Global GIS Specialist

OVERVIEW

Position: GIS Specialist

Department: Global Programmes, Research & Communications

Duration: 1 year (with potential for extension)

Start date: June- July 2025

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

The global GIS and Remote Sensing team at IMPACT HQ plays a critical role in achieving the organisation’s research and analysis objectives, by enabling the production of timely, nuanced, evidence-based insights that inform emergency response, resource allocation decisions, and long-term resilience planning in complex humanitarian settings. Working in close collaboration with teams across the field and in HQ, the global GIS & Remote Sensing team ensures the collection, processing and analysis of relevant satellite imagery and geo-spatial data to monitor crisis-affected areas, assess needs, map population movements, and identify vulnerabilities among affected populations. Within this set-up, the GIS Specialist will be responsible for providing technical guidance and backstopping support to global and country teams for the implementation of relevant GIS-based research and analysis. They will also be responsible for producing global geo-spatial analysis and mapping products, as needed.

CORE TASKS

• Contribute to the design of IMPACT’s global GIS & Remote Sensing Strategy, and ensure successful delivery through the development of global guidelines, tools, and learning materials
• Produce global geo-spatial analysis and mapping products, in line with IMPACT’s global standards and strategic priorities (exact scope and priority areas of focus to be defined)
• Provide technical backstopping and support for the successful implementation of relevant research and analysis programmes; including:
• Develop and maintain GIS-related tools, guidelines and learning materials to continuously promote quality standards for GIS data management, interpretation, analysis and visualization
• Guide global and country teams on planning and design in line with project objectives and IMPACT’s GIS & Remote Sensing guidelines
• Support with the drafting and review of relevant research ToRs, with a specific focus on the analysis plan, data management plan, and key geospatial analysis methodologies
• Support with the production and review of relevant analysis outputs and mapping products
• Ensure storage and management of geospatial data in line with industry standards
• Support with the development and maintenance of relevant global partnerships, including:
• Representation in relevant meetings/ Working Groups and presentation of research findings to third parties to enhance their use and impact
• Promote active use of datasets, GIS products, and research findings by partners and the broader humanitarian community for their decision making.

Additional TASKS (ON AN AD-HOC, BY NEED BASIS)

• Provide other support for the implementation of IMPACT programmes as needed (e.g. data processing and analysis, technical supervision and capacity strengthening support), including in-country or remote surge to support to country teams
• Proactively monitor best practices and emerging innovations in GIS, and as relevant, undertake research and development to incorporate innovative techniques into IMPACT’s work

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Experience

• Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a Master degree related to GIS, Remote Sensing, Geography or Environmental-related disciplines
• Strong knowledge of geospatial analysis and cartographic design, including theory, principles, application and best practices
• At least 6-8 years of relevant work experience

Software skills

• Advanced knowledge of GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS);
• Some prior experience with R or Python for remote sensing or geospatial analysis;
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel
• Familiarity with Adobe Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator

Soft skills

• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work
• Openness to feedback and willingness to learn
• Ability to manage time effectively and thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented work environment
• Ability to work independently, with initiative, while taking a solutions-oriented approach
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, including in remote work settings
• Fluency in English; fluency in French or Spanish also an asset.

COMPENATION & BENEFITS

• For this position, gross salary between 5’800 CHF and 5’957 CHF monthly (before income tax). NB - IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary grid depending on the grade of the position and the level of education and experience of staff. A contribution to medical insurance of 489 CHF per month is already included in the salary figure.
• Insurance covering professional and non-professional accidents throughout the period of employment with IMPACT
• Health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance in case of field visits/temporary deployments
• Enrolment in IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Programme within the first 3 months from the start of contract.
• Applicants must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or be EU/EFTA citizens
• Up to 40% of remote work on a weekly basis.

How to apply

Please apply directly on the website : Global GIS Specialist for HQ, based in Geneva (Link For External Applicants) | Impact