Digital Information and Geospatial Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement programs and initiatives that promote sustainable development and resilience against climate change.

Job Overview:
The Digital Information and Geospatial Specialist will play a crucial role in the Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM) project, which is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This position is focused on enhancing the climate resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and communities through integrated watershed planning and management. The specialist will be responsible for designing and deploying a Spatial Information Management System (SIMS) that integrates geospatial data acquisition, processing, storage, and visualization functionalities. This system will be essential for monitoring and evaluating the impacts of adaptation strategies and ecosystem health trends. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including project team members and implementing partners, to ensure that the SIMS is tailored to the specific needs of the project and is interoperable with existing systems. The specialist will also be involved in capacity development programs to train project staff and community partners on geospatial technologies and decision-support tools for climate resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Digital Information and Geospatial Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including leading catchment delineation and conducting spatially explicit vulnerability assessments. They will generate high-resolution maps of priority micro-catchments to inform ecosystem-based adaptation strategies. The specialist will undertake baseline and periodic geospatial monitoring of ecosystems and land use changes using advanced Remote Sensing and Earth Observation technologies. They will design and operationalize a spatial information management system tailored to the project, enabling systematic collection and integration of various data types. Additionally, the specialist will develop geo-locational profiles and produce thematic maps of adaptation interventions, coordinate the integration of geospatial knowledge into technical guidelines, and establish a dynamic digital geo-database. They will also produce tailored digital knowledge products, design capacity development programs, and provide technical support to the project's field monitoring team. The specialist will be responsible for generating key information for national statistics and providing technical advice to project team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Spatial Analysis, Land and Water, Forestry, Agricultural Economics, or any other relevant discipline. They should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and spatial analysis. A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate a strong focus on results, teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to build effective relationships. Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement are also essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Spatial Analysis, Land and Water, Forestry, or Agricultural Economics. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of ecosystem-based adaptation and spatial information management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and spatial analysis, particularly in senior-level positions related to GIS and project monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Experience in preparing and implementing complex M&E systems for climate change-related projects is highly desirable. The specialist should also have a strong background in GIS technologies and data management, especially in the context of agriculture, watershed management, and climate change.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and is part of a project that will be implemented over a period of 6 years, benefiting over 500,000 vulnerable people in rural communities. The role may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors. The position may require travel to project sites for monitoring and evaluation activities.