IMPACT Initiatives is humanitarian think tank, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis, GIS and remote-sensing.
We are currently looking for a qualified candidate to support our programming in Nigeria, to fill the position below:
Job Title: REACH GIS Officer
Ref: 18/NGA/GISO01
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria
Contract duration: 6 months
Starting Date: ASAP
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria
Contract duration: 6 months
Starting Date: ASAP
Background
REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two INGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s purpose is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision making and planning capacity for emergency, reconstruction and development contexts, supporting and working within the framework of the humanitarian reform process. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) need and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of related database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.
REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two INGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s purpose is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision making and planning capacity for emergency, reconstruction and development contexts, supporting and working within the framework of the humanitarian reform process. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) need and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of related database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.
Country Profile
Since May 2013, the Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has destroyed infrastructure, provoked dramatic livelihoods erosion and triggered the displacement of over 2 million people, out of which 1.4 million people are in Borno State. The humanitarian situation of IDPs in Borno State is critical. Following years of conflict, the vast majority of the State’s rural areas are empty. The population has fled to the relative safety of Maiduguri or Local Government Area (LGA) capitals. In IDP camps in Maiduguri and especially in the enclaved LGA capitals the entire population is extremely vulnerable and in need of basic humanitarian support. While some areas have recently experienced returns in proximity of main roads (for example Beni Shekh in Kaga LGA, the population from many LGAs is likely to remain displaced for the medium term, lacking security, shelter and livelihoods in their villages of origin. When returns are made possible, it will be essential to accompany returning populations in order to enable them to rebuild their livelihoods and remain in their villages, which are in most cases completely destroyed while anticipating potential sources of conflict with local populations.
Since May 2013, the Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has destroyed infrastructure, provoked dramatic livelihoods erosion and triggered the displacement of over 2 million people, out of which 1.4 million people are in Borno State. The humanitarian situation of IDPs in Borno State is critical. Following years of conflict, the vast majority of the State’s rural areas are empty. The population has fled to the relative safety of Maiduguri or Local Government Area (LGA) capitals. In IDP camps in Maiduguri and especially in the enclaved LGA capitals the entire population is extremely vulnerable and in need of basic humanitarian support. While some areas have recently experienced returns in proximity of main roads (for example Beni Shekh in Kaga LGA, the population from many LGAs is likely to remain displaced for the medium term, lacking security, shelter and livelihoods in their villages of origin. When returns are made possible, it will be essential to accompany returning populations in order to enable them to rebuild their livelihoods and remain in their villages, which are in most cases completely destroyed while anticipating potential sources of conflict with local populations.
In response to the crisis in North-Eastern Nigeria, humanitarian assistance has been recently scaling up. The recent increase in access to LGA capitals (largely enabled by UNHAS helicopters) has resulted in outreach by humanitarian partners beyond Maiduguri, with a number of NGOs establishing themselves in newly “liberated” LGA capitals such as Biu and Monguno. However, the existing humanitarian capacity is insufficient to respond to the scale of the crisis. Even within Maiduguri IDPs are not receiving regular food aid, leading to intolerable Severe Acute Malnutrition and mortality rates. IDP camps and camp-like settlements are disorganized, flood-prone and unsanitary, with extreme humanitarian indicators across all sectors.
In addition there is a clear lack of information and information coordination in North East Nigeria to support the planning and delivery of humanitarian assistance. Despite the current efforts conducted by IOM on DTM, OCHA as well as sectors, operational actors in Borno often lack specific evidence based and localized information to support their planning and anticipate populations’ movements and needs. With a highly dynamic and difficult to access context, Nigeria remains a crisis with limited amount of evidence available to humanitarian partners for aid planning and delivery. In such context, it is key to ensure that the humanitarian community continues to have regular access to data on humanitarian needs and context in Nigeria.
Within this context, REACH has recently launched an ECHO-funded mission in north-eastern Nigeria. Over the next 11 months, REACH will provide information support in formal and informal IDP camps in Borno and neighboring states through mapping, needs assessments and monitoring the attainment of humanitarian service delivery standards. REACH will also conduct IDP return intentions assessment to identify potential areas of return, triggers for movement and limiting factors. The final component of REACH’s currently anticipated activities will be a profiling for settlements in potential areas of return to assess their capacity and suitability to receive returning populations; this will include assessments of vital infrastructure, services in the area, Government/ NGO/ UN ability to scale-up their responses, and vulnerability assessments of current inhabitants.
Functions
The REACH GIS Officer will fulfill the following functions:
The REACH GIS Officer will fulfill the following functions:
GIS Activities:
Preparation, conception and production of maps:
Preparation, conception and production of maps:
- Identify map information needs;
- Identify and access map information sources;
- Ensure accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data;
- Ensures that the produced maps meet the requirements of REACH and concerned partners.
