Data and Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist

Location: Addis Ababa, Hargeisa, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Jijiga

Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya) is required at the time of application for this position.

Salary: Based on local benchmark where the candidates will be based in Ethiopia, Kenya or Somalia.

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

In the Horn of Africa, Mercy Corps has been working in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, since 2004, working in rural, peri-urban and urban areas and engaging in both development and humanitarian work, that seek to integrate approaches, programs and geographies as much as possible. Our partners include government and intergovernmental organizations, academic institutions, development and private sector actors, civil societies, and the participating public.

About Regional Livestock Program (RLP)

The Regional Livestock Program (RLP) is a collaborative effort led by implementing partners IGAD, Helvetas, WHH and Mercy Corps. Its aim is to address the challenges that render smallholder and medium-scale market livestock market actors uncompetitive and highly susceptible to economic and environmental shocks. The program is designed based on the insights gained from the experience of implementing partners and a year-long analysis of regional livestock trade dynamics and livestock market systems in the pastoralist and agro-pastoralist ASAL regions of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, conducted by Mercy Corps.

Driven by SDC's commitment to enhancing food security in ASAL areas in the face of climate change, RLP outlines a 12-year vision for transformative change within pastoral and agro-pastoral areas. The goal is to achieve a more productive, climate-resilient, inclusive, and competitive livestock sector that drives the economic well-being and food security of dryland communities.

The program focuses on four cross-border live animal trade corridors (Moyale, Tog Wajaale, Galkaayo, and Afmadow), as well as one camel milk trade corridor (Wajir). Phase I (2022-2026) serves as the foundation for future phases and emphasizes building relationships, establishing an evidence base, and preparing for geographical scaling and expansion in Phase II.

Phase I's overall objective is to enable pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in target trade corridors to have more climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable livelihoods. The emphasis is on increasing production and productivity of poor agro-pastoralist and pastoralist households, with a particular focus on peri-urban and rural women engaged in the livestock sector and youth. The program also aims to enhance domestic markets and trade while leveraging opportunities for regional integration, competitiveness, and cross-border collaboration along the targeted trade corridors.

The fundamental strategies involve strengthening natural resources governance, enhancing linkages between market actors, building business and social networks, and co-investing in financial and technical resources to improve livestock productivity and expand economic opportunities along priority trade corridors. Subsequent phases will build on these investments, with an increasing focus on enhancing the competitiveness of HOA livestock and livestock products in regional and international markets, as well as expanding investments to additional trade corridors.

The three long-term outcomes of RLP are anticipated to result from market system changes brought about through systemic interventions. Special attention is given to interventions that create opportunities for women and promote youth engagement and their associated benefits.

General Position Summary

The Data and GIS Analyst plays a critical role and is focused on analyzing and utilizing data within Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Non-spatial data. The primary responsibilities of a Data and GIS Analyst include collecting, organizing, and interpreting spatial and non-spatial data to support decision-making processes for the Regional Livestock Program (RLP) in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya.

Essential Job Responsibilities

DATA and GIS ANALYST

• Support the design, testing and implementation of all MRM data and GIS system components of program in the RLP portfolio.
• Support consortium partners to coordinate GIS information against program implementation and results measurement.
• In this role, the analyst will be responsible for gathering data from multiple sources, such as relational databases, surveys, satellite imagery, and ensuring its accuracy and reliability. RLP will then use GIS software and tools to process and analyze the data, creating maps, visualizations, and reports that provide valuable insights and support informed decision-making and program adaptation.
• In conjunction with the MRM Manager and GIS/Data Analyst, he/she will plan, coordinate, and supervise all assessments and evaluations for the program he/she is responsible for. This will entail development of Scopes of Work, development of survey tools, training and management of data collectors, report write and facilitating results discussion (or recruit and supervise evaluation consultants where necessary).
• A key aspect of the Data and GIS Analyst role is the ability to understand and utilize geospatial and non-spatial data. This involves working with geographic coordinates, spatial relationships, and map projections to accurately represent and analyze data within a geographic context of Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. By leveraging this spatial and non-spatial data, analysts can identify patterns, trends, and correlations that are crucial for making informed decisions in various RLP corridors, including rangeland management, early warning information, peace and conflict management, animal health services, cross-border live animal trade, and policy implementation.
• In addition to data analysis, the Data and GIS Analyst will often collaborate with partners, such as country program managers, trade corridor coordinators, and women economic empowerment advisors, natural resource management officers, community engagement officers etc., to understand their specific data needs and provide them with relevant information and visualizations. Effective presentation and communication skills are essential for translating complex technical concepts into understandable and actionable insights.
• Furthermore, the role requires proficiency in Database Management, GIS software, data collection and analysis tools, such as Commcare, PowerBI, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, SQL relational database, ArcGIS, QGIS, or other specialized software packages. Familiarity with programming languages like Python and R can also be advantageous for automating data processing tasks and conducting advanced spatial analysis.
• Overall, the Data and GIS Analyst role involves working with spatial and non-spatial data, utilizing GIS software and tools, and providing valuable insights to support decision-making processes. It requires a strong understanding of geospatial concepts, proficiency in data analysis techniques, and effective communication skills to collaborate with stakeholders.

