Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Officer

Organization

 

iMMAP Inc. is an international nongovernmental organization that provides information management services to humanitarian and development organizations. Through information management, we help our partners target assistance to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Our core philosophy is that better data leads to better decisions and that better decisions lead to better outcomes. iMMAP Inc.’s critical support to information value chains helps to solve operational and strategic challenges of our partners in both emergency and development contexts by enabling evidence-based decision-making for better outcomes. The iMMAP Inc. program in Nigeria started in late 2016 and was designed to support the response to the ongoing crisis in the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states of Northeast and late 2024 in the Northwest of the country, by strengthening the information management (IM) capacity of the responders within the different humanitarian sectors and actors. 

 

Background

 

With support from the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, since March 2021, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), iMMAP Inc. established the Humanitarian Information and Analysis Unit (HIAU) in the BAY region to support the collective initiatives and intersectoral information management demands and requests. The GIS Officer will support the humanitarian partners, government entities, and academic institutions with their GIS/ information management needs.

In October 2024, the HIAU model of support to the humanitarian actors will be extended to the northwest Nigeria states of Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

 

Description of Duties

 

The GIS Officer will provide the necessary GIS and information management technical support as requested by partners. This may include: 

Mapping and Visualization

• Produce high-quality maps, charts, and other visualizations to support reporting, presentations, and communication with stakeholders.
• Develop interactive web maps and GIS applications to enhance data accessibility and usability.
• customize and automate mapping workflows to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes.

 

Geospatial Analysis

•  Perform spatial analyses and modeling to support project planning, resource allocation, and decision-making.
• Analyze spatial data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships relevant to data and information needs of the respective humanitarian partners.
•  Develop and implement geospatial analysis methodologies tailored to specific information needs across the humanitarian program cycle, or other humanitarian planning and response mechanisms.

 

Integration and Collaboration

• Collaborate with other humanitarian actors and GIS teams to integrate GIS solutions into broader activity planning, implementation and monitoring workflows.
• Work with external partners, including UN agencies, humanitarian sectors, Areas of Responsibility, INGOs, NNGOs, government agencies, and academic institutions, to share geospatial data and resources.

 

Data Collection and Management

• Collect, store, manage, and maintain geospatial open-source data from various sources, including satellite imagery, GPS, and field surveys.
• Develop and manage geospatial databases, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and security.
• Conduct data quality control and validation processes to ensure the reliability of geospatial data.

 

Technical Support and Training

• Provide technical support and training to staff and partners on the use of GIS software applications, tools, and management of geo-spatial data and datasets.
• Develop user manuals, training materials, and standard operating procedures for GIS-related activities.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving GIS-related issues and challenges.

 

Reporting and Documentation

•  Prepare and present GIS reports, maps, and visualizations to internal and external stakeholders, reflecting iMMAP Inc. support to humanitarian and development partners operating in the areas of the scope of the project.
• Document GIS workflows, methodologies, and best practices to ensure knowledge transfer and continuity.
• Maintain accurate records of GIS activities, data sources, and project outcomes.

 

Requirements

 

Education

• University degree (bachelor’s degree or higher) in Geography, Geospatial Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Information Management, or a related field.

 

Experience

• Minimum four (4) years of work experience in GIS is essential.
• Extensive experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and other geospatial tools.
• Proficiency in spatial analysis, geospatial modeling, and remote sensing.
• Programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or SQL for geospatial data processing are an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex geospatial information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience in delivering GIS training, on-site and remote technical support to partners.

 

Soft skills

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective engagement with clients, including local administrators, government, NGOs, and other humanitarian actors.
• Partner Service Orientation: A strong partner service focus, with the ability to address and meet the needs of clients and stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
• Problem-solving: Excellent problem-solving abilities to address challenges in data management and analysis and to devise innovative solutions.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively with teams and stakeholders, including intersectoral partners and humanitarian organizations, to achieve common goals.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Time Management: Efficient time management skills to ensure timely completion of tasks and projects while maintaining high-quality work.