IMPACT ET REACH
REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two international NGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Program for Operational Satellite Applications (UNOSAT). The objective of REACH is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that improve the decision-making and planning capacity of the humanitarian community in emergency, reconstruction and development contexts. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) assessment of needs and the situation facilitated by REACH teams; b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of databases and (web) mapping facilities and related expertise.
IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization manages several initiatives, including the REACH initiative. The IMPACT team is made up of specialists in data collection, management and analysis and GIS. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO whose headquarters is based in Paris and is present in around thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, allowing IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support in its areas of intervention.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Since 2012, Niger has been characterized by several consecutive crises. Structurally underdeveloped with the highest birth rate per woman in the world, the country has been heavily impacted by conflict and population displacement on its borders with Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Chad. The combination of current instability and structural obstacles has strained an already fragile humanitarian situation, and the country remains prone to serious food crises. In addition, on the front line of climate change, Niger has also faced frequent heavy rains and floods, causing massive displacements in several regions of the country. IMPACT was first deployed in Niger in 2012, when worsening violence in northern Mali led Malian refugees and displaced Nigerien people to flee to the Tillabéry region in western Niger. REACH and in close collaboration with the UNHCR, IMPACT began to intervene in Niger on mapping programs in the three camps hosting displaced populations. IMPACT carries out the multisectoral annual assessment (MSNA) as well as a humanitarian situation monitoring program (HSM) in the three-border region (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger). IMPACT intervenes in the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) consortium in Niger by providing information management support. The IMPACT Niger mission is looking for a GIS manager (senior) to manage the GIS team (2 people), the production of maps and geographical analyzes as part of projects or ad hoc requests, participation in the management of the mission via team meetings, organizing training, proposing new activities, carrying out analyzes based on remote sensing where appropriate.
We are currently looking for a Senior GIS Manager to support our team in Niger.
FUNCTIONS
Under the hierarchical direction of the IMPACT country coordinator in Niger, the Senior GIS Officer is responsible for the application of geographic information systems in Niger, including relevant aspects of research design, assistance with the design of data collection tools, ensuring (spatial) data quality, geospatial analysis, map writing and (where applicable) production of web maps and data management systems information. The Senior GIS Officer will provide technical input at all stages of the research cycle. Throughout each research cycle, the senior GIS officer, in close liaison (if applicable) with the evaluation teams, engages with partners to promote their participation and maximize their impact. He/she also ensures efficient and transparent use of the resources necessary for the implementation of projects. This may include direct supervision of GIS teams. The Senior GIS Officer will also be responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing capacity building program for national and international team members, and (where applicable) providing training to partners.
As part of his/her mission, the senior GIS manager will be hosted by ACTED, IMPACT’s global partner, and will be under the direct responsibility and management of the ACTED national director and his delegates for all matters administrative, security, logistics and finance. He/she will therefore fully comply with ACTED rules and regulations regarding security, administration and human resources, logistics and finance.
RESPONSABILITES
The responsibilities of the Senior MIS Officer include:
RESEARCH PLANNING
- In coordination with the evaluation lead(s), support evaluation planning in accordance with project and program objectives, as well as the IMPACT research cycle and other relevant guidelines;
- Map and analyze secondary data in coordination with the evaluation manager(s);
- Contribute to the drafting of the terms of reference for the evaluation with emphasis on the analysis plan and corresponding mapping, as well as the data management plan;
- Support the development of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, ensuring that GIS requirements of the research cycle/evaluation are met;
- Develop a geospatial analysis of assessment areas for use in developing daily assessment plans, field travel plans and accompanying operational maps for field teams;
- In coordination with the evaluation manager(s), support the construction of the quantitative sample;
- Track progress and delays of all assigned tasks throughout the research cycle. Ensure that delays or issues identified are reported in writing and orally in a timely manner.
IMPLEMENTATION OF RESEARCH
- Where applicable, support the training of interviewers for primary data collection;
- Where applicable, support the oversight of data collection, in accordance with agreed terms of reference (including its annexes), including spatial verification and validation as part of daily assessment checks;
- Ensure that data collected is correctly georeferenced, which will enable the production of maps and related products;
- In coordination with the evaluation manager(s), document any changes in data collection that result in a modification of the agreed terms of reference, ensuring that the CC/RC and IMPACT HQ are informed and agree to the changes.
DATA MANAGEMENT, CLEANING AND ANALYSIS
- Ensure that all data collected is stored in accordance with the IMPACT data management guidelines and terms of reference (data management plan annex);
- Ensure that data is reviewed and cleaned, and that all revisions are recorded;
- Carry out a spatial analysis of the data collected in accordance with the terms of reference;
- Ensure that the data and their spatial analysis are validated by IMPACT headquarters before the product writing phase;
- Ensure that the data and its analysis do not contain personal information or other sensitive information and that they are validated by IMPACT headquarters before being communicated to external parties;
- Guarantee the quality and accuracy of the technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of the information collected.
- Development and maintenance of national level databases for the consolidation of all assessment and GIS related data in the country.
