National GIS/RS Assistant

VA NO. FAO/KBL/PRJ/SC/05-2020

Functional  Title:

National GIS/RS Assistant

Type of Contract:

National Project Personnel / Service Contract (NPP/SC)

Grade / Level:

SB-3

Number of Post (s) :

1 (One)

Duration :

06 Months

Extendable / Renewable:

Extendable, Based on Satisfactory Performance and Budget Availability

Probationary Period:

Initial 3 Months

Project / Programme / Unit: 

Strengthening Afghanistan Institutions capacity for the assessment of agriculture production and scenario development (GCP/AFG/087/EC)

Duty Station:

Kabul – Afghanistan, with frequent domestic travel to provinces

Sub – Station:

Nil

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organization Settings:

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, Programmes and projects to address hunger, food security and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, livestock, animal health, and irrigation and forestry sectors as well as emergency preparedness and response. The activities of the FAO Representation include design and implementation of country-tailored field Programmes, liaison with local donor representatives and active public awareness raising and outreach activities related to the mandate of FAO.

FAO assistance in Afghanistan achieves its objectives through capacity development and direct project implementation in four specific areas of FAO’s technical expertise: 

• Better governance through improved capacity for policy planning, land reform, decentralization, and management of common natural resources;
• Fostering expansion of irrigation and field water management; 
• Intensive agriculture for surplus commercialization, value chains development, and job creation;
• Supporting vulnerable farmers for improved food and nutrition security, resilience, and emergency response to natural and man-made disasters and climate change.

This position is established under the GCP/AFG/087/EC Project in Afghanistan, and the duty station is Kabul, with frequent travels to other project locations in the provinces covered by the respective project.

Project Background:

The overall goal of the project is to improve monitoring and analysis of agricultural production systems to support agricultural policies and food security in the country. The project’s objectives are: i) to improve monitoring and analysis of agricultural production systems; ii) to develop/strengthen land resources information management systems (LRIMS) and National Agro-Ecological Zoning (NAEZ) and iii) enhance the capacity at national and provincial levels for collection, monitoring, analysis and dissemination of agriculture information based on integration of remotely-sensed data and technology for decision-making to support agricultural policies and food security in the country.

Purpose of this vacancy announcement:

FAO is looking for qualified national staff fill the position of National GIS/RS Assistant. This position will support the work of the EU-funded “Strengthening Afghanistan Institutions capacity for the assessment of agriculture production and scenario development” project. The post is located in Kabul with frequent travel to provinces.

Key Result:

The project activities are implemented successfully, timely and effectively in conformity with the objectives of the project.

Reporting Lines / Supervision Received/Exercised:

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Afghanistan and the direct supervision of National Field Manager, and in close collaboration with the relevant staff in FAO Afghanistan and counterpart entities, the incumbent will be responsible to carry out the following tasks;

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Conduct Agro-ecological Zoning profile for all provinces, districts, watershed and major river basin of Afghanistan
• Estimate the yield and areas of major crops of Afghanistan and Prepare Guide Maps for Agriculture Area Frame Guide Maps;
• Prepare and Implement Segment maps for Agriculture Survey and support the implementation of LRIMS;
• Help in identifying Agriculture Scenarios
• Masks the Zoning and Agro-climatic Indicator Maps
• Identify the results of RCPs for climate projection in Raster
• Covert raster format data in readable formats
• Enrich and Update the AEZ portal;
• Assist in the implementation of food insecurity Mapping using population, poverty index, household survey and Agro-ecological Zoning;
• Assist in preparing the Food Insecurity ATLAS;
• Assist in developing the Agro-ecological assessment for the identified 34 crops in Afghanistan and conduct Farmer Field Schools on Agro-ecological Assessment;
• Assist in the outreach of the LRIMS;
• Compile data for statistics to incorporate into documents and reports;
• Delivery of certified QGIS 10.1 or later server and desktop application courses to regional clients and NAEZ Project key partner
• GIS Integration with GPS and Remote Sensing Technologies for Spatial Modeling
• Geo-database Design for national Agro-ecological Zoning and Agricultural Land
• Create maps and graphs, using GIS software and data collection equipment;
• Gather and report on GIS data and determine how data sets are best utilized through GIS;
• Compile geographic and demographic data from many sources;
• Consult with external stakeholders to access censuses, fieldwork, satellite and aerial imagery, and maps;
• Conduct training on AEZ, LRIMS and Scenarios;
• Work in close collaboration with MAIL and counterpart staff, giving information and providing guidance on the implementation of technical activities;
• Submit the progress report at monthly basis to the immediate supervisor and contribute to the annual and terminal reports of the project, and
• Contribute to the technical, progress and final reports of the project;

Other Activities:

• Any other similar duties, assigned by the National Field Manager and FAO.

