Senior Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Manager

CTG Overview    
CTG staff and support humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world, providing a rapid and cost-effective service for development and humanitarian missions. With past performance in 17 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, we have placed more than 20,000 staff all over the world since operations began in 2006.

CTG recruits, deploys and manages the right people with the right skills to implement humanitarian and development projects, from cleaners to obstetricians, and mechanics to infection specialists, we’re skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Key to successful project delivery is the ability to mobilise at speed; CTG can source and deploy anyone, anywhere, in less than 2 weeks and have done so in 48 hours on a number of occasions.

Through our efficient and agile HR, logistical and operational services, CTG saves multilateral organisations time and money. We handle all our clients’ HR related issues, so they are free to focus on their core services.

Visit www.ctg.org to find out more

Overview of Position    
In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia and Middle East Green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species and managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical, and technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively and efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology and digital capabilities, establishing cooperation and strengthening its network internationally, and promoting forest conservation practices, and increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level and on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery and seed bank with a road map for establishing a large-scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom’s afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy and standards of tree planting and creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole-of-society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle and beyond. This project will build upon the long-standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom and our client in 1975. 

The project expected outputs are: 

• Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation and network.
• Output 2: Promoting conservation practices and strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy and outreach.
• Output 3: Model tree nursery design and ecosystem conservation.
• Output 4: Transformation of information technology and digital infrastructure.
• Output 5: Strengthening institutional and technical capacity.

Role Objectives    
The Senior Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Manager will be responsible for the following:

GIS Project Management and Team Leadership:

• Develop and manage a diverse portfolio of GIS projects.
• Lead the GIS team, overseeing project execution and ensuring the highest quality of work.
• Liaise with other departments, organizations, and stakeholders for various projects.

Geospatial Database Development and Maintenance:

• Design and create GIS databases for various projects and initiatives.
• Manage and supervise the process of data extraction from geodatabases.
• Proactively search for new data and data sources, integrating them into mapping applications.

GIS Education and Training:

• Educate staff about geographical coordinate systems and transformation processes.
• Train staff in GIS techniques and ensure quality control and assurance of GIS data.
• Develop and implement GIS training sessions in coordination with staff.

Geospatial Mapping and Visualization:

• Design and develop mapping applications and tools.
• Oversee the process of preparing and maintaining remote sensing in all Geospatial databases.
• Assist technical teams in system design and development.

Compliance and Budget Management:

• Ensure compliance with GIS standards and quality policies.
• Manage the department's annual budget.
• Handle the process of Geospatial governance.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Coordinate maintenance of GIS hardware/software with partners.
• Collaborate with other departments and organizations for efficient and effective use of GIS technology.
• Oversee the process of analyzing digital images and provide efficient support to enterprises for GIS related data.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables 

The Senior Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Manager will be responsible for delivering the following:

GIS Project Deliverables:

• Successful completion of GIS projects within defined timelines and budget
• Detailed project reports documenting the methodology, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

Geospatial Database:

• Creation and maintenance of robust, up-to-date geospatial databases.
• Quality-assured data extraction from geodatabases.
• Integration of new data sources into existing databases.

GIS Education and Training:

• Development and delivery of GIS training programs.
• Increased staff competency in GIS techniques and applications.
• Documented procedures and guidelines for using GIS systems and tools.

Geospatial Mapping and Visualization:

• Development and deployment of mapping applications and tools.
• Creation of detailed, accurate maps and visual representations for decision-making.
• Maintenance of remote sensing databases with updated data.

Compliance and Budget Reports:

• Reports documenting compliance with GIS standards and quality policies.
• Regular budget reports detailing expenditures and justifications.

Coordination and Collaboration Outputs:

• Successful coordination with partners for the maintenance of GIS hardware/software.
• Documentation of collaborations and partnerships established.
• Reports on the support provided to enterprises for GIS-related data, including analysis results and recommendations.

It's important to note that the expected outputs and deliverables may be subject to adjustment and refinement during the project based on evolving needs and priorities.

Project Reporting    

• This role will work under the direct supervision of National Project Coordinator

Key Competencies    

• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Experience working with remote sensing databases.
• Knowledge and understanding of geographical coordinate systems and transformation processes.
• Experience in the process of analyzing digital images.
• Knowledge and experience in GIS hardware/software maintenance.
• Achieve Results:            LEVEL 3:  Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have                                                                lasting impact 
• Think Innovatively:         LEVEL 3:  Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex                                                                      problems 
• Learn Continuously:       LEVEL 3:  Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility:           LEVEL 3:  Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing                                                                        demands 
• Act with Determination:  LEVEL 3:  Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner:      LEVEL 3:  Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter agency                                                                            collaboration

Team Management    

• This role has team management responsibility

Further Information    

• Experience working with regional organizations focused on environmental and spatial geographic information systems.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies.
• Experience in managing GIS projects and teams.
• Skills in developing and maintaining geospatial databases.
• Experience in GIS education and training.
• Skills in geospatial mapping and visualization.
• Experience in compliance and budget management.
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders