Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 15 Nov 2015
Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Start date
January 2016 or asap. This is a staff position on a long-term contract.
Work percentage
100%, full-time
Context
Mine Action is inherently geographic. It relies on identifying the location and spatial extent of explosive hazards, and analysing their proximity to vulnerable communities and assets. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are ideally suited to support this work through improved integration, analysis and visualisation of hazards data.
The role of the GIS Solutions Advisor is to provide efficient support to Mine Action stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of providing a clearer view of the extent and impact of hazards, and helping to improve the efficiency of hazard reduction activities.
Function
Reporting to the Head of Information Management Division, the Advisor will lead the Division’s GIS development activities and service implementation. S/he will
- Manage GIS solution development projects, collaborating with external providers if needed
- Actively contribute to the definition of technical specifications for new GIS services to the Mine Action sector
- Develop and maintain GICHD’s cartographic visual identity
- Prepare GIS training material and deliver related courses
- Provide expert advice to GICHD staff as well as to Mine Action programmes on GIS question
- Support the Wiki focal point to update GIS-related wiki pages and other documentation
The thematic focus will include collaborating with the IMSMA Development Advisor to leverage opportunities for the development of IMSMA compatible third-party applications, such as mobile data collection and spatial analysis tools.
In addition the incumbent will be allocated a portfolio of countries according to his/her experience and the division’s requirements. This includes remote support from Geneva as well as frequent on-site visits and the delivery of regional and global training workshops in Information Management and GIS.
In order to ensure comprehensive support to mine-affected countries, members of the Information Management division also work in close collaboration with the Advisors of the Risk Management and Standards Implementation divisions, who specialise in mine action survey and clearance, ammunition safety management and residual contamination. The Advisors are also expected to represent GICHD in international events; provide general or technical presentations to partners and diplomatic representatives; and play an active role in project management, in the organisation’s strategic management and in the reporting to GICHD’s governance and donor institutions.
Profile requirements
Technical competencies and professional experience
- 5-10 years of experience with GIS is required
- Expertise in implementing information management (IM) and/or GIS systems in an international environment, preferably in humanitarian / development / post-conflict contexts
- Exposure to data management and GIS use in Mine Action is desirable
- Competence in project cycle management, budget planning and monitoring, as well as experience in donor reporting
- Skills in training adults from different cultures, or in capacity development of local counterparts
- Availability and willingness to travel and operate in potentially unstable regions
Behavioural competencies
- Communication: capacity to connect and engage with diverse stakeholders inside and outside the organization, and in a manner respectful of gender and diversity
- Independence: drive projects and activities in autonomy, with the capacity to translate strategic goals into operational activities
- Service-orientation: ability to find bridges between technology and users, to define technical solutions and guide external developers towards organizational goals
- Innovative thinking: genuine interest in new solutions, both on a technical and conceptual level. Liaising with people in related fields to monitor innovations and discover trends
Education and qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in informatics, geomatics, geography, computer sciences or environmental studies. A post-graduate diploma is preferred.
- Familiarity with IMSMA is desirable
Language competencies
- Excellent verbal and written English, including skills to write conceptual and non-technical documents
- Working knowledge of French, Spanish or any other languages spoken in mine-ERW affected is desirable
How to apply:
Applications
Please provide your application in English and include a detailed CV (max 5 pages), a letter of motivation, your earliest date of availability and any other material that you deem useful to provide in support of your candidacy.
Address for applications: GICHD Human Resources hr(at)gichd.org
The GICHD implements a Gender and Diversity policy and is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are encouraged from women and men, nationals of mine-affected countries and individuals with a disability or special needs, who meet the above profile requirements.