Senior GIS Analyst/ Research Scientist

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Senior GIS Analyst/ Research Scientist

CETRAD is leading research for development organization that promotes knowledge-based innovations for sustainable development in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS) of Kenya. We are concerned with integrated knowledge management and institutional capacity development through research and training, and place great emphasis on strengthening science-policy-societal interface; innovative methods and approaches for policy outreach and engagement, and strategies that promote sustainable land use planning and natural resources management, nature-based solutions and resilient rural livelihoods. To achieve this CETRAD builds and maintains a robust information hub with GIS/RS, and a broad institutional collaborative and partnerships network in Eastern Africa and Global South; and provides a platform for context sensitive and fair research endeavours. Our key areas of focus include but are not limited to regional development and agrarian transformation, water and land resources management and governance, and livelihoods dynamics and centre-periphery gradients. Our core values include: Professional Integrity; Teamwork and Collaboration; Accountability and Transparency; Personal Learning and Knowledge; and Innovation and Continuous Improvement.

While this position is formally attached to CERAD it will collaborate very closely with the East Africa Hub office of the Wyss Academy for Nature (WA) in Nanyuki, The vision of the Wyss Academy for Nature is to achieve a just and sustainable world in which nature conservation and human well-being reinforce each other. The WA Hub East Africa bring together different stakeholders who research, co-design, and implement innovative solutions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, land use change, and rising inequality by connecting technical, social, economic, institutional, and policy innovations at the interface of nature and people.

Start date: 1 April 2024

Location: Nanyuki, Kenya

Recruitment: 1 Position

Institution: CETRAD contract executed in close collaboration with the Wyss Academy Hub East Africa

Application deadline: 29th February 2024

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated personality with interest to join a growing organization and is passionate about using their GIS and Research skills and experience to support actions that benefit both people and nature and support systems transformations. The applicant should have very solid skills in the broad field of spatial data analysis and management as well as related knowledge on a landscape level in the ASAL areas of Kenya.

The successful applicant will manage a small team of GIS staff and will also oversee the unit’s operations; and should therefore possess strong interpersonal skills and be committed to teamwork and be able to work across disciplines, cultures and multi-stakeholders at all levels including local, national and international. You should have a strong ability to manage multiple processes in a dynamic environment.

The position will be based in Nanyuki, with regular field travels to participate in and provide direct technical support and supervision of field Research Assistants during scheduled field campaigns.

Tasks:

  • Contribute towards a sustainable transformation in the ASALs of Kenya
  • Lead and manage geospatial initiatives or projects of CEATRD and WA Hub EAF
  • Lead, manage and supervise a small team of GIS staff and its operations while communicating and coordinating with CETRAD and the WA Hub EAF
  • Further develop and maintain a geospatial database with high-quality data, based on the CETRAD and WA GIS policies, concepts and guidelines
  • Manage and coordinate field campaigns for geospatial purposes
  • Improve GIS capabilities of CETRAD and WA Hub EAF
  • Develop tangible knowledge products and decision support tools based on spatial data and analysis contributing directly to CETRAD’s and WA’s mission and activities
  • Foster strong relationships with stakeholder to ensure the unit’s services and products meet their needs

Other duties and responsibilities include:

  • Responsible and accountable for the overall day-to day management, administration and coordination of all GIS/RS projects in CETRAD and WA Hub EAF. You will also supervise the staff working in the section.
  • Develop, with other team members, annual workplans and budgets for the project activities at the departmental level. Ensure timely implementation of planned activities and strict adherence to budget lines for relevant project activities.
  • Coordinate, participate (and/or take the lead) in the implementation of other partner organisations initiatives utilising CETRAD’s and WA Hub EAF Research and Development platforms either in collaboration or partnership.
  • Engage and maintain close ties with all CETRAD and WA Hub EAF partners in the region (Ewaso Ng’iro North Basin) and the country at large in matters GIS/RS.
  • Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of project activities and provide timely progress reports as required.
  • Support knowledge-sharing and capacity development initiatives that align with CETRAD and WA Hub EAF core thrusts and activities in the Mt Kenya – Ewaso Ng’iro North landscape, and the country in general.
    • As head of the GIS/RS Department the selected candidate shall

    • participate in all the management and administration duties through the CETRAD and WA Hub EAF meetings as and when they are convened;
    • participate in the design and implementation of research initiatives that require geospatial analysis and visualisation;
    • deliver GIS/RS related short courses to different target audiences from policy, implementation and societal level (where applicable);
    • participate in the design and implementation of activities that require GIS/RS support to promote CETRAD’s and WA Hub EAF outreach engagements and visibility towards the outside.
    • be member of CETRAD Resource Mobilisation Committee

Qualifications and skills

  • University degree (Master or PhD) in fields like Geoinformatics, Geography, Natural Resource Management, or related fields;
  • At least 10 years of experience in implementing spatial data analysis and management projects;
  • Proven track record in designing and managing complex spatial databases and analyses;
  • Proven track record in advanced spatial data visualization/ mapping;
  • Professional level proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and other GIS/RS products
  • Experience in ArcGIS Online is a great asset
  • Experience in leading and motivating a small GIS/RS team and collaborating with the heads and staff in the other departments.
  • Proven project management skills to deliver in given time and resource budgets
  • Excellent communication skills and fluency in English both written and oral;

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits scheme, commensurate with level of education, work experience and competence; including opportunities for career advancement as available resources may dictate.

Interested candidates should visit https://www.cetrad.org or tmconsulting.co.ke to access the full job description for this position. Applications should be sent to talentsearch@tmconsulting.co.ke received by Friday, 23rd February, 2024.

CETRAD is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, and therefore welcomes applications from all qualified and interested persons.

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