GIS Sr. Specialist, FEWS NET

Position Description

The FEWS NET DST’s acute food insecurity early warning analysis and decision support products rely on geographic mapping and geospatial analysis tools to inform and visualize analysis of acute food insecurity. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are, therefore, essential to achieving the FEWS NET DST’s core mandate.

The FEWS NET DST GIS Senior Specialist works under the Data Management Advisor and is responsible for supporting ongoing and new GIS activities across the team’s sectors (e.g., Decision Support, Markets and Trade, Livelihoods, Conflict, Nutrition).

The GIS Senior Specialist will assist in the spatial and geographic coding of data and manage the project’s spatial databases. The individual will also support the production of high-quality visual analyses, and data visualization tools (including interactive data monitoring products and tools). In addition, the individual will assist with the identification and application of approaches to geo‑spatial analysis in support of FEWS NET DST activities and sectors.

The GIS Senior Specialist is a full-time position and is preferred to be based in the Home Office in Washington, D.C. though remote options may be considered for well-qualified candidates. The GIS Senior Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FEWS NET Data Management Advisor. S/He will also collaborate with the Washington-based technical and management teams and technical staff in FEWS NET country and regional offices, as well as with other FEWS NET implementing partners, as relevant.

The GIS Senior Specialist may be required to travel domestically and internationally, security and public health considerations permitting.

• Performing desk research on administrative boundary changes in FEWS NET countries
• Locating and identifying current and historical shape files for FEWS NET countries, ensuring that shape files have proper topology and are fitted to the FAO GAUL Admin0 (national) boundaries
• Maintaining FEWS NET’s global geo-spatial databases and mapping files, and updating relevant GIS data and products in the FDW, ArcGIS Online, and/or other relevant systems, when needed
• Supporting ad-hoc requests for thematic maps and other data visualization products
• Working with the Data Management Advisor and DCOP-Innovation to develop strategic approaches for using GIS to improve DST analytical approaches and to build and integrate associated workflow processes
• Organizing and submitting geo-spatial analysis processing tools, data, and products to the FDW, and/or other systems as appropriate, in accordance with FEWS NET DST data management processes
• Supporting and assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the DST’s new and/or existing mapping and geo-spatial analysis approaches for visualizing data to support both regular and ad hoc reporting and decision support efforts
• Engaging with the FEWS NET Data, Knowledge, and Learning Hub (FEWS NET Hub) and/or other FEWS NET mechanisms/partners to resolve GIS-related issues and questions, including through established collaboration channels such as collaboration meetings, email, and help tickets
• Assisting in the management and supervision of subcontractor task orders associated with geo‑spatial data and GIS deliverables, as requested
• Providing in-person and remote recurring and ad hoc capacity strengthening to DST staff on GIS processes and geo‑spatial analysis processes and tools. Mentoring select DST staff to strategically develop DST capacity to use GIS as an input for analytical processes

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including professional experience with GIS platforms, data science, data curation, and mobile data collection technologies
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant field such as computer science, information systems, or GIS-related field required, Masters degree preferred
• Excellent skills in the use of GIS software, with particular experience in ESRI products including ArcGIS Online, Dashboards, and ArcGIS Pro, is required—including a demonstrated ability to handle and process non‑standardized geospatial and tabular data is…