Job Description

Position Title: GIS and Remote Sensing Officer

Organization: Information Management Centre (IMC)
Duty Station: Hargeisa
Contract Type: Contract
Duration: Three (3) months, with possible extension based on performance, funding availability.

Reporting to: IMC Technical Coordinator / IMC Director
Start Date: [01/08/2025]

1. Background

The Information Management Centre (IMC) is a technical unit established under the Ministry of Planning and National Development to provide reliable, timely, and actionable geospatial and environmental information. The Centre supports evidence-based decision-making in areas such as land use planning, water resource management, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.

Modeled after the FAO's SWALIM initiative, IMC serves as a centralized hub for data collection, remote sensing analysis, mapping, and spatial data dissemination. Its services benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions working across Somalia. The Centre plays a vital role in enhancing national resilience through informed planning and early warning systems.

2. Purpose of the Position

The GIS and Remote Sensing Officer will lead the acquisition, analysis, and visualization of satellite imagery and spatial datasets to support IMC's mission. The officer will work across thematic areas to provide actionable maps, early warning products, and maintain the spatial data infrastructure of the Centre.

3. Key Responsibilities
   • Collect, process, and analyze remote sensing data (Sentinel, Landsat, MODIS, etc.) for land, water, and climate monitoring.
   • Develop and update GIS layers including hydrology, land use/land cover, infrastructure, and administrative boundaries.
   • Produce thematic maps, dashboards, and data visualizations for reports, bulletins, and web dissemination.
   • Support flood monitoring, drought early warning, and land degradation assessments using satellite imagery and indices (e.g., NDVI, NDWI, CHIRPS).
   • Maintain IMC’s spatial data repositories and ensure metadata standards and data quality.
   • Support the development of web map services and tools in collaboration with IMC’s information systems team.
   • Liaise with government institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs to gather data, support capacity building, and harmonize GIS standards.
   • Train government counterparts and IMC internships in GIS tools, image interpretation, and geospatial workflows.
   • Add Field data collection using tools such as odk , kobold collect, survey 123
   • Contribute to technical reports and publications with spatial analysis components.

Experiences and Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in GIS, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Geography, Environmental Science, or related field.

Experience:

• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in applied GIS and remote sensing.
• Experience working in humanitarian or development data environments is an asset.
• Proven experience with geospatial modeling, environmental monitoring, and spatial database management.

Technical Skills:

• Strong command of GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing tools (Google Earth Engine, SNAP, ENVI, etc.).
• Familiarity with Python or R for geospatial analysis is highly desirable.
• Experience with online mapping platforms (e.g., ArcGIS Online, Leaflet, GeoServer) is a plus.
• Knowledge of open geospatial data sources (e.g., CHIRPS, OpenStreetMap, Copernicus).

5. Competencies

• Strong analytical and cartographic skills.
• High attention to detail and data integrity.
• Ability to present complex spatial data to non-technical users.
• Excellent communication, team collaboration, and time management skills.
• Fluency in English is required; Somali language is an advantage.

6. Deliverables

• Monthly and quarterly GIS products and technical briefs.
• Updated national-level and subnational-level spatial datasets.
• Spatial dashboards and story maps for priority sectors (e.g., flood risk, agricultural land).
• Capacity-building reports and training sessions delivered.
• Contributions to early warning bulletins and situation reports with geospatial inputs.

Skills Required

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