GIS and Metadata Officer

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), established in 1986, is a regional non-profit foundation with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand supporting the advancement of safer communities and sustainable development, through implementing programs that reduce the impact of disasters upon countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific. The primary geographical focus of ADPC’s activities is Asia with the South, South East and East Asia being the primary sub-regions.

ADPC has more than 30 years of working experience in Asia along with the national and local Government of its charter member countries as well as countries of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) on Disaster Management. ADPC addresses the region’s preparedness needs in development of capacities and promotion of learning; dissemination of information and knowledge management; provision of technical and advisory services; implementation of pioneering regional programs; preparations and follow up of global and regional mechanisms; establishment of new regional mechanisms; support for inter-agency coherence and coordination and catalytic facilitation and partnership to sub-regional mechanisms. ADPC works to build preparedness at all levels, from regional, to national, to sub-national and even to individual communities. Further details on ADPC and Programs can be found at www.adpc.net

SERVIR is a global program that provides scientific and technical know-how to help developing countries use geospatial information and technologies to achieve sustainable development. SERVIR-Mekong will promote the use and availability of publicly available satellite imagery and related geospatial decision-support tools/products to help key stakeholders and decision makers in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam better predict and manage floods and other natural disasters, improve agricultural risk management, manage land-use more sustainably, and help governments and communities increase resilience to the negative effects of climate change. Funded by USAID, and with lead scientific and technical support from NASA, SERVIR-Mekong is being implemented by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) with inputs from consortium partners Spatial Informatics Group, Stockholm Environment Institute, and Deltares.

Statement of Intent

The GIS and Metadata Officer reports directly to the SERVIR-Mekong Science and Data Leads. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the SERVIR-Mekong Science team in developing geospatial tools, promoting improved information sharing, engaging in capacity building activities, maintaining SERVIR-Mekong data portal, and other tasks related to GIS and remote sensing.

Required Qualifications and Specification

The GIS and Metadata Officer of SERVIR-Mekong will have the following minimum qualifications:

• At least a Master’s degree in GIS, Remote Sensing, Geography, Natural Resource Management, or related fields and relevant experience in the use of GIS and Remote Sensing application software.
• Demonstrated computer literacy with high level of experience working with GIS software.
• At least 6 years of experience focused on geospatial, satellite remote sensing or other science based tools desired including geodatabase management and data quality control.
• Familiarity with proprietary and open source software for spatial analysis and data management.
• Project management skills developing geospatial tools and applications will be essential.
• Proven record of productive engagement with government stakeholders or other clients/users of geospatial tools and applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of at least one official language from the Lower Mekong countries is an advantage.
• Work experience in Lower Mekong Countries will be essential.
• Willingness to commit to further training and development as required.

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Responsibilities:

• Work closely with SERVIR-Mekong Science and Data Co-Leads, to collect, analyze, store, update and maintain geospatial data, and organize GIS data into a standardized format that complies with the expectations of SERVIR Global Coordination offices (both USAID and NASA).
• Ensure that correct metadata is appended to the geographic datasets produced.
• In close coordination with SERVIR-Mekong Science and Data Co-Leads, organize and maintain the Open Data Portal of SERVIR-Mekong.
• In close coordination with SERVIR-Mekong Science and Data Co-Leads, manage the GIS and MetaData Coordinator to organize and maintain the Open Data Portal.
• Troubleshoot GIS problems with data processing and/or other GIS data lifecycle issues
• Provide technical supports on SERVIR-Mekong tools development, as well as help ensure effective and efficient coordination of activities and inputs to achieve project objectives.
• Contribute to strengthening and creating new relationships with partner agencies.
• Contribute to proper documentation of procedures and processes developed under SERVIR-Mekong.
• Provide technical supports to the SERVIR-Mekong Science Team on training courses, workshops, and other capacity-building activities in the planning, delivery, and follow-up phases, as needed.
• Participate in meetings related to SERVIR-Mekong objectives, especially GIT functions.
• Travel as needed to countries in the Lower Mekong to coordinate the implementation of activities related to SERVIR-Mekong objectives.

Corporate Responsibilities:

• With permission from the Supervisor, provide technical resource inputs under key specialized areas to all other departments, as required
• With permission from the Supervisor, participate in corporate functions and external events
• Foster the one ADPC concept across the organization through: Program delivery, Resource allocation, Shared accountability, and Inter-departmental collaboration.

This job description covers the general responsibilities and representative tasks of this position. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to program priorities and needs.

Reporting, Communications, and Work Relationships:

Internal

• Reports to the SERVIR-Mekong Science and Data Leads.
• ADPC and implementing partners: Interacts on a regular basis with Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Science and Data Co-Leads, other full time and part time SERVIR-Mekong program staff.
• USAID: Coordinates and consults with SERVIR-Mekong Coordinator and RDMA Science technical assistance on relevant issues as needed
• NASA: Coordinates and consults with SERVIR Coordination Office and the broader NASA Science community as needed
• Consortium Technical Partners: Coordinates and consults with SERVIR-Mekong consortium technical partners to ensure effective, efficient, and timely delivery of agreed inputs and products
• Other SERVIR Hubs: Coordinates and consults with SERVIR Coordination Office and USAID to link science deliverables and lessons learned with other hubs (as needed)

External

• In close coordination and consultation with Science and Data Co-Leads, serve as the point of contact for open data portal related technical inquiries from and inputs by external individuals, agencies/institutions/organizations, when required