Company Profile

SoCha LLC is an independent professional services and consulting firm that provides bespoke localization services to clients working in international development.  We are a US-registered, veteran-owned small business with a headquarters in Mauritius and projects in Africa and Asia.  SoCha is a subcontractor to EnCompass on the USAID/Zambia MEL Platform activity.

Background

The USAID/Zambia MEL Platform will provide USAID/Zambia, implementing partners (IPs), and local country stakeholders with demand-driven performance monitoring and evaluation technical assistance, analytical services, and logistical support services to ultimately improve and ease Mission burden to engage, analyze and communicate the impact of USAID programming in Zambia. The activity includes a Learning Hub that will help USAID/Zambia disseminate and mainstream data-driven evidence, expand CLA opportunities among USAID and its IPs, and enhance local engagement through an easily accessible, collaborative, and supportive environment that fosters innovation.

The position will be full-time and be based in Lusaka, Zambia with travel throughout the country. The GIS Specialist reports to the Communications Specialist. Only citizens and residents of Zambia will be considered.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

The GIS Specialist will provide the following support to USAID/Zambia over the life of The MEL Platform:

• Developing a full suite of geospatial data analysis and visualization services to USAID/Zambia;
• In close collaboration with The Platform’s Information Specialist and the USAID/Zambia Mission, design and build systems to store and manage geographic information, ensuring data accuracy, implementing quality control procedures, and keeping databases up-to-date.
• Producing products including maps, visual learning products, and other geospatial infographics;
• Providing GIS services including geospatial capacity strengthening, spatial analysis, and GIS data dissemination;
• Integrating activity location data with performance and contextual data;
• Visualizing project outcomes to support collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA) events
• Working with the USAID GeoCenter to advise the Mission and IPs on effective mapping;
• Training stakeholders on GIS data collection; Enabling the Mission to plan site visits more effectively; and
• Ensuring that the Mission and IPs follow Automated Directive Systems 579’s geographic data standards.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years of work experience relevant in GIS
• Advanced proficiencies in ArcGIS suite
• Experience in collecting geolocation data;
• Experience in the management of geographic data
• Experience plotting social, health, and economic data on maps;
• Experience integrating layered data onto maps
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Strong analytical skills, interpersonal skills, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of USAID or US Department of State highly desirable.
• Experience in spatial analysis highly desired but not required
• Experience in remote sensing is desired but not required