Supervision and monitoring of mapping related data collection:
- Conceptualize methodologies for collecting data in the field, as according to need;
- Organize and supervise GIS field missions;
- Monitor accuracy of data collected;
- Cross check data collected in the field, ensure regular updates and solve eventual discrepancies.
Data Management and Analysis Activities:
Supervision and monitoring of remote data collection:
Supervision and monitoring of remote data collection:
- Monitor accuracy of data collected;
- Cross check data collected in the field, ensure regular updates and solve eventual discrepancies;
- Manage, update and deploy monthly questionnaire.
Data cleaning, management, and merging:
- Manage data received monthly from the team;
- Maintain, update and expand R-based system of data management and analysis for data dissemination and reporting;
- Maintain, update and expand R system from automated data analysis and map production for factsheets
- Organize and expand the system to other REACH projects across Nigeria
Product production:
- Create and update monthly factsheets for areas of analysis across Nigeria;
- Provide mapping support for supplementary products developed by the assessment team.
Technical Support:
- The REACH GIS Officer will contribute towards the identification and implementation of effective and adapted technical solutions for assessments and projects for REACH Nigeria. The REACH GIS officer will provide technical support assessments and analysis for REACH Nigeria. These responsibilities will include creation and management of data collection tools, training on data cleaning and management techniques, support for data analysis, and ad hoc mapping support upon request.
Internal Communication Processes:
- The REACH GIS Officer will liaise with IMPACT in Geneva to guarantee a quality product that suits the needs of the field office. He/she will respond to information requests from IMPACT Initiatives and keep Geneva informed of the MIS activities in the field.
Confidentiality and Data Protection:
- The REACH GIS Officer will maintain the strictest confidentiality of data and processes. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of information and data.
Accountability to Communities and Beneficiaries
- The staff member is responsible for ensuring that all relations with the communities REACH and partners work are conducted in a respectful and consultative manner.
- Due attention must be paid to ensuring that communities are adequately consulted and informed about REACH programme objectives, activities, beneficiary selection criteria, and methodologies. This is the responsibility of every REACH staff member.
Working Relations
- Internally, the GIS Officer will work closely with REACH Assessment staff and where required IMPACT HQ. These relations will also extend to ACTED country staff including Program Development, AMEU and Area Coordinators.
- Externally, the GIS Officer will be expected to liaise with national and international partners, notably IM focal points in NGOs, UN agencies and clusters.
Requirements
- Master Degree in Geography/GIS or a related discipline;
- Familiarity with the aid system, and understanding of donor and governmental requirements;
- Prior knowledge of the region an asset;
- Fluency in English required;
- Ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel and Project Management Software;
- High level of autonomy and willingness to spend time in deep field locations away from IMPACT/ ACTED support.
- 2 years of experience in GIS / Database management, preferably in humanitarian context;
- Considerable experience analysing complex data with R mandatory; knowledge of other statistical programming languages and packages a plus;
- Previous experience with mobile data collection (ODK, ONA, KOBO);
- Knowledge of the Adobe Suite, particularly Illustrator and InDesign;
- Excellent team management skills;
- Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility;
Job Title: Country Coordinator
Ref: 18/NGA/CC01
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria
Duration: 6 months (renewable)
Start date: ASAP
Supervisor: IMPACT Executive Director
Ref: 18/NGA/CC01
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria
Duration: 6 months (renewable)
Start date: ASAP
Supervisor: IMPACT Executive Director
Background
IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative, which was created in 2010 to facilitate the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis, GIS and remote-sensing which operate in 16 countries. IMPACT staff effectives are expected to reach around 200 by the end of 2018.
IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative, which was created in 2010 to facilitate the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis, GIS and remote-sensing which operate in 16 countries. IMPACT staff effectives are expected to reach around 200 by the end of 2018.
Country profile
Since May 2013, the Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has destroyed infrastructure, provoked dramatic livelihoods erosion and triggered the displacement of over 2 million people, out of which 1.4 million people are in Borno State. The humanitarian situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is critical. Following years of conflict, the majority of the state’s rural areas are empty. Much of the population has fled to the relative safety of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, or other Local Government Area (LGA) capitals. In the IDP camps of Maiduguri and other enclaved LGA capitals, large portions of the population are extremely vulnerable and in need of immediate humanitarian support. While some areas have recently experienced returns in proximity of main roads, the population from many LGAs is likely to remain displaced for the medium term, lacking security, shelter and livelihoods in their villages of origin. When returns are made possible, it will be essential to support returnees in rebuilding their homes, which are in many cases completely destroyed, and resuming their productive lives and livelihoods.
