Conflict Data and Geospatial specialist

Background

The Humanitarian Early Warning, Analysis (EWAR) and Office for Conflict Stabilisation and Mediation (OCSM) Risk, Response and Research (R3) team are at the forefront of conflict and humanitarian information and analysis, working at the heart of government to inform senior-level decision-making and acting as thought leaders on analysis. Working collaboratively, both teams monitor global events to provide early warning and shape responses by delivering insights through clear and targeted analytic products – primarily a bi-monthly Global Conflict Risk Assessment and country/regional conflict and stability trackers. This involves overcoming a challenging information landscape through mixed method approaches. as well as developing and improving methodologies, such as machine learning, that ensure decision-making is grounded in the best available evidence. Both teams work closely with numerous stakeholders across government and have established partnerships with leading external organisations.

This position will work primarily with R3, as it will be focused on data and visualisation of conflict risk and impacts, but will likely include close liaison with other HSOT and FCDO GIS specialists.

Deliverables

• Make recommendations on the production and delivery of an implementation plan for OCSM’s conflict data, visualisation and GIS requirements and solutions, working closely with FCDO focal point(s);

  • Support R3 leads to consolidate mapping of relevant FCDO data and GIS stakeholders, as well as current initiatives underway across HMG.
  • Work with R3 leads and relevant data and GIS stakeholders to develop the conflict network “use case”.
  • Map potential solutions (internal and external) for more effective use of data across the network and support development and subsequent delivery of an implementation plan.

• Outreach and engagement with relevant external organisation (academia, think tanks, CSOs commercial) and international partners ensuring that the FCDO is able to maintain awareness and participate in research and development of cutting-edge technologies.

• Working with OCSM colleagues, create high quality maps, graphics, visuals and statisticsto incorporate into a quarterly global conflict, instability and atrocity risk assessment, and monthly regional and country level tracking;

  • Present information to clients and stakeholders as targeted outputs supported by verbal or written form; Ensuring quality and timely delivery and continuous improvement
  • Respond to ad-hoc requests from elsewhere in the OCSM for data and analytics support (specifically on conflict analysis).

• Deliver in-house training sessions and support capacity building of other team members and other stakeholders, including the Humanitarian Information and Analysis Community of Practice;

  • Produce GIS technical documents like user guidance for stakeholders;
  • Produce training material and conduct training sessions.

• Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the position, as requested.

Person Specification

• Advanced degree or equivalent qualification in a related subject.
• Advanced information management skills including proficiency in GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS,QGIS), Excel, Power Bi. Knowledge of statistical software is an advantage.
• Knowledge of statistical and/or mapping/GIS software.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of conflict theory, practice and architecture, conflict risk assessment, and planning and managing responses to conflict.
• Degree level or equivalent qualification / experience in a related subject.
• Research and field operational experience with INGO, UN or similar organisation.
• Native fluency in English is required.

Core competencies

• Exceptional organisational and prioritisation, and ability to deal with a varied, demanding, often conflicting and rapidly changing workload, while conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Team player who also works well independently with excellent networking and coordination skills.
• Proven research and analytical skills and proven experience of providing humanitarian information management, impact modelling and analysis during humanitarian crises.
• Competency with visualisation tools (such as Tableau, PowerBI and the Adobe Suite); knowledge of remote sensing analysis and experience of R or python is desired.
• Willingness to deploy in support of FCDO’s work in a humanitarian emergency.
• The ability to pursue, adapt, and lead change, and demonstrate flexibility in response to changing business environments.
• The ability to see the bigger picture and affect business drivers through decisions and actions, and the ability to contribute to the long-term profitability and growth of the organisation.
• Developing and using collaborative relationships.
• Ownership of learning and striving to develop own knowledge and capabilities to support the organisation’s success.

Reporting and relationships

• Line reporting to the Country and Capabilities lead with the OCSM R3 team with some task management from the Global Conflict Risk lead.
• Engagement in all team activities, including routine meetings, peer support, and reporting.
• Establish objectives with line manager and organise regular informal progress updates.
• Any other reporting request as instructed by the line manager.
• This role will be based in FCDO offices in Whitehall and in Palladium offices in Soho.
• The role will work closely with EWAR Team, Humanitarian GIS specialist, and Humanitarian Affairs Officers as well as wider OCSM and stakeholders