GIS and Information Management Expert - Consultant at MapAction at MapAction

Background 

MapAction is a humanitarian mapping charity that provides geospatial information and analysis services to enhance decision-making in crises. Working through a network of skilled volunteers and technical experts, MapAction supports humanitarian partners to better understand needs, vulnerabilities, and response gaps. 

The humanitarian sector is evolving, and technical expertise such as GIS, mapping, data processing, and visualisation is becoming increasingly sought after in order to ensure continuous improvement in humanitarian response. MapAction and our partners are uniquely positioned to provide this technical expertise to ensure the most effective coordination of relief efforts.

We have built a strong reputation in the humanitarian sector and are a technical partner of the United Nations, Non-Government Organisations, the Red Cross, Red Crescent Movement, regional entities, and national authorities globally.

At MapAction, training and team building are at the heart of our organisational culture. We hold regular in-person and online sessions, where staff members and volunteers come together for training opportunities and skill-sharing, in areas such as fieldwork, emergency preparedness, and GIS technical development.

Main purpose of the role

Under the joint EU ECHO funded, WFP led project, MapAction, iMMAP Inc., ESRI, and WeRobotics are combining their technical capacities to strengthen the Southern African Development Community Humanitarian Operation Centre's (SADC SHOC) preparedness for effective disaster response. The consortium aims to empower SHOC and the National Disaster Management Authorities (NDMAs) through: 

• Enhanced integration of geospatial tools and hazard data analysis into NDMAs’ Disaster Risk Management (DRM) core functions, 
• a systems-based approach, enabling both operational teams and policy-level decision-makers to access user-friendly, actionable insights that enhance disaster preparedness and response,
• strengthening coordination between NDMAs and SHOC through standardising tools, processes, and communication,
• and equipping SHOC with an AI-enabled geospatial information system and skills to support the region-wide coordination of disaster risk assessment, risk reduction, anticipatory action, early warning, response, and recovery. 

Objectives of the role

• Provide expert IM and GIS support for the design, delivery, and documentation of project outputs (such as maps, templates, dashboards, tools),
• Facilitate capacity strengthening of SHOC and NDMAs and coordination of actors through facilitation of troubleshooting workshops and training sessions,
• Support collaborative analysis and visualisation products that inform humanitarian decision-making,

Activities

Needs assessment and data ecosystem review

• Support the continuous review of the accuracy and feasibility of developed data systems and coordination structures,
• Conduct consultations with SHOC and NDMA technical experts to identify emerging IM/GIS needs and gaps,
• Report on findings and develop efficient and effective solutions to respond to the NDMAs' and SHOC's emerging IM/GIS needs and gaps.
   

Analytical support and visualisation

• Work closely with SHOC's technical experts and produce high-quality analytical and visualisation products (maps, dashboards, templates, reports, etc.) to support the daily operations of SHOC, 
• Contribute to targeted analytical briefs, situational updates, and thematic maps responding to coordination priorities, including emergencies,
• Provide surge IM/GIS analysis capacity upon request from stakeholders.

Capacity Building and Technical Mentoring 

• Provide troubleshooting support and coaching for SHOC and NDMA staff members,
• Contribute to the documentation of user manuals, best practices, and lessons learned, 
• Support technical training sessions organised by the stakeholders.

Roles and responsibilities

• Report directly to the Geospatial Coordinator (MapAction HQ) with operational coordination with the iMMAP Inc. representative,
• Participate in regular technical coordination meetings with SHOC, NDMA, and WFP representatives, such as the monthly Information Management Working Group, 
• Maintain close collaboration with national stakeholders and ensure capacity development components are locally coordinated, 
• Adhere to MapAction’s values and standards on data responsibility, protection, and ethical information management

Skills and experience

• Experience with ESRI software (ArcPro), GIS tools, and reporting is essential. 
• Experience with Power BI, Jupyter Notebook, or Python is desirable.  
• Experience in the humanitarian sector or working with national authorities is an asset.
• Must be proficient in speaking and writing English. Working knowledge of Portuguese is preferred but not essential.

Timing, Place, and Duration

The consultancy will run until May 2027, with an anticipated start date of March 2026. The consultant will be based in Nacala, Mozambique. The position will mainly be based at SHOC's HQ in Nacala, with potential home-based work and travel to SADC or NDMA offices as required.  We would also consider the location of Nampula and Maputo, but we will prioritise applications from those based in Nacala. 

This is a contract position, and you will be required to invoice for the work completed on a monthly basis at the set rate. MapAction will not be responsible for local taxes or expenses.

MapAction is unable to facilitate a relocation, and you must have the right to live and work in Mozambique.

We will be interviewing on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to contact us quickly to be shortlisted.