I. NATURE AND GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF THE WORK:
SERVIR is a joint initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), along with leading geospatial organizations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, that partners with countries and organizations in these regions to address critical challenges related to agriculture and food security, air quality and health, ecosystem and carbon management, water security, and weather and climate resilience. SERVIR, meaning “to serve,” was
established in 2005 to address these challenges and make geospatial information available and useful to decision makers in developing countries. Using satellite data and geospatial technology, SERVIR co-develops innovative solutions through a network of regional hubs to improve decision making at regional, national, and local scales. The information provided by SERVIR is publicly available and intended for civilian applications only. While SERVIR draws heavily from the latest in science and technology, the program is
ultimately focused on development impact.
The purpose of this activity is to establish a SERVIR hub for the Central American region. The goal of SERVIR Central America (SERVIR-CA) is to improve climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity conservation across the Central American region through early action and increased use of satellite-based data and geospatial technology in development decision making, thus contributing to overall regional security and prosperity and reducing the drivers of irregular migration
II. MAIN TASKS
The Science and Data Lead/ DCOP will be the principal technical expert in the hub and the primary technical contact with the NASA science team.
• S/he will support the COP’s technical leadership and administrative oversight of the SERVIR CA award, serving as the second in command to the COP. Represent the Activity and SERVIR-CA in meetings with private and public sector stakeholders as requested by the COP.
• S/he will work closely with the Chief of Party to provide technical and managerial oversight for the Activity, including the development and implementation of the Activity’s annual work plans, quarterly and annual reports, and other requests from USAID.
• S/he will have primary operational responsibility for developing new, high-quality, user-tailored data, tools, applications, and models to address on-the-ground priorities and facilitate data sharing.
• S/he will co-develop strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, and overall management of the program in line with USAID guidelines to achieve project objectives.
• S/he will ensure Activity success through high-quality technical leadership and oversight.
• S/he will manage the development, design, and implementation of all Component-led interventions. This includes taking responsibility for STTA (Short-Term Technical Assistance) SoWs (Scope of Work), supporting the recruitment and selection of STTA consultants, scheduling and mobilization, field implementation, and final acceptance of the completed work.
• S/he will lead the team to ensure proper coordination and guidance among local government, country-wide initiatives, community partners, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. Manage when required the proper implementation and coordination of events, technical forums, conferences, and roundtables.
• S/he will support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high-quality implementation. Maintaining a rigorous focus on achieving the Activity’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• S/he will direct transparent communications with partners, including negotiating scopes of work, addressing requisite revisions in programmatic work, and troubleshooting issues that may arise.
• S/he will represent CATIE with partners and key stakeholders, maintaining positive relationships with USAID and local and regional authorities.
• S/he will establish effective communication and coordination with government personnel to implement interventions and incorporate regional and country-wide priorities•S/he will create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where the project team
strives to achieve excellence.
• S/he will incorporate CATIE’s vision and values and ensure full adherence to Code of Conduct
principles.
• S/he will effectively backstop and support long- and short-term consultants.
• S/he will perform other duties as assigned on an ad hoc basis by the COP.
III. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Academic level:
A graduate degree (master’s degree or higher) in GIS, remote sensing, geography, natural resources management, or other field relevant to this position, or equivalent verifiable experience.
Experience:
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in managing scientific/ technical/ development projects.
• At least five years of experience in developing user or client driven geospatial tools, or applications, including modeling, database management and data quality control. Project management experience focused on geospatial tools or other science-based research desired.
IV. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
• Strong knowledge of proprietary and open-source software for spatial analysis and data management.
• Proven record of productive engagement with scientists.
• Proven record of productive engagement with government stakeholders and/or other clients/ users of geospatial tools and applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context of Central America preferred.
Interested persons should send an application letter (at their personal discretion), curriculum summary and salary claim, Email: vacante@catie.ac.c
