REACH GIS Officer

Background on IMPACT and REACH

REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two International NGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s purpose is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision making and planning capacity for emergency, reconstruction and development contexts, supporting and working within the framework of the humanitarian reform process. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) need and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of related database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO headquartered in Paris and present in thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, enabling IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support on its field intervention.

We are currently looking for a REACH GIS Officer to support our team in Ethiopia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.     Contribution of GIS technical support to the entire research cycle

1.1.  Identification of available data to inform secondary data review in coordination with the assessment team, with an aim of actively proposing spatial analysis and/or remote sensing activities that can provide additional information to enrich the assessments;

1.1.  Ensure GIS requirements of research cycle/assessment are met and all required geo-referenced data will be collected to allow accurate analysis and visualization of findings

1.2.  Develop sampling frames through geo-spatial analysis of assessment areas and subsequently develop statistically representative samples. Related support to operations teams in developing maps and reference guides for daily assessment plans and field movement plans

1.3.  In close collaboration with field and data teams, support data collection daily checks including spatial verification and validation with two-way feedback between internal departments.

1.4.  Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data.

2.     Development of GIS Analytical Products (including static maps and web-products)

2.1.  Contribute to a deeper understanding of survey findings and identify the best visualization technique for selected indicators, including choropleth maps, network or cluster analysis, dot maps, etc.

2.2.  Create static maps for use in published outputs – nationwide supply routes map, monthly fact sheets, reports, profiles etc.

2.3.  Establish one project’s interactive online dashboard and ensure monthly update.

2.4.  Ensure that the GIS products meet the requirements of IMPACT and concerned partners.

2.5.  Maintain regular communication with IMPACT HQ on progress and deadlines for GIS products.

2.6.  Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines.

2.7.  Ensure that all GIS products are validated by IMPACT HQ before external release.

2.8.  Liaise with IMPACT HQ on the procurement of UNOSAT services and satellite imagery as needed.

3.     Data Management & Analysis

3.1.  Support the set-up of all the data-related processes required by the project, developing the related tools (database structures, daily data checks to support field teams, data cleaning scripts, analytical scripts)

3.2.  Oversight of ODK coding for the REACH team Server management (KOBO, Ethiopia internal servers)

3.3.  Provide data cleaning and data quality assurance through the creation of data quality control protocols;

3.4.  Create operational data management and data analysis systems using R, MS Excel, or other software to enable effective monitoring and evaluation;

3.5.  Deal with routine problems arising in the course of data handling;

3.6.  Create geographic data visualizations such as static maps or interactive web maps or dashboards;

3.7.  Training of enumerators and program staff on management of data and interpretation of results and findings;

3.8.  Provide trend analysis on key indicators of projects per sector, e.g. WASH, Education, Shelter, Food Security, etc.

4.     Confidentiality and Data Protection

4.1.  The REACH GIS Officer will maintain the strictest confidentiality of data and processes. S/he will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of information and data.

5.     Capacity Building

5.1.  Work with each field staff and/or enumerator individually where repeated data entry issues to address in the cleaning process and flag up for general improvement.

5.2.  Provide trainings on data processing and management, data quality control, and tool coding to other IMPACT staff.

Under the direct supervision of the GIS/Data manager, the GIS Officer will be responsible for the processes and outputs related to REACH GIS, products and data, across multiple REACH Research Cycles in Ethiopia.

Accountability to communities and beneficiaries

The staff member is responsible for ensuring that all relations with the communities REACH and partners work are conducted in a respectful and consultative manner. Due attention must be paid to ensuring that communities are adequately consulted and informed about REACH program objectives, activities, beneficiary selection criteria, and methodologies. This is the responsibility of every REACH staff member.

Qualifications/Skills Required:

·        Excellent academic qualifications, including a Master degree in GIS, Information Systems, Geography, or relevant discipline.

·        At least 2 years of relevant working experience with industry standard mapping tools, mapping and analytics software, especially ESRI products.

·        Experience in data processing and/or analysis (using either python or R preferably).

·        Advanced excel skills.

·        Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

·        Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting.

·        Excellent team working skills.

·        Good organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

·        Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.

·        Fluency in oral and written English is required.

·        Ability to think creatively and use initiative to develop new tools and processes.

·        Proven skills in ODK coding is a strong asset.

·        Ability to work independently.

Desirable

·        An interest in web-visualisation tools like dashboards.

·        Knowledge of 2 or more Ethiopian languages is an asset.

·        Knowledge of the humanitarian coordination structure.