Database Management and GIS Specialist

Mercy Corps is an international, non-governmental humanitarian relief and development agency that exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping to build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps began operations in Nepal in 2005, and since then has implemented projects in the sectors of agriculture, food security and nutrition, financial services, youth engagement, and disaster risk reduction/ climate change adaptation. The Promoting Agriculture, Health, and Alternative Livelihoods Program (PAHAL), a five-year, $37M Development Food Assistance Program (DFAP) funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP), aims to help vulnerable populations in Nepal become more resilient to the stressors and shocks that impede food security.

Mercy Corps currently invites applications from all potential Nepali candidates for the following position:

Database Management and GIS Specialist - 01 Position (Full time based in Kathmandu)

The Database Management and Geographic Information Systems (DM/GIS) Specialist - PAHAL will work directly with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor to develop and implement the data and GIS architecture, implementation and strategies for the PAHAL program. Responsibilities include database development and management, geospatial analysis and map production, geospatial technical support, and programmatic M&E and information management.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in GIS, IT, computer science, or related field. Masters degree preferred. At least 3 years of technical experience. Competence in working with complex relational and spatial databases, familiarity with open-source databases like Postgress. SQL literacy strongly preferred including competence in working with Esri’s ArcGIS Desktop Suite or open-source mapping platforms like Quantum GIS required.

“Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision, and we encourage people from all backgrounds, especially women and members of disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer”.

Interested candidates are requested to submit a CV and cover letter by October 19, 2015 to the address below. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Telephone enquiries will not be entertained.

Attn: Human Resources Officer

[Please mention the title of the Position on the subject of the e-mail while applying]

Email to: jobs@np.mercycorps.org

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Database Management and GIS (DM GIS) Specialist - PAHAL

Duty Station: Kathmandu

Position Category: Full-time AND Regular

Salary Level: 5

Current Employee: N/A

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps is an international, non-governmental humanitarian relief and development agency that exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping to build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps began operations in Nepal in 2005, and since then has implemented projects in the sectors of agriculture, food security and nutrition, financial services, youth engagement, and disaster risk reduction/ climate change adaptation. The Promoting Agriculture, Health, and Alternative Livelihoods Program (PAHAL), a five-year, $37M Development Food Assistance Program (DFAP) funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP), aims to help vulnerable populations in Nepal become more resilient to the stressors and shocks that impede food security.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Database Management and Geographic Information Systems (DM/GIS) Specialist - PAHAL will work directly with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor to develop and implement the data and GIS architecture, implementation and strategies for the PAHAL program. S/he will be responsible for database development and management, geospatial analysis and map production, geospatial technical support, and programmatic M&E and information management. S/he will work in close coordination with PAHAL program management and officers, as well as the wider Mercy Corps Nepal M&E team. S/he will also be responsible for capacity building of staff on M&E and GIS work flows and data management and analysis. Additionally, the DM/GIS Specialist will assist in the development and execution of surveys, studies, internal reports, and support in emergencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Data Acquisition & Management:

• Collaborates closely with PAHAL program staff in developing and establishing information systems and data management frameworks that first and foremost serve the needs of the PAHAL program, but that can also be replicated to serve the needs of all Mercy Corps Nepal programs; Includes the development and implementation of program databases, analysis, mobile data collection tools, and reporting forms to meet monitoring, evaluation, and reporting needs.
• In collaboration with PAHAL’s M&E Advisor and tech partners, develops and executes architectures, policies, practices, and procedures that properly manage the full data lifecycle of the M&E information system and spatial databases; Implements the necessary technologies to fulfill program requirements.
• Addresses shortfalls in information management that impact quality and affect program implementation.
• Coordinates and communicates with tech partners when necessary to address issues in database development or data management.
• Advises on data management framework and work flows and organizes/ archives GIS and M&E data accurately and efficiently.
• Supports M&E team in collection, verification, and update of data; monitors data accuracy, entry/cleaning; maintains accurate and up-to-date metadata.

Geospatial Analysis, Cartographic Production & Reporting:

• Designs and carries out GIS procedures, both simple and complex, for data creation, analysis, project reporting, data conversion, data transfer, and graphic production.
• Conducts geospatial and statistical analysis as required.
• Develops maps, infographics, and graphic elements integrating a range of data formats for use in planning and reporting using organizational templates and styles.
• Assists in regular reporting updates for donors and Mercy Corps internal use.

Capacity Building:

• Promotes the understanding of geospatial (GIS, remote sensing, and GPS) technology, demonstrate its capabilities and potential applications to Mercy Corps staff and partner agencies, and identifies staff needs in capacity building for information systems.
• In collaboration with the M&E Advisor, design and provide regular training, technical support and oversight on data management and analysis based on project staff and M&E needs.
• Design and provide regular training and provides technical support to staff on geospatial data management and analysis, the use of GIS, maps and GPS-enabled devices.

Accountability:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: M&E Advisor - PAHAL

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: PAHAL Senior leadership and staff, and partner organizations

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in GIS, IT, computer science, or related field. Masters degree preferred. At least 3 years technical experience.
• Competence in working with complex relational and spatial databases, with familiarity with open-source databases like Postgress. SQL literacy strongly preffered
• Competence in working with Esri’s ArcGIS Desktop Suite or open-source mapping platforms like Quantum GIS
• Excellent Excel skills required
• Strong English skills required, both written and spoken.

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Experience with data analysis using R Statistics, SPSS, Stata, Sphinx, or Epi Info; and/ or business intelligence software such as Tableau, Trifacta, or QlikView
• Experience with digital data collection using iFormBuilder, Open Data Kit, FormHub or other online or offline digital data collection solutions
• Hands-on experience in SQL servers

SUCCESS FACTORS:

A successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures, and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving. S/he will have a proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and be accountable for results, understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, problem solving, work within a complex and sensitive setting and to follow laws and security protocols. As a key technical position, this person should develop a strong understanding of program logic and should be able to express and document his/her ideas clearly and convincingly. The most successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

SIGNATURES:

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