Expected Outputs:

• Provincial Agro-ecological Zoning Profile;
• Enrich and update AEZ Portal
• Estimation of Rice Area
• Implementation of Area Frame using ToT
• Update Agriculture Survey Guide Maps
• Masking the Zoning Maps
• Assist in trainings on GAEZ, LRIMS and Crop Estimation
• Update and Develop Geodatabase
• Assist in Final Reports

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION)

Education:

• University degree in GIS, Environmental Science, Agricultural or closely related field.

Work Experience and Additional Skills:

• Minimum of 3 (three) years’ experience in GIS, agriculture mapping, survey, conduct agro-ecological zoning profile and other similar context with UN and international organizations, or Government of Afghanistan in a multi-cultural offices environment is required;   
• Good command of QGIS software, general computer software including Excel, Word etc. 
•               Previous work experience with UN is an advantage;

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Experience in multi stakeholder analysis, and in mobilizing or creating awareness about development projects;
• Excellent interpersonal communication and coordination skills, and proven ability to work constructively with a variety of stake holders to achieve common goals;
• Good knowledge of protocol, good judgment and initiative;
• Good knowledge of corporate information systems;
• Good data analysis skills and interpretation of data;
• Familiarity with UN agencies procedures for project implementation.

Language Skills:

• Good knowledge of the national/local languages (Dari and Pashto) and proficiency in English language;

COMPETENCIES:

• Core competencies: FAO core competencies include: Understanding FAO’s mandate and its global context; planning, organizing, and delivering quality results; communicating to build understanding and support; working together in teams and partnerships; engaging in continuous learning.
• Operational Effectiveness: Working independently, structuring tasks, establishing priorities and adhering to deadlines. Show a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Contribute ideas and suggestions for process improvement.
• Client Orientation: Focus on results for the client. Attend to inquiries from internal and external clients in an effective, timely and courteous manner. Treat clients with courtesy and respect even when working under pressure. Express a high level of professionalism.
• Interpersonal Communications and Teamwork: Work effectively and efficiently with staff at all levels, listen to others and openly share own ideas. Express sensitivity, cultural empathy and respect for diversity. Productively handle differing views and opinions and strive for achievement of shared goals. Respond positively to feedback.
• Knowledge Exchange and Learning: Share own knowledge and promote a learning culture within the work environment. Actively work towards professional development, including personal learning.  Apply newly acquired skills and support flexibility within the work environment.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINE:

Interested Afghan nationals should complete the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) and submit it along with their application letter and CV to the email address below, clearly mentioning the vacancy number and post title (National GIS/RS Assistant - FAO/KBL/PRJ/SC/05-2020) in the subject line of the email, otherwise your email will not be considered for further process.

FAOAF-vacancies@fao.org

NOTE: Applicant who failed to attach the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) to their Application will not be considered for further process.

The above required documents can also be submitted in writing (marked “Confidential” and clearly indicating on the sealed envelope the Vacancy Announcement number and position title) to: the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), FAO Representation, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Jamal Mina, Opposite Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan.

The FAO PH Form can be downloaded using the following internet link:

http://www.acbar.org/applicationform

The last date for receiving applications is 07 April 2020. Please note that applications received after closing date will not be given consideration. Only short listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for test/interview.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce gender diversity
• Qualified females are strongly encouraged to apply
• People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization
• Candidates endorsed in the selection process for this vacancy announcement will be considered for the FAO NSHR Roster for a period of two years. The Roster is used to fill other similar positions at the same or lower grade, and in the same or another duty station inside the country;
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
• Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Candidates who wish to apply for the positon should indicate their preferred duty station(s) in their application letter (or email).
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview/test.
• Application received after closing date will not be given consideration.
• Please make sure to sign the first page of your PHF while applying for the vacant post.
• Do not forget to write the post title and VA number on subject of your email.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments;
• Email will only be sent to the interviewed candidates.