Data Management Officer & Geospatial Systems

Specific Responsibilities Under the overall guidance of the DRM Program Head, the Geospatial Systems Developer & Data Management Officer will undertake the following tasks: Ensure migration/displacement data, model outputs, and workflows developed by ICPAC and partners are integrated into ICPAC early warning systems and value-added services to enhance decision-making across various actors and stakeholders. Monitor ICPAC systems are continuously updated and improved in terms of data, products, and features; workflows are automated; code is maintained and updated; systems are optimized; new functionalities are developed; and systems are continuously innovated and customized to meet user needs, based on feedback and new requirements. Support the collection, aggregation and analysis of disaster displacement data in the IGAD region and integration in the ICPAC/IGAD geoportal as a base layer. Provide technical guidance on system improvement to leverage best technologies, support scientists and data managers with workflow automation Design, implement and support capacity building activities for various users of the early warning information and systems, mainly on risk of displacement Develop and maintain interactive dashboards and visualization tools to ensure geospatial data is presented in a user-friendly format for decision-makers. Integrate Machine Learning (ML) and AI technologies to improve forecasting and automation of displacement risk models. Implement best practices for data security in geospatial systems, including access control, encryption, and disaster recovery planning. Collaborate with national and regional partners to ensure integration aligns with member state and other partner agencies needs. Conduct regular training and capacity-building sessions for policymakers, partner organizations, and data users to enhance their understanding of geospatial tools, displacement risk models, and early warning systems. Develop APIs and automate data pipelines to ensure seamless integration of climate, displacement, and hazard datasets into ICPAC systems. Optimize dissemination mechanisms to ensure early warning information reaches the right people at the right time Performs such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Key Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

Academic Qualification

University degree in Computer Science, Geo-Informatics, Computer Engineering, IT or another relevant field,

Candidates should demonstrate their qualifications and proficiency in web application development and geo-application development (provide links to at least 2 samples of previous work and/or Github code)

Professional work experience

Minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience in geo-applications design and development.

Solid and demonstrated experience working with scripting languages (e.g. Python) to automate geo-processing data workflows

Experience in backend development using various languages and frameworks including Django, Go and NodeJS

Demonstrated experience with application containerization (Docker) and deployment on cloud infrastructure

Experience working on software development projects and developing responsive front-end web solutions

Proven experience (deployed projects, Github code) with designing and developing production-ready scalable geospatial web applications using open-source technologies (Node.js, React, Mapbox GL, Leaflet, Carto, Python, Geoserver, Mapserver, GDAL)

Sound knowledge of SQL and PostGIS spatial databases.

Experience developing REST API and a good understanding of microservices architecture

Advanced knowledge of OGC geospatial standards like WMS, WFS, WCS, WPS, Simple Features for SQL

Experience in Big Data Processing & Cloud Computing (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) for handling large geospatial datasets.

Experience with Remote Sensing & Earth Observation Data (Google Earth Engine, Sentinel Hub, MODIS).

Experience working with Go Language and NoSQL databases is an added advantage

Experience manipulating and analyzing Earth Observation data in different data formats is desirable

Knowledge of human mobility trends and disaster displacement risks in the IGAD region.

Proficiency in DevOps & CI/CD, including container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker Swarm).

Essential Skills and Competencies Required

Self-driven, result-oriented, problem solver

Teamwork

Communication

Continuous improvement and knowledge sharing