Since May 2013, the Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has destroyed infrastructure, provoked dramatic livelihoods erosion and triggered the displacement of over 2 million people, out of which 1.4 million people are in Borno State. The humanitarian situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is critical. Following years of conflict, the majority of the state’s rural areas are empty. Much of the population has fled to the relative safety of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, or other Local Government Area (LGA) capitals. In the IDP camps of Maiduguri and other enclaved LGA capitals, large portions of the population are extremely vulnerable and in need of immediate humanitarian support. While some areas have recently experienced returns in proximity of main roads, the population from many LGAs is likely to remain displaced for the medium term, lacking security, shelter and livelihoods in their villages of origin. When returns are made possible, it will be essential to support returnees in rebuilding their homes, which are in many cases completely destroyed, and resuming their productive lives and livelihoods.
Since April 2017, IMPACT’s REACH Initiative has been deployed to Nigeria to help meeting the information needs of humanitarian actors operating in the State and build a better understanding of the needs of conflict affected populations. Supported by EU humanitarian aid and in coordination with different humanitarian actors, REACH is carrying out the following activities:
- LGA Capital Profiling: IMPACT’s REACH Initiative, in close coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), is supporting decentralized coordination platforms and the humanitarian response at the LGA level through information management and context monitoring in 8 LGA capitals. REACH is collecting and analysing baseline data on displacement, freedom of movement, perception of safety, operational presence and challenges, and basic service infrastructure in the assessed areas.
- IMPACT, through its own activities, is leading a 4-partner consortium conducting a three year third party monitoring of DFID’s North-East Nigeria Transition to Development Programme.
- Assessing IDPs’ movement intentions: IMPACT’s REACH Initiative is assessing IDP intentions to return to their area of origin, move to a new location, or settle permanently in their current location in Borno State, while also looking into factors that are likely to influence IDPs’ decision to move, such as their current living conditions, separation from family members and access to information on their preferred future location. The assessment will help anticipate internal displacement flows and understand IDPs’ current needs, vulnerabilities, coping mechanisms, as well as future challenges.
- Camp infrastructure mapping: IMPACT’s REACH Initiative is collecting information on formal IDP camps in Borno State to support site planning and the effective distribution of humanitarian assistance.
- Rapid assessments of informal IDP camps: IMPACT’s REACH Initiative is profiling informal IDP camps in Maiduguri, Borno State, in order to better understand displacement dynamics of these IDP populations, while in parallel identifying common community services used by IDPs and barriers in accessing critical services.
- Cash Working Group support: IMPACT’s REACH Initiative has conducted research to support the implementation of cash programming across Borno State in close coordination with the CWG
Functions
- Under the supervision of IMPACT’s Executive Director in Geneva, the Country Coordinator is responsible for representing IMPACT and managing and developing IMPACT’s programs in his/her country and relevant regions.
- He/she leads the IMPACT team to achieve program excellence and ensure the highest level of accountability.
Responsibilities
Program Development and Fundraising:
Context analysis: Ensure IMPACT has an up-to-date understanding of:
Program Development and Fundraising:
Context analysis: Ensure IMPACT has an up-to-date understanding of:
- The country’s socio-economic situation, the impact of a crisis and the aid/humanitarian situation;
- The aid/humanitarian planning, coordination and response mechanisms, as well as key aid/humanitarian stakeholders.
Program development and roll out: In close coordination with HQ, develop, implement and review programme strategies and identify strategic opportunities for strengthening IMPACT’s work in the country, and in particular:
- Ensure IMPACT activities are relevant and have a measurable impact on the humanitarian response;
- Follow up on opportunities for IMPACT’s program development and strengthening of interventions;
- Formalize a country strategy in alignment with global/regional strategies, priorities and programs.
Donor relationship and Proposal development:
- In close coordination with IMPACT HQ, approach donors to identify funding to support IMPACT’s programs (including, as relevant, REACH, PANDA and AGORA) in country;
- Oversee project proposal conceptualisation (problem statement, logframe) within the framework of the country, regional and global strategy and submit proposal to HQ Grant Management Unit for validation.
Programs Management:
Program Planning and Implementation:
Program Planning and Implementation:
- Ensure that all IMPACT programs contribute to supporting better aid planning and are aligned with IMPACT global and country strategies;
- Ensure that all programs are planned in line with relevant project objectives and with IMPACT’s research cycle and other relevant guidelines;
- Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information and conducting field visits to program sites for monitoring, quality control and program staff mentoring and coaching;
- Ensure the required level of coordination with partners in program planning and implementation.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Ensure the development and application of a M&E system/plan for each program, in line with IMPACT’s M&E guidelines;
- Lead on internal and external program evaluations as necessary and ensure the execution of baseline, periodic, and final evaluations as necessary;
- Ensure learning by the country program from relevant best practice internally and externally both nationally and globally and make learning available for other programs.
