Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

GIS / TECHNICAL EXPERT FOR PARTICIPATORY LAND MAPPING EXERCISE

Hiring Organisation

Shaqodoon Organization

Position Title

GIS / Technical Expert (Consultancy)

Project Location

Jowhar, HirShabelle State, Somalia (60% field-based in Jowhar; 40% remote/office-based)

Contract Type

Individual Consultancy - Output-Based

Level of Effort

Approximately 60 working days (in 5 months)

Contract Duration

June 2026 – October 2026

Reporting To

Project Manager

Application Deadline

10 June 2026

Expected Start Date

1 June 2026

1. BACKGROUND & PROJECT CONTEXT

Shaqodoon Organization is implementing a Participatory Land Mapping Exercise in Jowhar, HirShabelle State, Somalia, in partnership with IOM Somalia under the Environmental Peacebuilding Programme. The exercise is designed as a community-led process to map land use, boundaries, seasonal use routes, environmental features, and the social and historical dimensions of land producing verified digital and physical map outputs that are owned and governed by the communities themselves.

The exercise responds to IOM Somalia's Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for Participatory Land Mapping and is guided by four principles: conflict sensitivity and Do No Harm; gender and social inclusion; community data ownership; and long-term empowerment beyond the project.

Four communities, including Mareerey and Baraweyne, will be engaged during the preparatory phase. Two communities will be selected as pilot mapping sites following completion of the Community Perception Assessment and the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process. All substantive mapping activities will be carried out in the two pilot communities.

Shaqodoon is seeking a qualified GIS / Technical Expert to provide technical leadership, tools configuration, field staff training, data processing, and map production throughout the five-month implementation period.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The GIS / Technical Expert will serve as the technical lead and backbone of the land mapping exercise. The Expert is responsible for translating community co-design decisions into operational mapping tools; training and supporting field staff in GPS and data collection technologies; ensuring the quality and integrity of all spatial and social data collected; and producing the final verified digital and physical map outputs that are delivered to communities and submitted to IOM Somalia.

The Expert works in close collaboration with the Project Manager and Field Team Leader, and is the primary technical resource for all GIS, data, and mapping questions throughout the project.

3. SCOPE OF WORK & SPECIFIC TASKS

3.1 Context Assessment & Technical Infrastructure Review

• Review all available secondary data on land tenure, existing maps (government cadastre, humanitarian cluster maps, satellite imagery), and topographic information for the target communities in Jowhar.
• Assess technical infrastructure at field locations: GPS signal quality, electricity and device charging availability, internet connectivity, and capacity to print or display materials.
• Based on the infrastructure assessment, prepare a technical feasibility brief for the Project Manager recommending feasible mapping format options to be presented to communities during the co-design session.

3.2 Mapping Tools Configuration

• Lead community co-design workshop to agree win the data collection method and tools
• Configure all data collection tools based on the community co-design decisions by setting up KoBoToolbox or ODK Collect digital forms with agreed data categories, attributes, and skip logic; configure GPS devices (Garmin or equivalent) with agreed waypoint categories and naming conventions; prepare base map layers from available satellite imagery (Google Earth, OpenStreetMap, UNOSAT, SRTM elevation data) in QGIS.
• Prepare and test all field data collection forms in a simulated field environment before deployment. Document any technical issues and resolve before field work begins.
• Where drone-assisted aerial imagery is agreed during co-design: coordinate flight planning, obtain necessary permissions from relevant aviation authorities, and prepare the data processing workflow for orthoimage production.
• Establish the GIS database structure: folder organisation, coordinate reference system (WGS 84 / UTM Zone 37N), layer naming conventions, and attribute table templates for all agreed data layers.

3.3 Training of Trainers (ToT) Field Staff and community facilitators

• Design and deliver a hands-on two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for the Field team and community land committees covering:
• GPS device operation: taking waypoints, recording tracks, capturing points of interest (POIs), and labeling features in the field.
• Tablet-based data collection using KoBoToolbox/ODK: form navigation, data entry protocols, photo capture, submission to server.
• Basic quality assurance checks during data collection: how to identify and flag data errors or gaps in the field.
• Data naming and attribute completion standards.
• Basic QGIS navigation for the Data Management Officer: how to visualise and check submitted field data.
• Prepare a ToT participant handbook (maximum 10 pages, in English and Somali) summarizing key procedures, device operation steps, and troubleshooting guidance for field reference.

3.4 Technical lead and backstopping during field data collection

• The Expert is expected to be physically based in Jowhar for approximately 60% of the assignment duration, covering the full field data collection, verification, and handover phases. The remaining 40% may be conducted remotely (from Nairobi, Hargeisa, Mogadishu, or another agreed location) for preparatory desk work, tools configuration, data processing, and reporting tasks.
• Provide continuous in-person and remote technical support to the Field Team Leader and Field Officers throughout the field data collection period. When based in Jowhar, the Expert is available to the field team daily. When working remotely, the Expert is reachable by phone and WhatsApp during field hours.
• Accompany field teams on resource walks, boundary mapping sessions, and community engagement activities as needed during the Jowhar-based deployment period observing data collection quality and providing real-time technical guidance.
• Receive, review, and conduct preliminary quality assurance on all field data submissions within 48 hours of receipt from the field team. Flag any critical gaps or errors to the Field Team Leader for same-day or next-day correction.