ADAPTATION, EVIDENCE AND LEARNING

• Designing and developing Power BI reports and dashboards for layering and sequencing: In this role, she/he will be responsible for creating visually appealing and insightful reports and dashboards using Power BI. This involves understanding complex data sets and transforming them into clear and actionable visual representations that help stakeholders make informed decisions.
• Writing and executing Azure/Fabric queries: Strong SQL skills are essential for extracting, manipulating, and analyzing data from various data sources. She/he will be expected to write efficient SQL queries to retrieve relevant data and perform data manipulation tasks required for analysis.
• Building Data Models: Data modeling is a critical aspect of the role. She/he will be involved in creating data models using different techniques, such as star schema or snowflake schema, to organize and structure data for efficient analysis. This includes defining relationships, hierarchies, and measures to support decision-making processes.
• Collaboration and Communication: As a Data and GIS Analyst, she/he will work closely with cross-functional teams to understand their data needs, interpret analysis results, and effectively communicate findings. Strong collaboration skills are necessary to gather requirements, provide insights, and ensure that data-driven decisions align with organizational goals.
• Data Infrastructure and Process Improvement: She/he will contribute to the maintenance and continuous improvement of the organization's data infrastructure and processes. This may involve identifying opportunities to optimize data collection, storage, and retrieval methods, as well as implementing best practices for data quality assurance and data governance.
• Build a collaborative network of relationships with implementing partners (IGAD, Helvetas, WHH) and other stakeholders to encourage learning networks that promote shared learning, aligned approaches, and mutual accountability to quality data and GIS collection and evidence-based programming.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of data and GIS to further stimulate use of evidence for adaptation, strategic adaptive management, and high-impact programming.
• Work closely with the program partners to define and execute a robust database strategy and ensure that MRM and GIS data is available to feed into a greater program learning at regional level.
• Contribute to program visibility and program adaptation work by assisting in dissemination of program data and GIS results and information sharing.
• Coordinate closely with implementing partners to ensure data and GIS activities and data are shared and synced up together and tell one cohesive regional story.
• Connect best practices, adaptation and learning from within the program and across the target counties to ensure an evolving and effective adaptation system for improving program implementation.
• Work with RLP program teams to capture program adaptation and lessons learned during implementation and feed this information into thought leadership and documentation opportunities and into ongoing program management and program design.
• Collect and compile GIS data and evidence from the program regularly from the different corridors.
• In coordination with program teams, drive the capacity building of program staff on the design and Data and GIS concepts through training and new hire orientation, including designing and delivering formal and informal capacity building.
• Overall, the Data and GIS Analyst role requires proficiency in Power BI, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric for data visualization, SQL database for data extraction and manipulation, data modeling techniques, collaboration and communication skills, and a mindset for improving data engineering, infrastructure and processes. By leveraging these skills, she/he will play a crucial role in transforming complex data into meaningful insights that drive informed decision-making within the organization.

DATA MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING

• Provide support and training to enumerators/staff for routine data collection, GIS, livestock market actors tracking system, and capturing lessons learned for data-driven decision making.
• Support the process of testing and adopting relevant technologies for regular livestock actors’ and routine monitoring data collection and improving the efficiency of the program MRM function. This will include supporting rollout of RLP Mobile Data Collection Commcare, PowerBI use case, GIS/GPS data collection for Mapping, provide evidence for RDM, Tola Data, SharePoint, and managing MC’s internal database management platforms.
• Serve as technical support for tools for data management systems and real-time data flow, utilizing appropriate platforms. This includes learning and testing data collection forms and tools and working with Data/GIS analysts to support real-time information flow.
• Assist program teams in setting up appropriate summary statistics, success stories, best practices, and review and reflection sessions and link them to tracking program dashboards. Help develop the appropriate MRM workflow.
• Understand, maintain, and support the MRM information and data management system that improves MC’s ability to implement quality programs through better data collection, management, analysis, and presentation of data, and represent impact to donor, government bodies, peer organizations and communities using standard tools.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS IN THE ROLE

• Conduct himself/herself professionally and personally to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: Enumerators from time to time

Accountability:

Reports Directly To: RLP MRM (Monitoring & Results Measurement) Manager-Addis Ababa

Works Directly With: RLP Program Director, Deputy Program Director, Country Program Managers,Coordination and Knowledge Management, Trade Corridor Coordinators & RLP Field Staff, Country PaQ team and Implementing Partners MEL Focal.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification and Transferable Skills

• Must hold at least a master's degree in management information system (MIS), Geographic Information System (GIS), Demography, Development Studies, Project Management, Statistics, Mathematics, Business Management, or any other relevant field.
• At least 4 years of leading Data and GIS analytics in a development and humanitarian program setting.
• Experience in leading data and GIS activities in developmental and humanitarian contexts.
• Understanding of the use of technology in GIS, M&E, data collection, beneficiary feedback or other program functions (e.g., mobile devices and platforms, mapping etc.)
• Experience in designing and implementing practical GIS mapping, database management, GIS and data management at portfolio level.
• Demonstrated experience capturing data and evidence, reporting, experience in using mobile based technologies for data collection (Commcare and ArcGIS is preferred.)
• Demonstrated experience in spatial and non-spatial data collection and analysis methods.
• Experience in and understanding of GIS role in adaptive management.
• Experience conducting GIS information across region and multiple partners.
• Excellent writing and communication skills required.
• Must be fluent both local language and English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, translating data into actionable insights.
• Proficient in Azure and Power BI for building visualizations and creating interactive dashboards.
• Solid understanding of relational database and experience in querying, cleaning, and transforming data.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Enthusiastic about learning and staying updated with new technologies and data analysis approaches.

Success Factors

The ideal candidate will have the ability and curiosity to work comfortably and effectively. She/he will be an excellent communicator, have a strong sense of humor, multi-tasker, and able to work in difficult and often stressful environments.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position requires up to 50% travel to support programs activities in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.