Geographic Information Systems (Gis) Officer At Wildlife Conservation Society

Supervisor : GIS Coordinator, WCS DRC Program

Supervises : N/A

Work location : Based in Kinshasa, with travel as needed to different sites.

Job Objectives:

The GIS Officer is responsible for producing maps, spatial analyses and reports in support of WCS intervention site management in the DRC. He/she will also be responsible for maintaining a well-organized spatial information and data storage system, and building staff GIS capacity as required.

Main responsibilities:

In close collaboration with the various SIG officers of the PNKB, the RFO and KABOBO:

• Conduct annual analyses and prepare annual reports on vegetation cover loss for different WCS-DRC intervention sites using Global Forest Watch data and other datasets as appropriate.
• Analyze monthly GLAD alerts, Zebris alerts and satellite imagery as needed, to identify potential hotspots of tree cover loss in PNKB, RFO and Kabobo and inform site management activities.
• Carry out spatial analyses if necessary (for example to identify areas suitable for reforestation or the development of community forestry around the park, etc.).
• Provide GIS and other technical support to ensure proper analysis, communication and publication of WCS RD Congo program products.
• Maintain spatial databases of project interventions, support requests and other site-level information.
• Produce maps to meet fundraising and reporting needs and contribute to technical reports and scientific publications.
• Participate in surveys, monitoring and other field work developed by the Biological Monitoring Coordination and WCS Site Coordinators.
• Tag, store and manage all maps, reports, spatial data and results in a central database, following a clear internal procedure.
• Train and mentor ICCN and WCS staff in GIS and spatial analysis as appropriate.
• Liaise with LAB and other departments on spatial analysis results and mapping needs to support conservation activities.
• Advise and assist in the maintenance and upgrade of program equipment, with emphasis on data management and mapping software, as well as computer maintenance, in collaboration with the IT Manager.
• Provide general IT support and in particular for geospatial tools and programs such as GPS parameterization, GIS applications for smartphones and tablets, etc.
• Identify and innovate GIS approaches to support on-the-ground conservation in the PNKB

Relationships :

Internal – The incumbent will work closely with the PNKB Department Heads, particularly the Law Enforcement Department, the Research and Monitoring Department and the Community Conservation Department, and will respond to regular requests from the Site Manager or Program Officer. He/she will also work closely with other WCS DRC and Central Africa GIS program staff as appropriate.

External – the post holder will collaborate and maintain contact with KBNP partners and donors as necessary.

Required qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, GIS or remote sensing, forestry, geography or any other field related to the position.
• At least three years of experience providing geospatial support to conservation, REDD+ or climate change operations.
• Ability to use ArcGis pro, ENVI, IDRISI, QGis, Google Earth, SMART and Microsoft software as well as GPS and compass.
• Proven ability to train and communicate clearly and confidently in multicultural settings.
• Proven ability to work both individually and in a team to successfully coordinate activities in complex contexts.
• Great attention to detail, organizational skills, proactivity, positivity and responsibility in carrying out work.
• Willingness to live in a remote field site, with basic amenities.
• Fluent communication skills in French, with English and Swahili an asset.