Digital Information and Geospatial Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is implementing the project Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM).  The project aims to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and communities through integrated watershed planning and management, investment in diversified agricultural value chains, agricultural and agroforestry systems and institutional capacity consistent with Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches.  The potential for ecosystems to support the sustainable production of commodities, goods and services for subsistence and commercial use by individual farmers, farmer groups and MSMEs will be enhanced. The project will be implemented in 11 districts in Malawi over a period of 6 years, benefitting over 500,000 vulnerable people in rural communities, restoring, conserving or improving the management of over 250,000 ha of land and achieving net emission reductions or removals of 2.75 MtCO2e within the lifetime of project interventions.
 

The position is located in Lilongwe.

Reporting Lines

The Digital Information and Geospatial Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi, the direct supervision of the CTA of EbAM project, in close coordination with the EbAM International M&E Officer; other project team members and implementing partners.

Technical Focus

In collaboration with the EbAM International M&E Officer, the consultant will design and deploy a Spatial Information Management System (SIMS) customized for the EbAM Project. The SIMS will integrate geospatial data acquisition, processing, storage, and visualization functionalities, and will be interoperable with the Project’s centralized Performance Management and Reporting System through standardized data exchange protocols and metadata frameworks.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Lead catchment delineation and conduct spatially explicit vulnerability and ecosystem risk hotspot assessments, generating high-resolution maps of priority micro-catchments to inform site-specific, ecosystem-based adaptation and integrated landscape management strategies.
•     Undertake baseline and periodic geospatial monitoring of ecosystems and land use changes using advanced Remote Sensing and Earth Observation technologies to evaluate adaptation impacts and ecosystem health trends.
•     In collaboration with the M&E team, design and operationalize a spatial information management system tailored to the project, enabling systematic collection, geo-referencing, and integration of biophysical, socio-economic, and ecosystem service data for adaptive management.
•     Develop geo-locational profiles and produce thematic maps of ecosystem-based adaptation interventions and nature-based infrastructures (e.g., soil and water conservation measures, agroforestry plots, community woodlots, wetlands restoration sites) using GIS, GPS, and drone technologies.
•     Coordinate the integration of geospatial and digital knowledge into technical guidelines and training curricula, embedding ecosystem-based approaches, spatial planning, and adaptive management principles within Farmer Field Schools and related extension platforms.
•     Establish and routinely update a dynamic digital geo-database that consolidates multi-source datasets (climate, hydrology, biodiversity, livelihoods), ensuring accessibility for evidence-based decision-making, scenario modelling, and early warning systems.
•     Produce and disseminate tailored digital knowledge products such as geospatial dashboards, interactive web-maps, and ecosystem service infographics for stakeholders to support adaptive planning, policy dialogue, and community awareness.
•     Design and implement capacity development programs for project staff, government counterparts, and community partners on geospatial technologies, digital knowledge management, and decision-support tools for climate resilience and ecosystem-based adaptation
•     Using GIS tools, including FAO in-house tools developed by the Forestry (NFO) team and other HQ divisions, support the generation of timely and relevant information for meetings with the EbAM project team, the FAO Country Office, the Project Steering Committee, and the Project Technical Committee and relevant stakeholders.  
•     Generate key information that feeds national statistics on food and agriculture, integrated watershed management, vegetation or forest cover, and those linked to the SDGs monitored under FAO coordination and linked to the goals of the Project.
•     Provide technical support to the project's field monitoring team and participate in relevant field monitoring and evaluation activities as required. 
•     Provide technical advice and services to the EbAM project team members and the FAO Country Office in the areas of database, spatial and information management system.
•     Support monitoring of execution of the contracts and agreements signed with project implementing partners.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in  Spatial Analysis, Land and Water, Forestry, Agriculture Economics or any other discipline relevant to the work of the organization.
•     At least 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation and spatial analysis. 
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extent and relevance of experience in working on senior-level positions in GIS and project M&E.
•     Experience in preparing and implementing complex M&E systems for climate change related projects.
•     Knowledge and experience in GIS technologies and GIS-based data and information management, especially geo-spatial skills in areas of agriculture, watershed and nature resources management and climate change.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and donors.