Download Job Description REACH GIS/DB Officer

1 of 5
Title:
Job
Description
Regional GIS and Database Manager,
Middle
East and North Africa (MENA)
REACH GIS/DB Officer
Context
REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two INGOs (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.
ACTED South Sudan
Capital Office : Juba
National Staff : 136
International Staff : 28
Areas : 10
On-going programmes : 8
Budget : 2.9 M €
Two complex and often overlapping dynamics are currently causing a protracted state of violence across Pibor
County:
(i)
Long-standing history of Inter-communal retaliatory cattle raids between Lou Nuer and Murle ethnic groups
resulting in subsequent crimes such as murder, sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), abduction and
property damage, and
(ii)
Clashes between the Murle leader David Yau Yau (DYY) following the launch of SPLA operation in the
County in March 2013. The latter cause have subsequently resulting in massive displacement in major
towns of Pibor County, including Pibor, Likuongole, Gumuruk, Marua Hills, Manyabol and Boma.
Over 150,000 people are estimated to be displaced with an additional 50,000 reported in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda
and Juba leaving only the population of 100,000 across Pibor County. Displaced population expressed reluctance in
returning to their place of origin mostly due to lack of security. Incidents of human rights abuses have confirmed and
provided further evidence to support this common feelings shared by civilians across the county.
Access to communities has been extremely difficult due to security concerns, the onset of the wet season and
delicate negotiations with the authorities to assure safe air travel. Five main locations act as a temporary
‘humanitarian hubs’ set up, providing the centre for humanitarian response such as distributions of emergency needs
in Dorein, Labrab, Kongor, Pibor and Gumuruk.
REACH is well-positioned to support IM conduct research in Jonglei, as its team acquired an in-depth understanding
Job Description –REACH GIS/DB Officer South Sudan
December 2013
2 of 5
of the context. IM experts will ensure new technology is used to its full potential and data is stored in a safe and
appropriate manner. Furthermore, the partnership with ACTED, an organization that has been operational in Jonglei
since 2012 allows REACH to benefit from expertise on security and logistical concerns unique to Jonglei.
In December 2013, REACH will deploy to a new area of intervention – Jonglei – in partnership with OCHA and the
inter sectoral working group. The main objective of the OCHA-REACH partnership is to reinforce information
management (IM) capacity and practices for inter-cluster coordination in Jonglei. This intervention will contribute to
enhance IM practices by standardising “how” data is collected, analysed and stored. REACH will promote best
practices and adherence to IM ethics and standards (ex. confidentiality, informed consent, etc.) with the overall
objective to uphold the security and dignity of the beneficiary population.
As part of this programming, static maps, interactive webmaps and offline interactive maps are utilized in order to
inform the humanitarian community of critical information for coordination and planning. Future GIS-based outputs
are planned to position ACTED as a major information provider in the country. ACTED has been active in South Sudan
since 2007 and currently has about 13 projects throughout the country.
(See www.acted.org, www.reach-initiative.org).
Job description
Under the supervision of the ACTED Country Director and IMPACT HQ in Geneva, the REACH GIS/DB Officer is
responsible for the processes and outputs related to database and mapping in country. He/she will be responsible for
supporting the development and maintenance of a country/region database for the consolidation of all assessmentrelated and GIS data in country/region. He/she will manage the rapid production of static maps on targeted crisis and
issues as well as providing required inputs for the development of mapping solutions.
The GIS/DB Officer will also support project-level database creation and information management mechanisms.
He/she will also ensure regular communication with the REACH Assessment Officer in country and with IMPACT HQ,
backstopping, technical support and interactions for reporting and data management with key partners.
The REACH team will be looking at producing different maps and analysis on several subjects (depending on the data
available) such as but not limited to:
 Catchment area of distribution points
 Movement and communication within catchment areas
 Ongoing humanitarian interventions
 Cattle raids and clashes
 IDP demography analysis and population movement at humanitarian hubs
 Segregated map of beneficiaries
 Areas of displacement with the movement pattern
 Mapping the life pattern of the pastoralists
 Appraisal of existing complaint mechanisms, functions and user rates
The duration of deployment could be either limited to the crisis or could firstly focus on the crisis, to then stay and
continue data collection and processing for the purpose of disaster preparedness and rehabilitation/development
projects. Follow up mission could be led in the same areas, should the clusters require it and the team being
available.
Job Description –REACH GIS/DB Officer South Sudan
December 2013
3 of 5
Functions
Reporting to the ACTED Country Director and both REACH Coordinator, the GIS Officer will be responsible for
overseeing all GIS-related activities and staff in Jonglei, in maintaining database(s), consolidating data collected from
REACH/partner(s) activities. This will primarily entail managing the on-going REACH IM Jonglei project but will also
include provide GIS support to other ACTED projects throughout the country.
1. Database activities
The REACH GIS/DB Officer will manage the maintenance of database(s) for the consolidation of all assessment-related
and GIS data in country. He/she will ensure the capitalization of tools and procedure related to mapping and
databases. Furthermore, he/she will support the assessment team in the collection and management of spatial
datasets, verification and update of the collected data. He/she will monitor the accuracy of collected data and ensure
dynamic linkages between GIS data and ACTED Database, as well as work closely with the Database Manager to
ensure an accurate link between the GIS and the Database data, cross check data collected in the field and to develop
dynamic links between Database and GIS data and to ensure regular updates and solve eventual discrepancies.
2. Technical Support
The REACH GIS/DB Officer will contribute towards the identification and implementation of effective and adapted
technical solutions and partnerships. The REACH GIS/DB Officer will provide technical backstopping of database to
GIS/DB team and provide capacity-building to GIS/DB team related to database maintenance and advanced GIS
techniques. He/she will also support the collection of spatial datasets and integration with REACH activities. He/she
will train the AMEU team on usage of maps and GPS.
3. GIS activities
The REACH GIS/DB Officer will streamline processing of raw data to mapped end products. This includes the
preparation, conception and production of maps, including the supervision and monitoring of mapping-related data
collection and ensuring dynamic linkages between GIS data and ACTED Database. At the field level, he/she will
participate to the support of interactive mapping tool and other REACH program products regarding GIS. By doing so,
he/she will participate in continued development of interactive based mapping tools at the field level and ensure the
update process from the field to interactive publishing is organized and well documented. He/she will also co-develop
GIS components in proposals and supervise the implementation of these GIS components in approved projects.
He/she will conceptualize methodologies for collecting GPS and other GIS related data, as according to need; organize
and supervise GIS field missions; manage and supervise the GIS assistant and the staff on the GIS.
4. External Relations
The REACH GIS/DB Officer will respond to information requests from REACH and its partners. In order to support the
development of joint database tools and processes with REACH partners in country, the REACH GIS/DB Officer will
maintain regular interactions and reporting with key IM partners including cluster lead agencies, UN agencies, NGOs
and technical partners. He/she will respond to information requests from REACH partners in country related to MIS
data and mapping as well as solicit information from partner organizations to be incorporated into database.
Furthermore, he/she will liaise with these partners to ensure the data is shared with REACH MIS team when required
and represent ACTED in GIS related coordination meetings.
5. Internal Communication Processes
The REACH GIS/DB will liaise with IMPACT in Geneva to guarantee a quality product that suits the needs of the field
office. He/she will respond to information requests from IMPACT Initiatives and keep Geneva informed of the MIS
Job Description –REACH GIS/DB Officer South Sudan
December 2013
4 of 5
activities in the field.
6. Confidentiality and Data Protection
The REACH GIS/DB Officer will maintain the strictest confidentiality of data and processes. He/she will actively take
measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of information and data.
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 programme objectives, activities, beneficiary selection criteria, and
methodologies. This is the responsibility of every REACH staff member.
Expected Outputs




