The Organisation
The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is a registered local Conservation Non-Governmental Organisation in Zambia and operating in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust as part of the African Crane Conservation Programme (ACCP). In Zambia, we are operating under a long term collaborative management agreement (CMP) with the Department of National Parks under the Ministry of Tourism, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia. Our mission is to conserve cranes and the wetland ecosystems and flyways on which they depend. We provide knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes using the sustainable development framework. We work with Governments, other NGOs, Universities, communities, the private sector and other stakeholders wherever cranes are.
The Role
The Data Analyst and Geographical Information System (GIS) Ecologist works closely with other ICF Zambia team members to research, gather, synthesize, and incorporate biodiversity and law enforcement data into geospatial and software tools. These tools are used to identify priorities and inform conservation priorities and activities. This position reports directly to the Manager – Research, Monitoring and Evaluation. The Data Analyst and GIS Ecologist will be responsible for the following:
1. Coordinate the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) implementation for the Kafue Flats Restoration Partnership (KFRP). Specific duties are itemised below:
- Coordinate and lead the SMART data entry for the Lochinvar and Blue Lagoon National Parks and Kafue Flats GMA to ensure that the correct data entry protocols are followed, and data updated.
- Conduct data collection training for Wildlife Police Officers and Community Scouts in Lochinvar and Blue Lagoon National Parks and the GMA on an annual basis and initial data collection training for new recruits as required.
- Analyse SMART data, produce monthly reports and maps and ensure that all base maps (in SMART desktop, SMART Mobile, SMART Connect and Reports) are kept up to date to improve reporting and mapping quality.
- Keep the SMART Standard Operation Procedures up to date with any changes and ensure all SMART users are aware of the correct protocols.
2. Provide technical GIS support to the research team – and maintain and populate crane and other biodiversity data collected in ArcGIS Survey123 and produce maps and other graphic products and reports. Additional specific duties are itemised below:
- Undertake spatial analysis and produce maps for the ICF Zambia office.
- Provide the Biodiversity Monitoring Team and the Law Enforcement Team with any support they may need with SMART and ArcGIS Survey123 and training data collectors for the surveys, setting up devices and data models for surveys, and accessing and checking survey data.
- Participate in field surveys to collect data on animal populations, habits, and habitats to monitor population trends and help manage habitats for conservation purposes.
- Participate in the field to determine species presence, density, range of travel, and any threats to the species and to human safety.
- Using computer software to store and analyse data about animals, their habitats, and related information.
- Participate in the study of Satellite/GPS GSM Tracking to determine migration patterns of crane species across their range in Zambia.
- Maintain and manage biodiversity, law enforcement and socioeconomic databases.
- Support implementation of the monitoring and evaluation plan for the Kafue Flats Restoration Partnership (KFRP)
About You
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, or a related discipline is a MUST, with a minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role.
- Strong people skills with good communication capacity in written and spoken
- English as well as local languages.
- Proficient in the use of SMART.
- Processes GIS and Remote sensing skills.
- Experience in Camera Trap surveys and Distance Sampling is an advantage.
- Experience in conducting fieldwork in a remote location.
- Data analysis, processing, and database management are highly important.
ICF Zambia is an equal opportunities employer. This position is open to nationals of Zambia. Qualified candidates should submit a three-page Curriculum Vitae, a daytime telephone contact, email address, names and addresses of three references and a cover letter explaining how their experience will contribute to the requirements of the position. The cover letter should also indicate the candidate’s salary expectation. All applications should be sent to: adminzambia@savingcranes.org
The closing date for applications is Friday 31st July 2023.
