We are currently looking for a Junior GIS and Remote Sensing Officer to support our team in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt):

Position:                      Junior GIS and Remote Sensing Officer

Contract duration:         6 months 

Location:                     Amman, Jordan

Starting Date:               2nd December 2024

COUNTRY PROFILE

Following the attacks on 7 October 2023, and Israel’s subsequent aerial and ground operations in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) has deteriorated markedly. The 2.2 million residents of the Gaza Strip are facing severe humanitarian challenges, with urgent needs that must be addressed to avert further loss of life. Additionally, the hostilities in Gaza have heightened tensions in the West Bank, impacting freedom of movement, livelihoods, and the broader humanitarian context.

Against this backdrop, IMPACT Initiatives is planning a range of research activities to support an evidence and needs-based humanitarian response. In previous years, IMPACT Initiatives has facilitated inter-agency Multi-Sector Needs Assessments (MSNA) as well as sector-specific research in the oPt.

POSITION PROFILE

IMPACT is seeking a candidate with technical background in the GIS/Cartography/Remote Sensing sphere. More specifically, the candidate should have knowledge on analysis of satellite imagery with different spatial and spectral resolution. The candidate should understand concepts of cartographic design and have some experience in presentation of the results of spatial analysis using mapping products.

Under the supervision of the GIS Officer, with technical guidance from the HQ Remote Sensing Specialist, the Junior GIS Officer is responsible for supporting geospatial analysis and mapping to support research products for oPt. The Junior GIS RS Officer will support the oPt team in the application of geographic information systems, including relevant aspects of research design, support in designing data collection tools, geo-spatial analysis, and drafting of maps. In coordination with the relevant Managers and Specialists, the Junior GIS Officer is required to support assessment planning in line with project and program objectives and with IMPACT’s research cycle and other relevant guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Junior GIS Officer's responsibilities include:

RESEARCH PLANNING

• In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), support assessment planning in line with project and program objectives and with IMPACT’s research cycle and other relevant guidelines;

• Map and analyse secondary data in coordination with the assessment officer(s);

• Support the drafting of GIS components of a research ToRs;

• Support the development of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, ensuring GIS requirements of research cycle/assessment are met;

• Develop geo-spatial analysis of assessment areas to be used in developing daily assessment plans, field movement plans and accompanying operational maps for field teams;

• In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), support construction of quantitative sample;

• Keep track of progress and delays of all assigned tasks throughout the research cycle. Ensure that delays or identified problems are reported by writing and orally in a timely manner.

GIS AND REMOTE SENSING RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION

• Support in planning and development of satellite-based modelling techniques (e.g. natural hazard susceptibility) which highlight hazards and risks for the country, using Google Earth Engine, Python, or/and R for example.

• Suggest new ideas and conduct satellite-based analyses, such as rapid damage assessments, change detections, natural hazard impact mapping, and time series. Such activities will be based on a variety of different sensors including multispectral optical sensors, SAR sensors and very high resolution optical sensors.

• Ensure that collected data is geo-referenced, enabling the production of maps and related products;

DATA MANAGEMENT, CLEANING, AND ANALYSIS

• Ensure that all collected data is stored in line with IMPACT’s Data Management Guidelines, and with the ToRs (data management plan Annex);

• Ensure that data is revised and cleaned, and that all revisions are recorded;

• Conduct spatial analysis on collected data as per ToRs;

• Ensure that data and its spatial analysis are validated by IMPACT HQ before product drafting stage;

• Ensure that data and its analysis do not contain personal or other sensitive information and are validated by IMPACT HQ before sharing to external parties;

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information.

• Development and maintenance of country-level databases for the consolidation of all assessment-related and GIS data in country.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Ensure accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data;

• Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines.

The Junior GIS Officer will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. They will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.

REQUIREMENTS

• Academic: Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a master’s degree in GIS

• Research skills: Demonstrable experience with geo-spatial information management and analysis. Excellent spatial analysis skills (Analyst toolbox)

• Software skills: Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS. Proven knowledge of Microsoft office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of R, STATA, python or equivalent statistical software an advantage.

• Communication/reporting skills Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting;

• Level of independence Proven ability to work independently.

• Cross-cultural work environment Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.

• Language skills Fluency in English required, competency in Arabic is an asset but not mandatory.

• Security environment Strong ability to ensure security rules are followed.

CONDITIONS:

• For this position, salary between 1’980 CHF and 2’040 CHF monthly (before income tax), etc as well as a monthly living allowance of 300 USD
  NB - IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary grid depending on the grade of the position and the level of education of staff. A location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied as a recognition that some staff are required to work in difficult places where living and working conditions are much more difficult than elsewhere.

• Accommodation and food provided in a guesthouse.

• Enrolment in Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approx. 9.975% of staff gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance 

• Flight tickets every 6 months & visa fees covered (in-country travel costs and professional expenses are fully covered)

• Contribution to the luggage transportation: between 20 and 100 kgs, depending on the length of the contract (+ luggage and personal property insurance)

• Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave when applicable.

• Predeparture induction - 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives’s HQ in Geneva + one week pre-departure training in ACTED HQ in Paris, including a 4-days in situ security training;

• Enrolment in IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Programme within the first 3 months from the start of contract.

• IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff and the health insurance provided covers, among others, up to 1000 € per year of psychosocial counselling fees