Cluster database set up and accessible to the cluster members;
Technical briefs based on cross-analysis from the different reports produced for each assessment;
Agencies trained/supported in implementing MIRA tools and methodology / registration methodology;
Facilitations of interagency assessments, rapid and more extensive, in each target area, depending on the
needs and the request of partner clusters;
 For each assessment there is endorsement by partner clusters and/or OCHA and at least 5 humanitarian
agencies participating;
 All assessment findings are organized in databases (including a geo-DB) that enable country-level
consolidation (to use for sitreps, appeals, etc) and mapping by clusters and OCHA;
 For all assessments a report is made on behalf of partner clusters/OCHA (cluster/OCHA visibility and all
participating agencies);
 Production and printing maps per target area for various humanitarian stakeholders (with A0-A4 capacity);
 Where relevant, use of remote sensing to assess inaccessible areas with congregations of displaced
populations and/or high damage density (through UNOSAT);
 Set up of databases on secondary information for target areas;
Web-map set up displaying updated findings for assessment, remote sensing and secondary data, and it is envisaged
that an off-line version of the web-map could be distributed periodically on a CD to all partners across Jonglei.
Qualifications












Master degree or equivalent experience in Information Systems, GIS or a relevant discipline;
2-5years of experience in DB, GIS, preferably in humanitarian context;
Good experience in database and general computer software (such as SQL Server, MySQL and Access, APIs,
Flex, Oracle, Microsoft Excel/Access);
Previous experience with industry standard mapping tools, especially ESRI products is a must;
Knowledge of analytical software (SPSS, Stata, Tableau, etc) an asset;
Good organizational, communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to think creatively in terms of tool and process development;
Good team management skills;
Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility;
Flexibility and adaptability to ever-changing needs and responsibilities;
Familiarity with the aid system, and understanding of donor and governmental requirements an asset;
Prior knowledge of the region an asset, experience working in South Sudan considered a plus;
Job Description –REACH GIS/DB Officer South Sudan
December 2013
5 of 5


Ability to work independently with little external support;
Fluency in English required; Arabic a benefit.
Conditions


Salary defined by the ACTED salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are
considered for pay bonus;
Additional monthly living allowance;
Free food and lodging provided at the organisation’s guesthouse/or housing allowance (depending on
contract length and country of assignment);
Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance;

Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance + retirement package


Application
Please send, in English, your cover letter, CV, and three references to [email protected]
Ref : RGIS/SSUD/SA
Job Description –REACH GIS/DB Officer South Sudan
December 2013