[Hiring] Agricultural Drought GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist @Abt Global

Role Description

The El Niño GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist will provide specialist spatial analysis, mapping and remote-sensing support for APEP’s El Niño preparedness, assessment, response and recovery activities.

• Compile and map reports of El Niño impacts, field assessment results, weather and climate information, drought indices and the location and coverage of response activities.
• Liaise with companies producing satellite imagery, maps and other remote-sensing products for APEP.
• Translate complex spatial and remote-sensing information into clear maps, reports and briefing products.

Key Responsibilities

• Spatial Data Management and Analysis:
  • Establish and maintain geospatial datasets relevant to drought preparedness, response and recovery.
  • Integrate information from field assessments, government agencies, partners and remote-sensing products.
  • Analyse spatial information to identify emerging impacts, hotspots, information gaps and priority areas for assessment or response.
• Mapping and Decision Support:
  • Produce maps, dashboards, briefs and other spatial products to support decision-making.
  • Map drought conditions, reported impacts, assessment coverage and response activities.
  • Clearly communicate findings, limitations and areas of uncertainty.
• Remote Sensing Support:
  • Analyse relevant remote-sensing and drought-monitoring products.
  • Support the specification, commissioning and quality assurance of external remote-sensing services where required.
  • Integrate remote-sensing outputs with field observations and other available data sources.
• Coordination and Capacity Development:
  • Work with government agencies, provincial authorities and development partners to improve the availability and use of spatial information.
  • Support knowledge transfer and practical capacity development of designated personnel.
• Reporting:
  • Prepare maps, presentations, analytical briefs and other products as required.
  • Contribute spatial analysis to assessments, reports and program planning processes.

Key Deliverables

• A structured geospatial database and catalogue of relevant datasets, spatial products and information sources.
• A consistent system for recording and mapping reported El Niño impacts, assessment coverage and response activities.
• National and provincial maps showing reported impacts, weather and drought conditions, relevant indices and changes over time, assessed areas, activities delivered, etc.
• Technical inputs into the design and commissioning of external remote-sensing services.
• Quality reviews of imagery, maps and analytical products delivered by remote-sensing companies.
• Map-based reports, analytical briefs, presentations and other decision-support products as required.

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in GIS, remote sensing, geography, geomatics, environmental science, spatial data science or a closely related discipline.
• Additional professional training in disaster risk management, climate analysis, agriculture, hydrology or information management would be an advantage.

Requirements

• At least five years' relevant professional experience in GIS, remote sensing and spatial analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, QGIS or equivalent platforms.
• Demonstrated experience applying remote sensing and spatial analysis to drought, agriculture, water, vegetation, climate hazards or related fields.
• Strong cartographic skills and demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate and decision-focused maps.
• Experience developing and maintaining geospatial databases, metadata and analytical workflows.
• Experience coordinating with technical service providers and multiple stakeholders to obtain, manage and apply spatial information.
• Strong analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outputs within changing timeframes.

Desirable

• Familiarity with relevant international satellite and climate datasets and platforms.
• Experience using cloud-based geospatial platforms such as Google Earth Engine or equivalent systems.
• Experience with web maps, spatial dashboards, automated analytical workflows or geospatial programming.

How to Apply

Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document. Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.

The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt. We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026 (Midday, local time)