Staff Management and Administration:
Staff Management:
Staff Management:
- Ensure that IMPACT staff, as well as national staff working in IMPACT programs (including REACH, AGORA, PANDA) understand and are able to perform their roles and responsibilities related to country operations and links with HQ;
- Mentor and support the team to build capacities, and improve efficiency and performance, and follow career management of international and national staff working in IMPACT programs;
- Ensure regular update with HQ HR about staff potential, career management, training opportunities, contractual issues, difficulties faced with or expressed by field-based staff.
Administration and HR management:
- Develop and update country organogram and staff recruitment plan, in line with the needs of country strategy and existing budgetary and program requirements;
- Links with HQ HR to provide regular update on IMPACT international staff, as well as senior national staff working in IMPACT programs;
- Ensure timely attendance sheets, leave plans, as well as exit forms for departing staff.
Internal communication and coordination with ACTED teams:
Internal communication:
Internal communication:
- Ensure implementation of regular internal team meetings, as per IMPACT internal communication guidelines;
- Ensure regular reporting to IMPACT HQ through the Monthly Coordination Report, as well as direct reporting to HQ grants management, finance, HR and program departments.
Coordination with ACTED – valid in all countries where IMPACT teams are hosted by ACTED:
- Regularly coordinate with ACTED’s Country Director through weekly meetings and the submission of monthly updates;
- Ensure compliance of IMPACT staff to ACTED FLAT and security procedures. Facilitate coordination between IMPACT programs and ACTED Area Coordinators where relevant;
- Ensure that all IMPACT staff, as well as staff working under IMPACT supervision (in REACH/AGORA/PANDA projects), is aware and fully abide by ACTED’s regulations in terms of administration, logistics and security.
Project and FLATS management:
Grant and Project Management:
Grant and Project Management:
- Ensure timely organization of project kick-off, review/update and end of project meetings;
- Monitor output achievement, cash burn rates and ensure a time completion of projects through review of BFUs, Project factsheet, and project reports;
- Ensure that contractual obligations are met in terms of deliverables as well as narrative and financial reporting requirements, in close coordination with HQ Grants Management and (as relevant) with other departments.
Finance Management:
- Control project budgets to avoid under/over spending, in link with IMPACT HQ finance;
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, in link with IMPACT HQ finance;
- Ensure accurate budget expenditure tracking and forecasting, in link with and IMPACT HQ Finance (as relevant) with ACTED finance.
Asset Management:
- Ensure proper asset management;
- Ensure proper IT systems, data back-up and protection from malware;
- Ensure implementation and maintenance of country server for secure storage and sharing of internal documentation.
External Audit Follow-up:
- Support the preparation of external audits in close collaboration with HQ Finance.
External relations
- Establish, maintain and improve active and regular working relationships with coordination platforms (clusters, sectors, working groups, NGO forum, HCT, etc.), UN agencies, donors, NGOs, consortia, academia, etc.;
- Promote a regular and pro-active contribution of IMPACT and its programs in key aid decision-making forums (including HCT, donor coordination meetings, inter/cluster meetings, etc.) and for key decision-making milestones (HNO/HRP, donor financial years, etc.);
- In close coordination with HQ, lead the dissemination of research/program products/outputs, including through in country presentations, website articles, journal articles, IMPACT social media contents, targeted e-mails, meetings, etc, in line with IMPACT Dissemination and External Communication guidelines. Support IMPACT HQ in global-level dissemination related to the country mission, including through provision of updated information for website and social media, organization/attendance to HQ level events, briefings and panel discussions.
Confidentiality:
- The Country Coordinator will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes.
- He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.
Requirements
- Excellent academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Research, Economics, Development Studies, or similar)
- Proven track record in successful management of international and national teams in humanitarian contexts
Excellent analytical skills:
- Fluency in both oral and written English, with experience in report writing at a graduate or professional level and excellent drafting skills
- Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and strong capacity to work in intercultural teams
- Excellent team working and communication skills
- Familiarity with the humanitarian aid system
- Ability to work independently and with initiative
- Ability to think creatively and use initiative to develop new tools and processes
- Experience in assessments, M&E, field research, evaluations
Conditions
- Salary defined by the IMPACT salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus
- Additional monthly living allowance
- Free food and lodging provided at the organisation’s guesthouse/or housing allowance (depending on contract length and country of assignment)
- Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance
- Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance + retirement package.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send in English, their Cover Letters, CV’s and three references to: jobs@impact-initiatives.org Please indicate the above reference code in the subject line of your email.
Interested and qualified candidates should send in English, their Cover Letters, CV’s and three references to: jobs@impact-initiatives.org Please indicate the above reference code in the subject line of your email.
Application Deadline 30th June, 2018.
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