Geographic Information Systems Specialist Advisor

Assignment Type:

South-South International Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to individuals who hold citizenship of a low or middle income country other than the country where the assignment is based

Assignment ID:

VA-106580

Assignment Title:

Geographic Information Systems Specialist Advisor

Partner:

Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust

Country:

Malawi

Duration:

12 months

Time Commitment:

Full Time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about Sustainable Economic Development? Do you have skills in Geographic Information Systems to share?

As the Geographic Information Systems Advisor with Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust in Mulanje, Malawi, you will support in broadening the application of Geographic Information Systems to a number of areas of resource management. In this role, you will work to build the capacity in Geographic Information Systems field collection, analysis, database maintenance and information retrieval and assist in the construction of a functional database that meets the resource management needs.

Apply today to make an impact on Environmental sustainability work in Malawi!

Roles and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the team, perform a needs assessment of a Geographic Information Systems application within the organizations context
• Support in the planning and coordination of activities to meet established objectives and outcomes
• Support the development and management of applications that are tailored to the needs
• Assist in developing and managing control quality standards for system applications
• Collaborate with staff of the capacity on data capture and analysis techniques for Geographic Information Systems applications
• Support and participate in the designing and development of a geospatial database
• Support the management of the geospatial database and the development of maps and aerial/satellite images
• Train staff on the maintenance of up-to-date and accurate geospatial documentation for reference purposes
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers will also have one virtual check-in with the Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignment
• Set up a personalized volunteer fundraising page on the WUSC fundraising platform and share it in your networks. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training and support to achieve the fundraising goal
• Ensure that a gender equality lens is consistently applied in the execution of all activities
• Support partners to empower young women and promote a culture of gender sensitive representation in all activities and program benefits
• Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in geographic information systems, computer science or other related field
• Ability to probe and question mentees to reveal knowledge gaps, as required
• Possess excellent communication skills to explain concepts in a clear and precise manner
• Minimum of two years (2) professional experience in your field of expertise
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Experience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an asset
• Experience living and working internationally considered an asset
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

Volunteering for development is one of the important ways in which WUSC pursues its mission. The IGNI+E project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports over 70 partner organizations to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of 1.2 million youth around the world. IGNI+E harnesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise of skilled Canadians through volunteer assignments and public engagement activities to assist partners in improving their performance, advocating for gender equality, and implementing more sustainable, innovative and inclusive initiatives and services for poor and marginalised youth, particularly young women. Overseas, our volunteers collaborate with a wide variety of partners, including enterprise and social enterprise development incubators, skills training centres, women’s organizations, and youth groups. In Canada, WUSC works with institutions and individuals to identify, prepare, and support volunteers who travel overseas to support our partners. Our network in Canada also works with WUSC to raise awareness among Canadians to inspire greater action on global development issues. Our collective focus is on sustainable and inclusive changes to create a better world for youth.

Partner Description

MMCT has a mission to provide long-term reliable support for the management, research and conservation of the biological diversity and the sustainable use of the natural resources within the Mt Mulanje Biosphere Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. MMCT works in close partnership with government departments, CBOs, international donors and most importantly, the surrounding communities that are dependent upon the Mountain’s resources. To achieve this mission, MMCT has three active programs: 1) Biodiversity Conservation, Research & Monitoring, 2) Forest Co-management & Sustainable Livelihoods, and 3) Environmental Education & Communication, and additionally carries out comprehensive monitoring and evaluation

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• COVID-19 PCR testing
• Criminal record verification
• Vacation leave entitlement
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!

WUSC’s Safeguarding Policy

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion and sexual exploitation and abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to sign off on the WUSC Code of Conduct and the Self-Disclosure Form. International and national volunteers will also be required to submit a criminal record verification.

WUSC is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. The pledge represents the shared commitment as Canada’s global development and humanitarian leaders to ensure the full implementation of practices and policies that will protect and respond to our own staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces and programs that promote gender equality and are free from gender-based violence, including by addressing and responding to all abuse of power, holding people to account, and protecting the vulnerable. Read the full pledge.