Project Data Management Specialist (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Organization Setting

Under the overall supervision of the SFS Sub-regional Coordinator, the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator through the Regional Emergency Agronomist in SFS-REOSA, and the guidance of the Lead Technical Officer and FAO technical units at Regional and Headquarters, the Project Data Management Specialist will support the implementation of the project “Strengthening Coordination, Scaling Up and Governance of Conservation Agriculture in Southern Africa’’ project coordinated by SFS-REOSA.

Reporting Lines

The consultant reports to the Project Coordinator.

Technical Focus

Generate, process, analyze and manage spatial and remote sensing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data on Conservation Agriculture, cropping land use, climate and other ground risk occurrences using appropriate software from the project, National Conservation Agriculture National taskforces and project stakeholders for project planning and strategic decision making.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the acquisition of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based data related to Conservation Agriculture (CA) from NCATFs and CARWG members and partners.
• Collect and archive all available data and information related to CA from NCATFs and CARWG members and partners (e.g. number of famers, area under CA, documentation, maps, satellite images).
• Develop a dedicated geodatabase of CA programmes and projects for key partners and share data through the FAO Hand-in-Hand Geospatial Platform.
• Provide day-to-day support to GIS mapping activities to SFS/REOSA
• Support field CA data collection exercises, mapping, ground-truthing, and conducting surveys for geographically referenced socioeconomic data, to ensure that the GIS datasets are kept up-to-date.
• Develop GIS data capture tools for partners and CA scaling up activities in the region
• Design and develop CA interactive story maps, dashboards and other innovative products to support decision making in the region.
• Prepare and distribute maps, in various formats (hard-copy, digital and web-compatible).
• Develop a digital tool for use by NCATFs and other partners to track the expansion of CA in the region.
• Undertake CA geo-spatial suitability analysis to support the scaling-up of CA in the region.
• Establish an electronic database of CA technical resources for use by CARWG members in Southern Africa
• Work with Technical Officers in the development of the concept notes and proposals for resource mobilization for scaling up of CA
• Consolidate project progress reports from National Conservation Agriculture Taskforces/platforms (NCATFs) and other partners.
• In liaison with the Agronomist and relevant project staff, support the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences and other project events;
• Assist in the preparation of project meetings with donors, implementing partners and other stakeholders
• Participate in project technical meetings and events
• Support the Project Communication Specialist in the development of project communication products (infographics, policy and technical briefs, etc).
• Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Education - Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Geography, Forestry, Environmental science, Food Security or related qualifications; and a postgraduate skills qualification in Geographical Information Systems or related science.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar environment - experience in working with government, NGOs and other UN Agencies is desirable.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of French or of one of the other FAO official languages.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, writing ability, and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to produce clear reports and written products
• Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform well in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with climate resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction issues in Southern Africa
• Ability to work in a team, establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity
• Previous experience and familiarity of FAO or other Agencies of the United Nations operational procedures and regulations is an added advantage.