Geospatial Analyst at Valar Frontier Solutions

Description

Valar seeks an exceptionally qualified individual to serve as a Geospatial Analyst in support of numerous Valar projects across East Africa. The successful applicant will possess advanced geospatial skills and demonstrate a comprehensive ability to work with multiple teams to produce high-quality maps and other geospatial data products. This position will include, at times, briefings to clients, interaction with client mapping teams, and delivering field-based trainings. The Geospatial Analyst will report to the Social Scientist under the Department of Information and Analysis in Nairobi, with projects assigned across the company. 

Role Overview

The Geospatial Analyst will produce high-quality maps from a number of sources, including field-based data provided by team members, online data sources (including government and NGO data), and self-gathered sources. The analyst, relying on extensive experience using various baseline maps from across the geospatial community, will work on multiple maps and project support at the same time, requiring constant engagement with team members, and multiple draft cycles, including regular map updates over time for certain clients. Geospatial analysis of time-series data will also be a requirement at times, as will written data reports, locational data compilations, and coordinate lists. Production timelines will include both quick-turn (same day) and longer-term assignments. This role will also include new mapping avenues for the company, including web mapping, app creation, and similar geospatial portals.

Responsibilities

• Use traditional geospatial analytic expertise to create maps from scratch using baseline commercial software and data provided by team members, publicly available data sources, or self-collected field data. This includes making shape files and similar file types for internal records, delivery to clients, and for update over time. 
• Perform appropriate methods of geospatial analysis to support report and data visualizations.
• Coordinate with team members across the company to craft maps for team analysts.
• Expand Valar’s collection of regional geospatial data, shapefiles, and digital maps. Help the Valar team to expand, update, fact-check, and maintain extensive geospatial information databases, systems, and mechanisms for sharing relevant mapping information to support field research projects and ongoing training programs.
• In addition to supporting team mapping requests, also provide original ideas on maps and other data visualization ideas. Be aware and regularly engaged with the geospatial community about software, designs, and technical skills.  
• Support the Information & Analysis department in the delivery of tailored client reports; work closely with management to prioritize data mapping needs; brief senior managers and executives via written and oral presentations related to geospatial analysis. This will include helping craft information products that span our programs across the region to create timely information products for our clients. 
• Support to quick-turn and long-term request-for-information assignments or field research contracts from our clients. This will include leveraging relationships for same-day production, as well as data validity testing of armed force locations and similar geospatial needs. This will include providing written support of 1-5 pages with little to no advanced warning, in order to meeting the time-sensitive requirements of our clients. 
• Expand Valar’s ArcGIS and mapping database to include new mapping capabilities, including web mapping, applications, portals, and similar trends in geospatial technologies. 
• Recognize and articulate critical geospatial information gaps; assist customers in identifying geospatial collection requirements; and leveraging existing or new contacts to provide the client with the most refined, accurate, and near real-time geospatial information on all matters pertaining to the client’s project.
• Be confident and willing to engage in presentations and public speaking from day one; be adept at meeting, conversing, and engaging with a wide variety of people, including armed forces or government personnel, academics, and private sector clients.
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

Minimum

• Three (3) to five years (5) of experience performing geospatial mapping or similar geospatial intelligence roles.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline (ArcGIS, geography, geoscience, data science). Specialized training, certifications, and experience in mapping is required.
• Proficiency in open source geospatial information collection, analytical tools, and dataset compilations; expertise on creating complex maps of force locations, infrastructure, roads, and finding difficult locations (particularly across East Africa).
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Fluent speaker of English.    
• Highly effective organizational and prioritization skills, including the ability to stay on task and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment; strong attention to detail; keen understanding of time-sensitive requirements.
• Prior experience working on African-focused projects and clients.    

Preferred

• Educated to post-graduate level in a relevant geospatial discipline, with more than five years of dedicated geospatial mapping experience.
• Prior military, law enforcement, intelligence, government, NGO or relevant sectors in East Africa.
• Demonstrable geospatial written and visual production capability and experience in building, maintaining maps, to include recommending new visualization ideas; ability to liaise with security sector officials, including police, military, and national-level security services.
• Experience in data analytics, data collection, and data visualization tools and techniques, such as Fulcrum, CARTO, and ArcGIS.
• Familiarity with geospatial technology including advanced use of ArcGIS, Google Earth, and new programs in the geospatial field. Experience in web mapping, portal and app creation, and a diverse set of skills related to geospatial data visualization and analysis.