International Consultancy: GIS Expert

Title:

International Consultancy to support cartography and spatial analyses in West and Central Africa (P3 level)

Background

In most countries, population censuses remain the primary source of information for obtaining accurate data on population size, spatial distribution, and demographic and socio-economic characteristics. These censuses are crucial for producing detailed and disaggregated subnational data for small geographic areas and population subgroups.

This consultancy is part of UNFPA’s broader strategic goals in the region to promote evidence-based decision-making for population programs and ensure that all individuals, regardless of location, have access to essential services and information. By strengthening GIS capacity within national statistical offices, this initiative aims to improve the quality and accessibility of census data, contributing to more effective planning and implementation of population-related programs.

However, many countries in the West and Central Africa Region (WCAR) face challenges in utilizing GIS effectively for censuses, including limited availability of up-to-date geospatial data, inadequate GIS infrastructure, and insufficient technical expertise within national statistical offices. This consultancy seeks to address these challenges by providing targeted technical assistance and capacity building support.

Purpose of consultancy:

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on the integration of GIS throughout the census process in WCAR countries.
• Support the development and implementation of a GIS-based census framework that meets the specific needs and contexts of the target countries.
• Ensure the efficient collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of geospatial census data, leading to a 20% improvement in data accuracy and a 15% reduction in data processing time.
• Build capacity within the national statistical offices or census bureaus on the use of GIS for census purposes across the region, enabling them to independently manage and utilize GIS for future censuses and surveys.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing GIS infrastructure, data, and workflows within the national statistical offices of the target countries. This includes evaluating hardware, software, data availability, data quality, and existing GIS-related skills and knowledge within the offices.
• Strategy development: Develop a comprehensive GIS strategy for the census, outlining the overall approach, methodologies, technologies, and resources required for effective GIS integration. This strategy should be aligned with international best practices and tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the target countries.
• Database design and implementation: Design and implement a geospatial database for census data, ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient data management. This includes defining data models, establishing data quality control procedures, and developing data cleaning and validation routines.
• Cartographic production: Support the development of cartographic products for census data visualization and dissemination, including maps, charts, and interactive visualizations. These products should be tailored to various audiences and dissemination channels, ensuring accessibility and effective communication of census results.
• Training and capacity building: Conduct training workshops and provide ongoing technical support to census staff on the use of GIS software, tools, and techniques. This includes developing training materials, delivering hands-on training sessions, and providing mentorship and guidance to build local capacity.
• Collaboration and coordination: Collaborate with other census experts and stakeholders, including national statistical office staff, UNFPA technical advisors, and international partners, to ensure the effective integration of GIS into the overall census process.

Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Detailed assessment report on existing GIS infrastructure and capacity, including recommendations for improvement (due within the first month).
• Comprehensive GIS strategy document for the census, outlining the approach, methodologies, and resources required (due within the second month).
• Implemented geospatial database for census data, including data models, quality control procedures, and documentation (due within the third month).
• Cartographic products for census data visualization and dissemination, tailored to various audiences and channels (ongoing throughout the consultancy).
• Training materials and workshop reports documenting the capacity building activities (ongoing throughout the consultancy).
• GIS manuals providing step-by-step guidance on using GIS for census-related tasks (due within the fifth month).
• Final report summarizing achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations (due at the end of the consultancy).

Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in GIS, geography, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the application of GIS for census or other large-scale data collection projects, with demonstrated expertise in spatial analysis, cartography, and geodatabase management.
• Proven track record of providing technical assistance and capacity building on GIS to government agencies or international organizations.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and collaborative environment.
• Professional working proficiency in English and/or French, including written and spoken communication.

Timeline 

The consultancy is expected to be completed within six months, with the possibility of extension based on the progress and needs of the project. The following is a tentative timeline:

• Month 1: Project initiation, assessment of existing GIS infrastructure and capacity.
• Month 2: Development of the comprehensive GIS strategy document.
• Month 3: Design and implementation of the geospatial database for census data.
• Months 4-5: Development of cartographic products, conduct training workshops, provide ongoing technical support.
• Month 6: Finalization of GIS manuals, compilation of the final report, and project closure.

Place where services are to be delivered:

The consultancy will be home-based with possible travel to the target countries in West Africa. Travel arrangements will be made based on UNFPA rules and regulations.

Reporting and Monitoring

The consultant will report to the Population and Data Advisor and will be subject to regular monitoring and evaluation.