3.5 Preliminary data processing & map visualization

• As field data collection progresses, begin building the GIS database by cleaning GPS tracks, attributing waypoints, integrating KoBoToolbox form data, digitising sketch map features, and building the spatial layers.
• Process drone imagery (if applicable): generate orthomosaics, extract elevation data, and integrate into base map layers.
• Produce preliminary map outputs for community verification sessions, including:
• Digital map layouts in PDF format at appropriate scales (1:5,000, 1:10,000, and 1:25,000 as appropriate) showing all agreed data layers.
• Printed A1/A0 map sheets for use in community verification sessions.
• A simple 'Map Reading Guide' (maximum 2 pages, bilingual Somali/English) explaining how to read and interpret the maps designed for community members without cartographic training.

3.6 Community verification sessions-technical support

• Attend all community verification sessions in person to present the preliminary maps, explain each data layer (to be agreed layers), and guide community members in reviewing the maps for accuracy and completeness.
• Record all corrections, additions, and contested features identified during verification sessions in the Verification Log, in coordination with the project manager and field team leader.
• Conduct follow-up field data collection visits (2-4 visits, as needed) to collect corrected or missing spatial data identified during verification.

3.7 Revised Map Production

• Incorporate all verified corrections and community feedback into the GIS database following verification sessions.
• Maintain strict map version control: all map versions are labelled with date, version number, and a summary of changes from the previous version.
• Produce revised map outputs for authority validation sessions.026

3.8 Final Data Processing & Quality Assurance

• Finalise all GIS data layers incorporating all verified corrections:
• Land use layer
• Boundary layer (community and parcel level)
• Ownership and access rights layer
• Seasonal use and pastoral routes layer
• Hazards and environmental features layer
• Cultural and spiritual features layer (community-approved version only)
• Infrastructure layer (roads, water points, facilities)
• Social and historical annotations layer
• Run final technical quality checks: topology validation (no gaps or overlaps in boundary features), attribute completeness (all features have required attributes), coordinate reference system consistency across all layers.
• Produce the final metadata document covering all layers including data sources, collection dates, responsible field officers, QA results, coordinate reference system, and known limitations.

3.9 Final Map Production & Digital Package

• Produce final digital map outputs in all agreed formats:
• GeoPackage (.gpkg), the master GIS database file containing all finalised layers.
• Shapefile set for compatibility with other GIS software.
• KMZ / KML for viewing in Google Earth (no specialist software required).
• High-resolution PDF map layouts at agreed scales and sizes.
• Interactive web map viewer (if internet access exists in the community) — hosted on a simple agreed platform.
• Produce final physical map outputs including:
• Large-format laminated maps (A1/A0), minimum 3 sets per pilot community.
• Simplified community map in Somali (A3 format) designed for use by community members without cartographic training larger symbols, simplified legend, plain-language labels.
• Compile and encrypt the Community Digital Package: all digital files organised in a clear folder structure, accompanied by the map reading guide, metadata document, and data management plan, saved to minimum 3 USB drives (encrypted, 32GB) per community.

3.10 Community Handover & Capacity Building

• Attend and lead the technical component of the formal Community Handover Event: present the final maps to the community and local authorities; explain each layer, its content, limitations, and how it can be used.
• Deliver a half-day 'How to Use Your Maps' capacity building workshop for community members and the newly established Community Land Data Committee (CLDC), covering:
• How to read and interpret each map layer.
• How to use the maps in a land dispute or negotiation context.
• How to present maps to government officials or external actors.
• Basic Google Earth navigation on a smartphone: how to view KMZ files and take GPS waypoints for future map updates.
• How to initiate a future map update: what data is needed and how to document it.

3.11 Final Reporting

• Prepare and submit a Technical Report to the Project Manager covering: methodology and tools used; data collection outcomes (layers produced, features captured, coverage achieved); data quality findings; known limitations; recommended future updates to the maps; lessons learned on technical aspects of the exercise.
• Contribute to the final project by providing the technical narrative sections and all GIS and mapping deliverables for annexing.

4. DELIVERABLES & SCHEDULE

The following deliverables are required under this assignment. All deliverables must be submitted to the Project Manager by the stated deadline and are subject to review and approval before payment is processed.

