Afghanistan Spatial Analysis and GIS Specialist, Measuring Impact of Stabilization Initiatives (MISTI)

Project/Proposal Summary:
The Measuring Impact of Stabilization Initiatives Project (MISTI) will assess and evaluate the impact of the United States’ stabilization efforts throughout Afghanistan. The project will collect, synthesize and analyze data at the district, provincial and regional levels to track high-order stabilization trends and help shape USG and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) policy and practice related to transition. MISTI will also contribute to the larger body of knowledge on best practices and lessons learned related to the design, implementation and assessment of stabilization activities within a counterinsurgency context.

Position Summary: The Spatial Analysis and GIS Specialist will work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to identify where particular types of interventions were most effective, and why stabilization outcomes and impacts may vary across sub-district, district, provincial, and regional geographies.

Responsibilities: • Use statistical techniques such as spatial autocorrelation and cluster analysis, spatial and temporal lags, potential surfaces, hot and cold spot predictions, and spatially weighted regression, or other geographically sensitive techniques of statistical modeling; • Assess existing USG GIS systems to determine suitability for project data management and analysis needs; • Work closely with a sub-contracting firm to design, implement and maintain a GIS for the collection of M&E data if necessary; • Work closely with USG and bi/multi-lateral counterparts to acquire relevant spatial datasets.
• Perform spatial data management and acquisition, and train local staff in the collection and management of data as needed; • Monitor quality control of the database through regular audits to ensure data quality, accuracy, consistency and completeness; • Ensure that the database complies with the FGDC’s standards.

Qualifications: • Minimum of six years work experience in the application of statistical techniques in spatial analysis, spatial database management, GIS programming and visualization. • Master’s degree in GIS, geography, social science or a related GIS-intensive discipline; • Demonstrated social science research accomplishments applying and/or developing GIS tools and techniques. • The ability to work independently while effectively communicating with the non-GIS-experts making up the M&E team is essential. • Demonstrated Information Systems background with skills and abilities in data collection procedures, systems analysis, database design and information systems project management, and experience with remote sensing and image processing, and the spatial analysis of violent conflict and/or international development programs would be a plus. • Prior experience on USAID funded projects and/or in Afghanistan or similar conflict environments preferred.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

How to apply:

To apply, please visit our website: www.msiworldwide.com.