GIS Officer / oPt

About REACH and IMPACT

REACH was created in 2010 as a joint initiative of two international NGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s purpose is to facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision-making and planning capacity for emergency, recovery, and development contexts. REACH supports information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) needs and situation assessments by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.

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

• Creating maps and visualizations using GIS software and tools.
• Creating and managing geodatabases and other data management systems.
• Analyzing and gathering geographic data from diverse sources like satellite images, maps, and surveys.
• Supplying technical support and training on GIS software and tools to other professionals and stakeholders.

ACTED’s Greening Strategy

ACTED’s greening strategy aims to tackle environmental degradation and climate change while meeting the needs of the most vulnerable who are often those most affected by the deepening environmental crisis. Each ACTED employee will adhere to these principles through key green programming responsibilities:

• Contribute towards the adherence and development of the greening strategy plan.
• Explore innovative green programming opportunities and/or solutions within your realm of responsibilities and roles
• Encouraging and promoting environmental safeguarding processes and environmental programming standards in accordance with SOPs and technical guideline notesز

ACTED PSEAH Policy:

The GIS Officer has the responsibility to adhere and commit to the PSEAH Policy (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) always. The GIS Officer has the obligation to complete all mandatory trainings related to the Code of Conduct and the PSEA policy and report any safeguarding concern such as breaches of organizational policies or codes of conduct according to ACTED’s procedures. The GIS Officer carries out work duties in a way that does not harm children, vulnerable adults or other staff or volunteers.

Job Purpose

REACH is currently seeking a candidate with a strong technical background, who has previous experience of working in the GIS/Remote Sensing sphere.

The REACH GIS Officer (GISO) will contribute to conducting geospatial analysis and mapping to support rapid humanitarian needs assessments and research products for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt). The GISO will be responsible for the application of geographic information systems in oPt, including relevant aspects of research design, support in designing data collection tools, ensuring (spatial) data quality, geospatial analysis, drafting of maps, and production of web maps and information management systems.

Advanced experience with geospatial information management and analysis, and excellent spatial analysis skills are required. Advanced knowledge of ESRI Suite Software (ArcPro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online); good knowledge of Google Earth Engine, advanced knowledge of Microsoft office including Excel. Knowledge of R, STATA, Python or equivalent statistical software is an advantage. Knowledge of Adobe Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, is an asset, but not required.

The ideal candidate has excellent communication and organizational skills and has a professional and proactive attitude. Fluency in English is required.

Objectives

1: RESEARCH PLANNING:

the supervision of the Senior Assessment Officer or Research Manager, the GISO will contribute to designing or improving the methodologies and research tools, with a specific focus on the analysis plan, and related mapping and geospatial data management plan.

2: GIS AND REMOTE SENSING RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION

GISO will conduct satellite-based analyses, such as rapid damage assessments, change detections, time series. The GISO will be responsible for ensuring that collected data is geo-referenced, enabling the production of maps and related products.  The GISO will also contribute to the planning and implementation of participatory mapping activities within the project.

3: DATA MANAGEMENT, ANALYSIS, AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The GISO will conduct spatial analysis of collected data, as per ToRs, ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information. The GISO will also contribute to development and maintenance of databases for the consolidation of all assessment-related and GIS data in country. The GISO will be responsible for ensuring accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data, as well as ensuring the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines. 

FUNCTIONS

Key Activities:

1- Assessment Planning:

• Contribute to drafting assessment methodologies with a specific focus on the analysis plan, and related mapping and GIS data management plan.
• Develop geo-spatial analysis of assessment areas to be used in developing the assessment plans, field movement plans, and accompanying operational maps for field teams, if necessary.

2- GIS Research Implementation

• Conduct satellite-based analyses, such as rapid damage assessments, change detections, 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.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of other relevant activities within the project, such as mapping focus group discussions and participatory mapping activities.
• Ensure the collected data is geo-referenced, enabling the production of maps and related products.

3- Data Management, Cleaning, and Analysis

• Conduct spatial analysis on collected data as per the Assessment ToRs and Methodology plans.
• Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information. Troubleshoot and address data-related issues promptly.
• Develop and maintain databases for the consolidation of all assessment-related and GIS data in country.

4- Product Development

• Create basic maps and cartographic products to visualize and communicate spatial information effectively.
• Ensure accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data.
• Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines.

Internal Communication Processes:

The GISO will work directly with their respective assessment team in country and liaise with IMPACT HQ in Geneva to ensure the quality and effectiveness of products developed. She/he will ensure effective internal communication with mission and IMPACT HQ colleagues.

Confidentiality and Data Protection:

The REACH GISO will maintain the strictest confidentiality of data and processes. She/he will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of information and data.