Spatial Scientist for The Nature Conservancy Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania)

The Nature Conservancy Lake Tanganyika Spatial Scientist, Africa Region in
Kigoma, Tanzania

OFFICE LOCATION

Kigoma, Tanzania TAN02

(Full details and link to the announcement can be found at
http://jobs.nature.org/kigoma-tza/lake-tanganyika-spatial-scientist-africa-region/7CC9F9194F784E0F99D12EE354E1F431/job/)

POSITION SUMMARY

Many of the last remaining intact terrestrial and freshwater systems in the
tropical world are in Africa - from the intact delta of the wild Ogooué
River to the grasslands of Northern Tanzania to the deep and spectacular
lakes of the Rift Valley. Ecosystem services such as fish protein, clean
water, and floodplain productivity that intact ecosystems provide act as
life support for many poor, rural communities dependent upon them. Economies
of sub-Saharan Africa are also growing rapidly, and ecological systems and
services are likely to be significantly stressed in the coming decades. We
need accurate and compelling conservation-related spatial data, remote
sensing analysis, and map products to create better informed decision
making, whether at the national government or local community scale.

The Nature Conservancy’s Africa Region seeks a broadly trained scientist
with expertise in complex spatial analysis over large landscapes. This
person will work on projects related to spatial database management,
participatory mapping of ecosystem services, and spatial analyses in
priority freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems of the Lake Tanganyika Basin
and its riparian countries (Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo). She/He will focus on projects that identify existing
ecological resources and ecosystem services as well as threats to those
resources. This person will also work to integrate socioeconomic aspects –
such as farmer or fisher perceptions – into spatial analyses as a team
member working with The Nature Conservancy and the Lake Tanganyika Authority
to build an Atlas of Freshwater Resources for use by a multitude of
stakeholders operating within the Lake Tanganyika Basin. This person will
engage in capacity building activities to enhance skills sets for members of
the Lake Tanganyika Authority and other national and regional stakeholders
to use spatial products generated through projects. She/He is responsible
for various project-related tasks, including project planning, analysis,
report preparation and publication of results. She/He may also be expected
to provide detailed spatial analysis and map production in support of our
other programs throughout the continent, such as the Greater Mahale
Ecosystem in Tanzania, the African Great Lakes Region, the Ogooué River in
Gabon, the Tana River in Kenya, and the Kafue River in Zambia. Key
approaches include support to the Lake Tanganyika Authority, national
governments, and other stakeholders in freshwater resource prioritization
and mapping, water infrastructure planning, source water protection,
freshwater protected area planning, and freshwater fisheries management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The spatial scientist supports landscape-scale spatial analysis, with a
focus on freshwater ecosystems, related to The Nature Conservancy and the
Lake Tanganyika Authority’s work in the Lake Tanganyika Basin and its four
riparian countries: Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi, and DRC. Requires sufficient
knowledge and work experience in one or more of the following functions:

Advanced knowledge of management, manipulation and analysis of both
vector and raster spatial data in geo-coded database structures;
Strong cartographic skills;
Experience with remote sensing;
Ability to manage and coordinate projects and coordinate closely with
Program Managers and other science staff; and
Experience presenting projects at conferences and meetings and writing
progress reports, final reports, scientific manuscripts and developing
training materials in both French and English.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Science Activities: Conducts participatory ecosystem service mapping and
modeling and application of results. Integrate spatial data with field
surveys to document social and ecological systems in project areas using
standard methods and techniques.
Innovation: Participates in the ongoing development of new tools,
methods, processes, and techniques that improve conservation action in The
Nature Conservancy’s conservation priority areas and thematic opportunities.
Communications: Communicates the role of The Nature Conservancy in the
conservation of biodiversity, and explain the utility of science-based
conservation to partners. In collaboration with the Conservation Director
and Africa TNC Program Managers, communicate regularly with key project
partners and others to maintain strong partnerships and facilitate effective
conservation.
Information Requests: Responds to requests for ecological information
from partners and provide interpretation, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Geographic Information Science, Ecology, Geography or
related field and 4 years related experience, or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
Experience in designing, maintaining and analyzing spatial databases to
meet organizational needs.
Experience in developing and delivering web-based training materials
using tools such as Screenshot-O-Matic, WebEx, or Team Viewer.
Experience in teaching others how to use common spatial analysis tools
and map product outputs.
Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals
Experience leading or participating on cross functional teams.
Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people
Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and
coordinating the work of peers and partners
Fluency in speaking, reading and writing in French and English is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree in biological or information sciences with course work
indicating knowledge of complex spatial analysis considered.
Demonstrated experience with landscape-scale spatial analysis and
freshwater modeling. Knowledge of climate change impacts on ecosystems and
methods for understanding community perceptions of these changes is highly
desirable.
Project management and administrative experience, database management,
word processing, and open source GIS skills (e.g. QGIS).
Ability to develop maps in ArcGIS Online to share with partners.
Ability to work effectively with others under pressure and tight
deadlines. Capable of working independently to complete projects.
Communicating clearly via written and spoken means in English and
French. Communication skills in Swahili and at least one other language
common to the African Great Lakes region are desirable.
Excellent graphical communication skills. Ability to write technical
reports utilizing available resources. Ability to produce
professional-quality map products.
Willingness to travel throughout the Lake Tanganyika Basin and
particularly the phase 1 project focal areas in Tanzania and Zambia.
Comfort articulating and advocating for The Nature Conservancy’s
conservation mission.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the
Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive
Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on
behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see
further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at
www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle
Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's
motor vehicle record.

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to
make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50
United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature
Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan
matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies
and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional
development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will
find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and
personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.



HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 44036, submit resume and cover letter as one
document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59
p.m. Eastern Time on April 1, 2016.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a
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or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation
mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and
women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring
staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character
is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors,
religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status,
sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or
other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of _**The Nature
Conservancy’s background screening process._**

Position Title: Lake Tanganyika Spatial Scientist, Africa Region

Job ID: 44036

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Location: Africa Region