Country: United States of America
Closing date: 21 Aug 2015
The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI) is seeking a GIS Specialist to support the office with maps and geographic information systems (GIS) support, data analysis, training and advocacy.
USAID/OTI supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by helping local partners advance peace and democracy. USAID/OTI provides fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key political transition and stabilization needs. Strategically designed for each unique situation, USAID/OTI lays the foundation for long-term development by promoting reconciliation, jumpstarting local economies, supporting emerging independent media, and fostering peace and democracy through innovative programming. In countries transitioning from authoritarianism to democracy, from violence to peace, or following a fragile peace, USAID/OTI’s programs serve as catalysts for positive political change. USAID/OTI currently has programs in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine, Burma, Honduras, Syria, Nigeria and Mali.
This position is contracted through Macfadden, an employee-owned, international professional services corporation that applies integrated information technology solutions and program/project management expertise to help solve critical issues impacting the health, safety, and security of the world around us. Since 1986, federal agencies have relied on Macfadden for mission critical support in the areas of international disaster response, development and humanitarian assistance, compliance and monitoring support, information management, and systems engineering and integration.
Today, Macfadden provides innovative solutions that enable our customers to protect America's food supply more efficiently and bring medical breakthroughs to market sooner; rapidly respond to complex international disaster relief efforts; develop and maintain critical government IT financial systems and safeguard key government information systems. We support our customer's mission to help emerging democracies in Eastern Europe and Eurasia develop their economic infrastructures; and help meet compliance requirements and improve transparency through effective records and information management programs; and help preserve many of our nation's most treasured historical documents through our data capture and digital conversion services.
With more than 225 employees, Macfadden is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, with multiple client site operations worldwide including: Washington, DC; Chesapeake, VA; Birmingham, AL; Lakewood, CO; Kurdistan and Guatemala.
When you work with a Macfadden employee-owner, you will be working with a competent, experienced professional who cares deeply about your success. That's what sets us apart and drives our commitment to our customers.
Key Internal Interfaces: OTI Staff in Washington and overseas, OTI Partners, OTI Contract Manager (COR)
Key External Interfaces: Humanitarian community, Agency partners, other technical specialists
Reports To:Program Manager, DAT Team Lead
Location: Washington, DC - National Press Building
Key Accountabilities:
- Provide geospatial services to USAID/OTI in support of program management, analysis, planning, and advocacy as a member of the Data Analysis Team both in Washington and overseas.
- Communicate the geographic operating picture of USAID/OTI’s international development work through the acquisition, production, training and provision of geospatial data,cartography and other analysis.
- Collaborate closely with USAID client and with peers in U.S Government agencies, the humanitarian community, academic, and private sectors.
Essential Functions:
The GIS Specialist would be responsible for advancing the Data Analysis Team’s work by providing vision, organizing tasks, and identifying opportunities for engaging colleagues. In addition, the position would serve as the lead for deliverables and technical solutions for specific OTI country programs.
Technical Facilitation:
- Advocate for and teach office staff on how to successfully use visualizations to more effectively communicate information.
- Support and expand office capacity for data analysis products by seeking out new software and tools, strategies, and techniques.
- Other duties as required.
Education:B.A./B.S. Degree in Geography, GIS, Information Technology or similar discipline required.
Experience:At least 1-2 years providing GIS support, including internships and advanced course work; additional experience is welcome. Experience working overseas, or with development and humanitarian groups and agencies or related organizations would be a plus.
Skills:
- Expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ESRI ArcGIS 9.x or 10.x, cartographic design, image processing, graphic editing, databases, and standard office applications.
- Extensive knowledge of geospatial data from a wide array of sources, including finding data and compiling data.
- Familiarity working with Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and Google Earth. Experience with geospatial web APIs and creating web mapping mash-ups is a plus.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage and work on several projects simultaneously.
- Interest and knowledge of international affairs or international development is desirable. Experience with coding, such as PHP, Python or Javascript and/or automation tools such as ArcGIS Modelbuilder is a plus.
- Position requires the ability to work in high pressure situations occasionally exceeding normal business hours with the potential for domestic and overseas travel.
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to work independently or in a team environment.
- International experience and foreign language skills (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic) are preferred.
U.S. Citizenship is required; selected candidate must be able to qualify for a government sponsored security clearance.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
This position description reflects Macfadden’s assignment of essential functions; nothing in this job description restricts the Company’s latitude to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
How to apply:
Please apply using one of the following links:
Careers Website using Application Form
Link to job posting: http://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc03/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=MCFA&cws=1&rid=800
Mobile Enabled Careers Website using Application Workflow
Link to job posting: https://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc03/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=MCFA&cws=37&rid=800