Geographic Information System (GIS) Expert

USAID Tayar Nepal - Improved Disaster Risk Management Project

Scope of Work

Geographic Information System (GIS) Expert 

Position: Geographic Information System (GIS) Expert

Level of Effort: 260 days 

Period of Performance: On/about May 2021 to April 2022

Base of Operations: The position is based in NDRRMA  

The USAID/Nepal Tayar Nepal – Improved Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Project, also known as Tayar Nepal Program, is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global LLC (DAI) has been implementing since 2019 to strengthen the capacity of Nepal’s national and municipal institutions responsible for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response. At the national level, Tayar Nepal aims to build the capacity of disaster risk reduction & management (DRRM) institutions, including the newly created National Disaster Risk Reduction &Management Authority (NDRRMA)to improve how national-level systems and institutions address to all types of risks caused by natural hazards and technical disasters.  Locally, Tayar Nepal will enhance local DRRM capacity by working with municipalities, stakeholders and communities to identify and implement successful inclusive DRRM initiatives which are consistent with national policies and plan.  Tayar employs two-pronged Stronger Systems + Safer Settlements approach that strengthens institutions and capacities at the national, provincial, and local levels to strengthen Nepal’s resilience to natural & non-natural disasters. This will be accomplished through working on three key components: 1) Improving National Level Systems and Institutions; 2) Building Capacity at the Municipal Levels and 3) Strengthening disaster response and recovery and supporting activities. In the current situation, the world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Nepal also is a part of this pandemic. Tayar Nepal had received the supplemental tasks order from the USAID under the Component 3 to address the impacts of the COVID-19.

Nepal time and again has experienced several disasters, resulting in the loss of lives and huge financial losses. Basically, after April 2015 earthquake, there has been a lot of change in the perception aboutthe disaster and significant progress towards responding to reduce and mitigate disaster risk. The Nepal government has endorsed various legal documents to address the commitment of international convention and response and lessen the disaster, such as Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act, 2074, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Regulation 2076, Disaster Risk Reduction National Policy 2075, and Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy Plan 2018-2030 and the government came into action for reducing and managing the disaster. The new Act, Regulation, Policy, guideline, and strategy provides a comprehensive outlook to capture different dimensions of disaster risk management (DRM).  The three-level of governments are equally responsible to implement DRM activities. 

The National Executive Committee made a decision to instruct and request other ministries, department and other relevant agencies including development partners to share disaster risk: hazard, exposure and vulnerability information with NDRRMA. The Organization & Management (O&M) of NDRRMA has been endorsed and the positions prescribed in the O&M need to be fulfilled and NDRRMA is awaiting the placement of officers so that NDRRMA can be fully operational and functional. Under the present scenario, NDRRMA does not have the required number of staff to fulfill its official obligations and the staff present within NDRRMA do not have the required capacity and skills to prepare required Geographic Information System (GIS) reports. Tayar Nepal willhire and embed theGIS Expert to assist NDRRMA in preparing reports, maps, and other data.  

Objective:

Under the supervision of the senior officials of NDRRMA and close coordination with Tayar Nepal technical staff, the GIS Expert will work with NDRRMA team, Province and local level government to generate and maintain a Geographic Information System for disaster risk, hazard, exposure, vulnerability information. 

Scope of Work:

• Support the NDRRMA in collating various risk information and review data received from various sectoral Ministries, Departments, Province and local governments for accuracy and standardization
• Create, gather, and manage geo-referenced disaster risk information data for NDRRMA
• Contribute to the curating of risk information in the www.bipadportal.gov.np and report preparation where maps or GIS data and analysis are required
• Work closely with NDRRMA and stakeholders to ensure consistent approach to managing data on hazard, exposure and vulnerability including risk maps, in keeping in international best practices. 
• Identify and collaborate with NDRRMA counterpart for GIS and mapping skills transfer and handover of duties at the end of the contract period. 

Deliverables:

• Georeferenced library or database created of all available and verified data including source and date collated from various ministries, departments, provinces 
• Creation of guiding document for NDRRMAon how to produce digital maps, management of data, and coordination with key stakeholders.  This guiding document will be part of handover and skill transfer to NDRRMA 
• Submit monthly report highlighting activities implemented and meetings held during the month, no later than 10th of the following month, include any maps produced during the reporting period.
• Final Consultant Report at the end of the assignment that includes a high-level summary of accomplishments and recommendations. 

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in geography, GIS, Disaster Risk Management or other relevant degree
• At least five years of experience at national or international level specializing in Geographic Information System for disaster risk management
• Experience in design and use of ICT based geo-referenced data collection and management for household damage assessment 
• Excellent written and spoken English and Nepali languages
• Professional experience in the use of computers and office software and extensive knowledge of database software
• Knowledge of GPS surveys and their integration with GIS
• Ability to manage a complex schedule of multiple projects, short deadlines, technical contributions, translations, and external reviewers - while ensuing on-time delivery of quality reports and maps. 
• Preference will be given to candidates who have knowledge of use of GIS in disaster risk management approaches, international best practices, or experience working with government institutions.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit an updated CV to TayarRecruitment@dai.com  by April 16, 2021. 

Women and persons with disabilities, marginalized and disadvantaged communities are encouraged to apply.