GIS Analyst at Nature Conservancy

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The GIS Analyst supports The Nature Conservancy’s Africa Program at all levels from basic cartography and data creation/management to complex spatial analysis. S/he will work closely with and report to Smart Growth Director in the Africa Program. The position requires experience and/or a willingness to learn central concepts related to the conservation of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, as well as climate change. It requires strong problem solving skills and a creative attitude towards answering difficult spatial questions over broad geographies.

S/he will manage a centralized geospatial database, including developing and maintaining all documentation for data acquisition and data management. S/he will perform data analysis; design and produce advanced complex queries and professional reports, process spatial and other relational data sets derived from cartographic and tabular source material, provide hardware and software support, produce maps and other graphic products, and write reports. S/he will also participate in conservation planning at various levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Geospatial data analysis and management: Acquire and manage large spatial datasets for all projects while evaluating data quality and value. Identify and fill data gaps through a) publically available sources, b) developing partnerships or c) creating the geospatial data themselves. Conduct landscape analyses to assess ecological integrity and identify potential priority sites using standard spatial analysis and modeling tools. Integrate spatial data with field surveys to document ecological systems in project areas using standard methods and techniques. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Cartographic and information requests: Produce professional-quality cartographic products and spatial data to support program staff and partners; provide interpretation as needed.
• Innovation: Participate in the ongoing development of new tools, methods, processes, and techniques that improve conservation action in The Nature Conservancy’s conservation priority areas and thematic opportunities.
• Communications: Communicate the role of The Nature Conservancy in the conservation of lands and water, and explain the utility of science-based conservation to partners. In collaboration with the Conservation Director and Africa TNC Program Managers, communicate regularly with key project partners and others to maintain strong partnerships and facilitate effective conservation.
• Coordination: Serve as the point person for the GIS team and local partners with regard to the software licensing, training and other organizational-wide opportunities.
• Capacity building: Improve staff and partners’ basic knowledge of maps, spatial data and analysis. Develop relationships with local universities and organizations to train and develop GIS professionals with expertise in conservation GIS science.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree and 3 years, or a Bachelor’s and 5years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Background must include experience with geospatial software, as related to responsibilities described above.
• Experience in designing and maintaining a spatial database to meet organizational needs.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing multiple, complex projects in an unstructured environment, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes.
• Experience training individuals and groups.
• Experience working with ESRI ArcGIS and the Microsoft Office software package.
• Experience interpreting image analysis, complex spatial analysis, data modeling and landscape scenario analysis.
• Communicating clearly via written and spoken means in English. Knowledge of Swahili is desirable.
• Ability to produce professional-quality cartographic products.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Graduate degree in biological, ecology, geography, or information sciences with over five years of relevant professional experience. Background must include extensive experience with geospatial software, as related to responsibilities described above, with education or experience in ecology and/or conservation science.
• Experience with Google Earth Engine.
• Knowledge of web mapping and ArcGIS Online.
• Familiarity with spatial modelling and statistical tools, such as InVEST, R, SWAT, Marxan, etc.
• Ability to work effectively with others under pressure and tight deadlines. Capable of working independently to complete projects.
• Excellent graphical communication skills. Ability to write technical reports utilizing available resources.
• Willingness to travel throughout the project areas such as those in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Gabon.
• Comfort articulating and advocating for The Nature Conservancy’s conservation mission.