Mercy Corps is Seeking a Data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Advisor

Location: Nairobi, Kenya (or Addis Ababa, Hargeisa, Mogadishu)
Position Type: Full-time, Regular
Salary Level: National
Department: Programs and Technical Specialties

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian organization driven by the belief that a better world is possible. Operating in over 40 countries, it partners with communities to tackle adversity and help them build stronger, more resilient futures. In the Horn of Africa, Mercy Corps has been active since 2004, engaging in development and humanitarian programs in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, often integrating approaches across geographies and sectors.

About the Regional Livestock Program (RLP)

The Regional Livestock Program (RLP) is a joint initiative led by IGAD, Helvetas, WHH, and Mercy Corps, with funding from AFD and SDC. The program targets pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities across Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, aiming to build a productive, climate-resilient, and inclusive livestock sector. It focuses on five trade corridors and emphasizes women’s economic empowerment, youth inclusion, and long-term competitiveness in regional and international markets.

General Position Summary

The Data and GIS Advisor plays a critical role in leading data management, spatial analysis, and decision-support systems within the RLP. The Advisor oversees the collection, organization, cleaning, and interpretation of spatial and non-spatial data to inform adaptive management, strategic learning, and performance monitoring. Working closely with program teams and partners, the Advisor ensures the effective use of data in enhancing program quality and evidence-based decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Data Management and Analysis

• Lead design and implementation of monitoring systems and GIS components for RLP.
• Collect and validate data from various sources including satellite imagery, surveys, and relational databases.
• Use GIS tools to analyze and visualize geographic trends, spatial relationships, and program indicators across RLP corridors.
• Build dashboards, data models, and visualizations using tools such as Power BI, Microsoft Azure, Fabric, and CommCare.

GIS and Technical Support

• Guide program teams in applying geospatial data for decision-making across key thematic areas including rangeland management, animal health, market systems, and trade.
• Support GIS data collection, mobile mapping, and integration of GPS tools.
• Troubleshoot data inconsistencies and provide technical training to enumerators and field staff.

Reporting and Visualization

• Develop strategic reports and real-time dashboards for intervention tracking and program learning.
• Write efficient queries for data extraction and transformation using Azure/Fabric.
• Create models using star/snowflake schemas to support performance monitoring and adaptive management.

Capacity Building and Learning

• Train staff and partners on data systems, GIS tools, and dashboard use.
• Support MEL officers, program managers, and implementing partners in defining and meeting their data needs.
• Foster cross-country learning, knowledge sharing, and coordination with IGAD, Helvetas, and WHH.

Data Governance and Quality

• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and accessibility through strong data governance practices.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of data infrastructure, including the use of TolaData, SharePoint, and other platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in MIS, Data Analytics, MEL, GIS, Statistics, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in data analytics, MEL, or GIS in development or humanitarian settings.
• Strong proficiency in Power BI, Microsoft Azure, ArcGIS, QGIS, and CommCare.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or R is advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in building dashboards, writing queries, and managing relational databases.
• Excellent analytical, storytelling, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and at least one local language.

Additional Expectations

• Willingness to travel up to 50% within the region, including remote or insecure areas.
• Commitment to ethical data practices, safeguarding principles, and Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct.
• Participation in ongoing learning and professional development (minimum 5% of time).

Supervision and Collaboration

• Reports to the RLP Monitoring & Results Measurement Manager.
• Works in close coordination with the Program Director, Deputy Director, corridor coordinators, country MEL teams, and implementing partners.

Equal Opportunity & Safeguarding

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. It upholds the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect in its engagement with communities and partners. All staff are expected to comply with safeguarding policies and participate in ongoing ethics and conduct training.

Join Mercy Corps and be a part of transforming livestock markets and livelihoods in the Horn of Africa through innovative data systems and geospatial analysis.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.