PRODUCT EDITING
- Ensure precise links between spatial databases and evaluation data;
- Ensure that GIS products meet the requirements of IMPACT and relevant partners;
- Maintain regular communication with IMPACT headquarters on GIS product progress and deadlines;
- Ensure the drafting of accurate and timely GIS products consistent with IMPACT guidelines;
- Ensure that all GIS products are validated by IMPACT headquarters before their external distribution;
- Where applicable, in close coordination with IMPACT headquarters, support the regular maintenance and updating of Web GIS products;
- In coordination with the CC/CR, liaise with IMPACT HQ regarding the acquisition of UNOSAT services and satellite imagery.
EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT
- In support of the evaluation team, establish links with relevant partners to consult and involve them in the GIS components of a research cycle;
- After validation by the line manager, represent IMPACT in relevant meetings and working groups;
- Follow up on issues identified by partners or during meetings/working groups;
- Promote active use of datasets, GIS products and research results by partners and the wider humanitarian community for their decision-making;
- After validation by the line manager, support the presentation of research results through GIS input to relevant third parties in order to improve their use and impact;
- Ensure that the commitment of all partners and all external relationships are clearly documented and communicated to the line manager and relevant colleagues;
- More generally, contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, in particular through the application of the mandate, ethics, values and position of IMPACT in relation to other actors .
KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND LEARNING PROCESSES
- Anticipate knowledge gaps before executing the research cycle
- Provides content and contributes to lessons learned exercises
PROJECT CYCLE MANAGEMENT
- For relevant projects, ensure compliance with project cycle management requirements and guidelines at all phases;
- Before the start of the project, participate and help organize a kick-off meeting and the provision of key project management documents in order to plan the effective use of assets and human resources;
- In close coordination with colleagues in line management, finance and grants, monitor and regularly update the use of assets, financial and human resources related to the GIS, in full compliance with IMPACT guidelines;
- Ensure that GIS-related project outcomes and requirements are monitored, respected and implemented;
- Ensure that any problems related to the implementation of the project are reported to the line manager, colleagues responsible for finance and grants, as well as to headquarters;
- Contribute to the organization and documentation of an end-of-project meeting for all affected projects;
- Support the line manager, finance and grants colleagues in drafting narrative and financial reports for the projects concerned;
- Other tasks as requested by supervisors.
TEAM MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
In case the senior GIS manager provides direct management to staff:
- Organize regular meetings with staff members to assess progress in relevant research cycles and review the work plan;
- In coordination with CC/RCs, the research manager and GIS specialists (if applicable) carry out onboarding of new staff, including training in basic technical GIS skills
- Support the IMPACT CC/CR, Research Manager and GIS Specialist (if applicable) in developing and implementing capacity training plans for GIS and other team members;
- Be available to provide regular support and technical support;
- Where applicable, support/lead the staff assessment and recruitment process in collaboration with the CC/RC, research directors, GIS specialists (if applicable) and IMPACT HQ.
- The Senior GIS Officer is responsible, in coordination with their line manager, for the development and implementation of capacity training plans for GIS and other team members. He/she is responsible for setting clear and personalized development objectives, and designing training and mentoring plans to support team members in their professional development.
INTERNAL COORDINATION
- Actively participate in regular team meetings;
- Ensure regular coordination and exchanges with relevant colleagues;
- Engage in the development and implementation of the IMPACT strategy in Niger
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION
The Senior GIS Officer will ensure the strictest confidentiality of all collected data and related processes, ensuring full compliance with IMPACT’s data protection policy and standard operating procedures. He/she will actively take steps to prevent unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment to IMPACT.
REQUIREMENTS
- Academic: Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a master’s degree in the relevant discipline;
- Research skills: Proven experience managing and analyzing geospatial information. Excellent spatial analysis skills; experience in remote sensing is an advantage
- Software Skills: Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS and/or QGIS. Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of R, STATA, Python or equivalent statistical software is an advantage.
- Number of years of professional experience: 2-3 years of relevant professional experience. Experience in the humanitarian field is strongly desired ;
- Management Skills Experience and team management skills highly desirable; experience in project management is an advantage
- Communication and Reporting Skills Excellent communication and writing skills for writing effective reports;
- Ability to carry out several tasks simultaneously within tight deadlines, over numerous research cycles;
- Level of independence: Proven ability to work independently;
- Intercultural work environment: Ability to work in an intercultural environment requiring flexibility;
- Experience in geographic region: Previous experience in the Sahel or West Africa is an advantage;
- Language skills: Fluency in French and English required
- Security Environment: Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- For this position, the salary is between 2,520 CHF and 2,640 CHF per month (before income tax), as well as a monthly living allowance of 300 USD.
- NB – IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary scale based on the grade of the position and the level of education of the staff. A location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied to account for the fact that some staff must work in difficult locations where living and working conditions are much more difficult than elsewhere.
- Accommodation and food in a guest house. NB – IMPACT is hosted by ACTED in this country
- Membership in a Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approximately 9.975% of gross staff salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance
- Airfare every 6 months and visa fees covered (in-country travel costs and business expenses are fully covered)
- R&R after 2-3 months (airfare up to $500 + $200 living allowance) if the duty station allows it.
- Contribution to baggage transport: between 20 and 100 kg, depending on the duration of the contract (+ baggage and personal property insurance)
- Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Leave for family or compassionate reasons, if applicable.
- Pre-departure induction – 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives headquarters in Geneva + one week of pre-departure training at ACTED headquarters in Paris, including 4 days on-site security training;
- IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff and the health insurance provided covers, among other things, up to €1000 per year in psychosocial counseling costs.