National Consultant - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist is crucial for the successful execution of the Partnership Project between the Nairobi Convention and the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission. The consultant will be responsible for utilizing GIS tools to create detailed maps of the Moma and Machanga Districts in Mozambique, focusing on identifying various marine uses, overlaps, and potential areas of conflict. This role involves stakeholder engagement to validate the maps of marine use and ensure that the data collected is accurate and reflective of local conditions. The consultant will also be expected to develop an interactive atlas that integrates physical, biological, and socioeconomic data, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the marine environment in the specified districts. The work will be home-based and is expected to last for five months, requiring a high level of expertise in GIS and a strong understanding of coastal ecosystems and marine resource management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: 1) Developing a detailed interactive atlas using GIS tools that includes physical and oceanographic data, ecological and biological data, health status of natural capital, and human use data for the Moma and Machanga districts. 2) Conducting ground truthing with community leaders to build solutions for community-based initiatives, enabling community participation in marine spatial planning, and detecting variability in terrain and land use. 3) Adhering to industry and community-established data standards, ensuring interoperability of data and services, and utilizing open-source technologies to develop an online atlas of spatial uses. 4) Participating in stakeholder meetings to validate the maps and atlas created for the Moma and Machanga districts, ensuring that the community's input is integrated into the final products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in Geographic Information Systems, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Marine Science, Coastal Ecosystems Management, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing and implementing programs related to coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resources management is required. Candidates should have experience with GIS applications such as ArcGIS and be skilled in information management and presentation delivery. Experience working with coastal communities in Mozambique is essential, and familiarity with multidisciplinary setups involving government and non-government stakeholders is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in fields such as Geographic Information Systems, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Marine Science, or Coastal Ecosystems Management. A first-level degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability in the relevant field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing and implementing programs focused on coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resource management. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with GIS technologies and engaging with coastal communities, particularly in Mozambique. Experience in a multidisciplinary environment involving various stakeholders is also highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of spoken and written coastal dialects of Portuguese is considered desirable, as it would facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders in Mozambique.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of five months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.