About the Position

NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC) is seeking an ARC/GIS systems specialist for the USAID-funded Ethiopia Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning – Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (MEL-CLA) Platform. The MEL-CLA project team will assist USAID/Ethiopia and its partners in generating empirical data on project implementation and fostering learning and knowledge management to improve evidence-based project design and development programming in support of the Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). The GIS Specialist will work closely with the NORC team to ensure quality deliverables, manage GIS data pipelines, provide GIS mapping services, and disseminate findings with the Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) team. Founded in 1941, NORC is an established social research organization pursuing high-quality social science research that serves the public interest.  

This is a local position based in Addis Ababa and Ethiopian citizens are encouraged to apply. The position will require some travel within Ethiopia and the position is for a five-year period with salary at competitive rates. Women are encouraged to apply.

** Please note that this position is contingent upon award and funding. **

Responsibilities: 

• Act as the primary GIS expert, including using strong data literacy, written and oral communication skills, and high analytical thinking to take large data sets and translate them into actionable information for various internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with USAID/Ethiopia to create maps and data visualizations identifying Mission activities and their locations; provide recommendations on mapping products to support the Mission’s decision-making.
• Work with project staff, including senior management and technical team staff to provide tailored GIS and data visualization recommendations.
• Work with USAID/Ethiopia and its implementing partners (IPs) to establish a Geographic Database using ARC/GIS or other database.
• Train IPs, GOE partners, and Mission staff on data input and use of the Geographic Database.
• Undertake analysis to find ways to improve the existing GIS data collection methods to reduce the amount of data entry errors.
• Undertake effective and efficient data cleaning before creating any maps. 

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• At the minimum, must have bachelor’s degree in computer science, geography, planning, or engineering and a certification in GIS, information technology, business, technology, or related degree. Possession of graduate qualifications is an added advantage.
• At least 7 years of experience in managing GIS databases with advanced working knowledge of GIS, including but not limited to Esri’s ArcGIS software, and related programming language.
• Developing and managing a geographic database.
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills.
• Excellent communications skills in both English and Amharic.
• Experience in conducting training on the use of ARC/GIS.
• Knowledge and extensive use of ARC/GIS software, and geocoding.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email a CV and cover letter to ethiopia-mel-cla@norc.org Please use the following subject line in your email: “Ethiopia MEL-CLA ARC/GIS Specialist Application – Last Name, First Name.” 

Please also contact us at this email with any questions or clarifications. To submit a question please use the subject line: “Ethiopia MEL-CLA-Questions.” Questions without this subject line will not be reviewed.