Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and in close coordination with the project manager of the SWIOFC-NC PP2 partnership project, the consultant will be responsible for the following:
• Using GIS tools develop a detailed interactive atlas with maps of Kwale and Lamu showing: a) Physical and oceanographic data i) Kwale and Lamu archipelago and the existing management zones, elevation, ocean floor features, continent shelf extent, ocean depth.
• The currents and water movements, eddies, tides and stratification in the Kwale and Lamu, temperature, sea surface temperature change, sea level and wave data, wind and atmospheric data, ocean currents, salinity and ocean chemistry and change trends, coastal and offshore upwelling, oceanographic modelling (for ocean circulation, water mass formation, and the transport of pollutants and marine organisms).
• The ecological and biological data (Biodiversity)
• Atlas showing areas and extent of high ecological value critical habitats (coral reefs, beaches, dunes, seagrass, mangroves, coastal forests), detailed marine protected areas - Kwale and Lamu, locally managed marine areas, lagoons, bays, large shallow inlets, sandbanks.
• Atlas showing fish and invertebrate species abundance, distribution, and primary productivity (of endemic, exotic, flagship, indicator, keystone, habitat forming, target or vulnerable species), chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll movements (near real time), migratory species corridor (e.g. for whales, sharks, and sea turtles)
• Map showing fish nursery areas, suitability of areas for critical habitats restoration, for aquaculture, fishing area, no-take areas and co-managed marine parks, seaweed farming areas, fish closure areas including seasonal closures areas (for octopus, sea cucumber, mangrove crabs). 
• Participate in stakeholder meetings facilitated by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and partners (e.g KMFRI) for a participatory approach and validation of Kwale and Lamu maps and atlas.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (Masters) in the field of geographic information systems, ecology, environmental studies, marine science, coastal ecosystem management, or any related discipline is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in developing and/or implementing programmes on coastal ecosystem conservation and natural resources management is required.
• Experience and knowledge in the application of geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGIS), information management and in preparation and delivery of presentations. Working experience with coastal communities in Tanzania is required.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary set up with government, non-government stakeholders including local communities, on natural resource management matters in the Western Indian Ocean region is desirable.