacity in team members
• Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility a must
• Demonstrated familiarity with the aid system, and understanding of donor and governmental requirements required
• Fluency in English required
• High level of competency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Project Management Software; High level of autonomy and willingness to spend time in deep field locations away from support staff.