Expert on the Geographic Information Systems

Information

Common information

Department: Graduate School of Development (GSD)

Duty station: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Report to: GSD's Urban Development Lead 

Deadline: Oct 23, 2024

Contract type: Service Agreement 

UCA Background: 

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org

Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities

NURP 5.1 team needs to hire an expert in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) who will be responsible for conducting needs assessments, training for municipal servants, local researchers, and active citizens, as well as providing expert support in the development and implementation of GIS-based Decision Support Systems (DSS) in Naryn town. The expert will also be tasked with the preparation of analytical reports and recommendations for the integration of GIS technologies into urban planning and sustainable development processes.

Qualification requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Urban Management, Environmental Science, Social Science, Engineering related to GIS mapping, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in conducting needs assessments and developing training programs, preferably for government employees and municipal institutions.
• Strong expertise in GIS tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms, with experience in spatial data analysis and map production.
• Experience working on urban planning projects with a focus on sustainable development and environmental management.
• Knowledge of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and their application in urban management and planning.
• Experience in delivering training and capacity-building workshops, with strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Experience in working on projects that involve community engagement and the participation of local citizens in urban planning processes.

Duties

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of municipal civil servants and active citizens in relation to GIS technologies and urban planning in Naryn town.
• Design and deliver practical training programs in Naryn to build capacity among municipal service providers and citizens in using GIS technologies and Decision Support Systems (DSS) for urban planning and management.
• Lead the development of a GIS-based Decision Support System for Naryn town and provide ongoing expert support throughout the project’s lifecycle.
• Utilize GIS tools to analyze spatial data, create maps, and provide insights for urban planning and sustainable development projects.
• Prepare analytical reports and provide recommendations for the integration and development of GIS technologies in Naryn town, focusing on enhancing urban resilience and sustainable growth.
• Frequent travels to Naryn and establish good communications with local self-government, local researchers, and active citizens of Naryn town. 

Conditions

How to apply

Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page. To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward.

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.