GIS Assistant

Organizational Setting

Bangladesh is rich in natural resources with diverse ecosystems and biodiversity. Like other developing countries, Bangladesh is also facing tremendous pressure on the conservation of forests and natural resources. The forest department has undertaken several initiatives to reduce pressure on the existing forest resources. The country is also obliged to report to international platforms like UNCCD, CBD, IPCC, etc. on the progress it made in the restoration and reduction of the degradation of natural resources. In doing so, the country is trying to develop a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS). The forest department has already conducted the first national forest inventory during the period 2016-2019. Now it is planning for the 2nd cycle of the inventory. With the support of the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) project of the World Bank, the 2nd cycle of forest report assessment has been planned. The forest inventory will generate metadata of the forest resources that will be analyzed and comprehensive reports will be generated which will give a full picture of the country’s forest resources. In addition, the project also envisions developing the national land cover map and preparing forest management plans for forest divisions and protected areas. It will also prepare an updated report on the National Forest Reference Emission Level. All the information generated from the process will help the country better manage the forest resources with a functional monitoring system in place.

Reporting Lines

The GIS Assistant is a SC 04 position who will work under the overall managerial administrative leadership of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, direct supervision of the International Consultant for Forest Inventory and Assessment, and the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) at FAO Bangkok.

Technical Focus

The GIS Assistant will be a part of a national team to provide technical assistance in the areas of national landcover preparation, forest inventory field map preparation, and overall provide assistance to the GIS and Rs in day-to-day project implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

● Assist in compiling geographic information in the form of satellite images, geographical surveys, and aerial photographs. ● Provide support for the implementation of the project component of Land Cover map generation ensuring maps are annotated and compiled with the correct information; ● Assist in the coordination of the preparation of geospatial databases, maps, and descriptive statistics for major land degradation types ● Assist in maintaining the GIS database and troubleshooting data issues ● Provide support in the implementation of GIS/RS-related activities, prepare maps of forest degradation, support the identification of key geographic areas where to implement field visits and if possible activities; ● Develop maps for guiding field data collection for forest management plans; ● Assist in developing a Landcover atlas and prepare a landcover map for 2023 ● Work with the relevant International and National consultants to reinforce the government agencies in strengthening the specialized RS and GIS Units for resource monitoring and information management; ● Assist in providing training to government partners in basic GIS applications such as making biomass maps with land cover and forest inventory data; ● Assist in planning and organizing satellite image classification and interpretation including field checking and validation ● Assist in any other tasks under the projects at the instruction of the FAO Representative, the LTO, the CTA, and the PD/NPC. ● Any other relevant activities assigned by the supervisor; ● Report any technical problems related to the data and database faced by the International Consultant and national team; maintain a log of identified issues and recommendations for addressing them; and ● Assist in any other tasks under the project at the instruction of the FAO Representative, the LTO and the Team Leader..

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

● University degree in remote sensing, GIS, forestry, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; ● Minimum four years of proven work experience as a GIS technician. Experience related to land and forest monitoring will be preferable. ● Working knowledge (level C) of English and Bangla ● National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

● Results Focus ● Teamwork ● Communication ● Building Effective Relationships ● Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

● Understanding of Integrated GPS and GIS principles. ● Knowledge of modern cartographic standards and principles; ● Have experience in dealing with forestry data, community information, and preparing reports; ● Demonstrated experiences in developing countries; ● Demonstrated initiative and ability to deliver results within deadlines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.