Data Visualization and GIS Mapping Analyst (Applications will only be accepted if submitted through the link provided)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps’ has developed a Crisis Analytics function to support our programming in the most complex contexts, including Middle East, Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo and others. The Humanitarian Access Team, Middle East (HAT) supports Mercy Corps’ in-country programming as well as the wider humanitarian response in the region through the provision of quality, timely and relevant analytical products.

Mercy Corps’ crisis analytics teams aggregate and analyze data to improve decision making and access in complex crises. The teams directly contribute to data-driven decision making by layering information from primary sources, open sources and responders’ programmatic data, where it is analysed by subject matter experts and data scientists. This analysis is grounded in Mercy Corps’ status as an operational NGO, keeping our products constructive and relevant for humanitarian responders and donors within a given crisis. The HAT also serves as a real-time information hub; vets potential partners; assesses programmatic, partner, and operational risk; identifies and maps stakeholders; and works with internal partners to better enable data-driven decision making.

Written HAT products range from daily updates during high-intensity periods, to regular weekly Whole-of-Middle East summaries, to in-depth thematic reports and scenario planning.

General Position Summary

This position will introduce expertise in data visualization and GIS mapping.  The incumbent will assist in the collection, storage and cleaning of data and  will also assist on data visualizations and mapping for online publications on the unit’s website.  The information management analyst will be responsible for the publication of online content including GIS mapping, data visualizations, thematic reports and online stories working closely with the unit’s editor and analysis teams.

Essential Job Responsibilities

OVERAll

• Manage visual content on the HAT web platform, provide overall quality control for the platform and ensure content is current.
• Compile, aggregate and analyze data and information elements required to produce standardized information products and implement data/information collection plans for baseline and context-specific data.
• Support and leverage geographic data for map production and use in geographic information systems (GIS) on platforms including ARC GIS.
• Assist the design and curation of online stories and weekly reports.
• Design and update online databases for the analysis team, including information from primary and secondary sources.

STRATEGY & Culture

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed. Contribute to the development of strategies.
• Understand and express complex crises in terms of humanitarian needs, access restrictions, and threats to the humanitarian community

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability

• Reports directly to: HAT Editor.
• Works directly with: whole team

Knowledge and Experience

• Excellent written English
• Analytical experience within a think-tank, UN, or NGO experience; experience analyzing the Middle East is a plus
• Primary and secondary research/academic experience in political science, sociology, economics, or conflict analysis is a plus
• Extensive experience living/working in MENA region is an asset
• Data analysis expertise using STATA or R an asset
• Experience with big data analysis is an asset
• Experience in website development is an asset
• Experience with online publications is an asset

Success Factors

A successful candidate will see opportunities where Mercy Corps programs can compliment policy related to refugees and explore new partnerships or program modalities with private sector and local government.  S/he will be able to relate programming in Middle East with policy and work closely with regional teams to enhance our capacity and approach towards risk and access strategies. S/he will work on short deadlines and therefore, calm, flexible, patient and creative. S/he will support the entire Mercy Corps global team with briefings, representation and other issues related to Middle East programs.

Living/Environmental Conditions

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.