REACH Remote Sensing / GIS Officer

Job Purpose

After more than a decade of conflict, conditions in emergency areas remain volatile and marked by violence and socioeconomic deterioration. The scale, complexity, and severity of humanitarian needs extends the necessity for up to date, timely, and accurate information. Evidence-based planning and programming remains paramount to ensure that the response adequately meets the needs of the most vulnerable people and is tailored to different realities across communities and over time. REACH has been conducting assessments on the humanitarian situation has since grown significantly as an actor in the response.

Broadly speaking, REACH facilitates a humanitarian evidence base via four key research streams:

· Monitoring of the humanitarian situation, including joint market monitoring to track prices of goods as per the survival minimum expenditure basket (SMEB);

· Displacement tracking, through tracking the movement of IDPs and returnees;

· Remote sensing activities, including market functionality, flood hazard assessments, etc;

· Technical support to clusters, including thematic assessments and capacity building.

Impact is seeking a candidate with a strong technical background, who has previous experience of working in the sphere of remote sensing (RS) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)/cartography. More specifically, the candidate should have experience of working on at least one of: collection and processing of socio-economic data; analysis of satellite imagery with different spatial and spectral resolution for the purposes of climate, agricultural and water resource monitoring. The candidate should understand concepts of cartographic design and be experienced in presentation of the results of spatial analysis using static and interactive mapping products.

Objectives:

Under the line management of the Senior RS/GIS Officer, the RS/GIS Officer is responsible for the application of geographic information systems and remote sensing, including relevant aspects of research design, support in designing data collection tools, ensuring (spatial) data quality, geo-spatial analysis, drafting of maps, and (as relevant) production of web maps and information management systems. In coordination with the relevant Research Managers, Specialists and Senior RS/GIS Officers, the RS/GIS Officer is required to support assessment planning in line with project and program objectives and with IMPACT’s research cycle and other relevant guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities

The GIS Officer responsibilities include the following:

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 remote sensing and geospatial analysis, as well as data management plan;
• Perform geo-spatial analysis of assessment areas to be used in developing assessment plans, when required;
• In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), support construction of quantitative sample, when relevant;

Remote sensing Research Implementation

• Plan, develop and implement satellite-based modelling techniques which highlight hazards and risks for the country, e.g., change detection, Machine Learning-based classification, and time series analysis. Such activities will be based on a variety of different sensors including multispectral optical sensors, SAR sensors and very high resolution optical sensors;
• Understand, maintain and improve models already present and running, in order to use them upon request;
• Evaluate opportunities for additional remote sensing analysis within existing research cycles;
• Ensure proper documentation of methodologies and tool development.

GIS Research Implementation

• Perform spatial/geostatistical analysis to understand patterns that are beyond conventional levels
• of aggregations such as administrative levels, i.e., patterns that are within livelihood zones, environmental features, etc.;
• Contribute to products related to hazard/environmental monitoring (e.g., flood, drought) and analyse how these interrelate with other analytical layers;
• Automation of workflows to integrate analysis processes into cartographic outputs, spatial analyses, etc.

Data management, cleaning and analysis

• Ensure that all collected data is stored in line with IMPACT’s Data Management Guidelines, and with the ToRs (data management plan Annex);
• Ensure that data is revised and cleaned, and that all revisions are recorded;
• Conduct spatial analysis on collected data as per ToRs;
• Ensure that data and its spatial analysis are validated by IMPACT HQ before product drafting stage;
• Ensure that data and its analysis do not contain personal or other sensitive information and are validated by IMPACT HQ before sharing to external parties;
• Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information.
• Development and maintenance of country-level databases for the consolidation of all assessment-related and GIS data in country.

Drafting of products

• Ensure accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data;
• Ensure that the GIS products meet the requirements of IMPACT and concerned partners;
• Maintain regular communication with IMPACT HQ on progress and deadlines for GIS products;
• Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines;

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;
• 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 IMPACT CC/CR, Research Managers 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;

Data Confidentiality and Protection

The RS/GIS Officer will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes, ensuring full compliance with IMPACT’s data protection policy and SOPs. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.

*ACTED's proposed monthly salary: 1059 JOD

Skills

QUALIFICATIONS

• Academic: Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a Bachelor or Master degree related to GIS, Remote Sensing, Data Science, Geography or related discipline;
• Theoretical knowledge: Sound foundational knowledge of remote sensing, including theory, principles, practice, and application. Expands and maintains knowledge in the field through literature;
• Research skills: Advanced experience with remote sensing analysis, spatial analysis, and geo-spatial information management. Advanced knowledge of climate, agriculture, and hydrology is an asset;
• Software skills: Advanced knowledge of Google Earth Engine; advanced knowledge of GIS software (ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS); knowledge of remote sensing software (e.g., ESA SNAP, ERDAS IMAGINE); advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel; advanced knowledge of Python and/or JavaScript; knowledge of R, STATA, or equivalent statistical software an advantage; knowledge of Adobe Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator an asset;
• Years of work experience: At least 2 years of relevant working experience. Experience in humanitarian settings desirable;
• Communication/reporting skills Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting;
• Multi-tasking skills Ability to multitask with tight deadlines, on numerous research cycles;
• Level of independence Proven ability to work independently;
• Cross-cultural work environment Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility;
• Experience in geographical region Past experience in the region is desirable;
• Language skills Fluency in English required, competency in Arabic an asset;
• Security environment: Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment;

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