Deliverable

Format

Due Date

Technical Feasibility Brief (mapping format options for co-design)

Word/PDF

15 June 2026

Configured data collection tools (KoBoToolbox forms, GPS categories, QGIS base map layers), tested and ready

Digital files

30 June 2026

ToT Participant Handbook (English + Somali)

PDF, max 10 pages

June 2026

ToT Delivery — 2-day hands-on training for field staff (attendance register + training record)

Training session

July 2026

Data Management Plan — GIS database structure, naming conventions, version control, backup protocol

Word/PDF

July 2026

Field Presence Record, weekly activity log during Jowhar deployment (dates in Jowhar, activities conducted, issues resolved)

Weekly log/report

Aug/Sep 2026

Preliminary Map Set, PDF layouts + printed A1/A0 maps for verification sessions

PDF + Print

Aug/Sep 2026

Map Reading Guide (English + Somali, max 2 pages)

PDF

Sep 2026

Verification Session Attendance + Corrections Log

Excel/Word

Sep 2026

Revised Map Package incorporating all community verification feedback

GIS + PDF

Sep 2026

Final GIS Database, all verified and finalised layers (GeoPackage)

GeoPackage (.gpkg)

Sep 2026

Final Digital Map Package, GeoPackage, Shapefiles, KMZ, PDFs, web viewer

Digital files on USB

Oct 2026

Final Physical Maps, laminated A1/A0 sets (min. 3 per community) + simplified community A3 maps

Printed maps

Oct 2026

Metadata Document, all layers, sources, QA results, known limitations

Word/PDF

Oct 2026

Community Handover & Capacity Building Workshop attendance record + workshop materials

Session + materials

Oct 2026

Technical Report (methodology, data outcomes, limitations, lessons learned)

Word/PDF, max 15pp

Oct 2026

Note: Deliverables marked with a shaded Due Date (in red) are payment-linked milestones5.

Experiences and Qualifications

5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Environmental Science, Surveying, IT, or a related field; a Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum 5-9 years of professional experience in GIS data collection, spatial analysis, mapping, and database management.
• At least 2 assignments involving participatory GIS, community land/resource mapping, or field-based mapping in low-resource, remote, or conflict-affected settings.
• Experience working in Somalia or East Africa, particularly in rural/peri-urban environments.
• Proven experience training and mentoring non-technical field teams on GIS and digital data collection tools.
• Strong practical experience in participatory land use mapping and natural resource mapping (beyond purely cadastral surveying).
• Proficiency in QGIS (data creation/editing, spatial analysis, cartographic design, and print-ready map production).
• Experience with KoBoToolbox/ODK, GPS devices, Google Earth Pro, and Excel/Google Sheets for data collection, management, and QA.
• Additional skills in ArcGIS/AGOL, mobile GIS applications, remote sensing, drone mapping, and spatial databases are an advantage.
• Professional GIS certification (Esri, QGIS, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; Somali language proficiency is preferred.
• Ability to explain technical GIS concepts in simple, community-friendly language.
• Strong facilitation, training, and teamwork skills when working with non-technical staff and community members.
• Commitment to participatory approaches, community ownership, data ethics, and Do No Harm principles.
• Flexible and adaptive in responding to community-led decisions and changing field realities.
• Willingness to spend approximately 60% of the assignment in Jowhar, HirShabelle, under field conditions with limited amenities and connectivity

6. REPORTING LINES & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Relationship

Detail

Reports to

Project Manager - Shaqodoon Organization. The Expert submits all deliverables to the Project Manager for review and approval.

Works closely with

Field Team: for daily coordination during field data collection phases.

Technical link to IOM

The expert may be asked to join technical review calls with IOM, the donor and the Hirshabelle government. All direct communications with IOM are coordinated through the project manager.

7. REMUNERATION & PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The assignment is offered on an output-based consultancy contract. The daily rate will be negotiated with the selected candidate based on qualifications, experience, and Shaqodoon's LTA rate schedule with IOM Somalia. Payment is disbursed in four tranches linked to the approval of key deliverables.

#

Tranche

Deliverable(s) Accepted by Project Manager

% of Fee

1

Mobilization & Preparation

Technical Feasibility Brief, Configured tools, ToT Handbook, ToT delivery

20%

2

Mid-Term, Field Support & Preliminary Maps

Data Management Plan, Field visit reports, Preliminary land maps, Map Reading Guide

30%

3

Verification & Revised Maps

Verification log, final revised map package

25%

4

Final Deliverables & Closure

Final GIS database, digital/physical maps, metadata, handover workshop, technical report

25%

Payment is subject to submission of a valid invoice, a satisfactory deliverable quality review by the project manager, and IOM Somalia acceptance where required. No payment will be made for deliverables that have not been approved.

8. SELECTION CRITERIA & ASSESSMENT PROCESS

8.1 Assessment Criteria

Criterion

Weight

Relevant academic qualification and GIS certification

10%

Years and depth of GIS/participatory mapping experience, including field-based work

25%

Somalia / East Africa field experience and context knowledge

20%

Technical proficiency: QGIS, KoBoToolbox/ODK, GPS, cartographic design

20%

Training and facilitation competency

10%

Understanding of community land mapping ethics, data ownership, and conflict sensitivity

10%

Language: English (essential) plus Somali (preferred)

5%

TOTAL

100%

Skills Required

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