GIS Systems Developer - SERVIR AFRICA PROJECT

The purpose of this position is to provide professional expertise in all aspects of geographic information systems development.

Justification

The primary responsibility of the GIS System Developer for SERVIR-Africa is to support the development and operations of SERVIR-Africa geospatial servers and applications, including the implementation of automation tools for data processing, archiving, extraction, integration and delivery. The position is for a mid-level specialist to support the SERVIR-Africa team and external clients with the production of geospatial information tools.  The incumbent will organize and execute the activities needed to design and build applications to support geospatial data use and sharing. Using computer programming, he/she will create enhancements to existing GIS software, such as web-based applications, that are customized to users’ requests.

The GIS System Developer will work with, and produce, standard SERVIR map and image data and other digital products. The custom tools to be delivered include, but are not limited to, data extraction, conversion, image manipulation, spatial queries, image rectification, data management, and creation of shape files and geo-databases. The GIS System Developer will be responsible for conducting basic tests on the code that he/she produces, and establish testing plans for the final products. He/she will document user requirements, produce system designs and implementation plans and technical documentation. The GIS System Developer will also provide technical support and training to application users.

Duties & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director, RS, GIS and Mapping the main responsibilities are as follows:

• Maintain, design, develop, enhance, debug, and implement geospatial applications (web-based, or standalone),  to integrate  models and model data into the SERVIR-Africa portal, or to deliver data to SERVIR-Africa  clients.
• Troubleshoots production problems related to GIS applications.
• Research, test, build, and coordinate the conversion and/or integration of new components based on client requirements.
• Produce system designs and implementation plans for software components and/or applications.
• Perform rigorous testing of developed applications to ensure required functionality and performance requirements are met as well as ensuring compliance of developed systems with global and internal standards and data interoperability interfaces (e.g. OGC).
• Collect, document and organize requirements (user interface, performance, system constraints, etc).
• Advise RCMRD management and SERVIR CO on feasibility analysis of potential projects.
• Produce technical documentation for geospatial applications.
• Produce user manuals or other methods of user guidance (e.g. online help), as needed.
• Conduct rigorous testing of tools and applications developed.
• Provide technical assistance to application users.
• Document, design, code, and test GIS solutions and GIS applications.
• Engage in relevant training and outreach activities.
• Participate in knowledge sharing mechanisms  such as the SERVIR GIT Community of practice, hub-Exchange activities, as well as internal capacity building and knowledge exchange processes and practices implemented at RCMRD and the SERVIR network in matters of geospatial application development.

Required skills

• Proficient in the use of ArcGIS for desktop and server, open source GIS packages and corresponding developer tools.
• Proficient in the development and use of scripts (Python and other relevant languages).
• Proficient in the use of multiple data formats (shape files, image files, etc).
• Proficient working in a Windows operating system environment.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in GIS and computer science or equivalent professional working experience.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years experience in Geospatial Analysis (GA) and GIS software.
• A geospatial analyst background or similar work experience is desired.
• Computer programming expertise, preferably with multiple development and client platforms and object-oriented programming languages.
• Experience with database management systems and using Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Experience in mobile application development is an asset.

    Contract Duration:   One (1) year renewable.

Applications should be addressed to: awahome@rcmrd.org