Background

Large-scale epidemics and pandemics pose a serious threat not only to global health security but also to countries, communities and individuals in their efforts to achieve resilience. Epidemics and pandemics affect all sectors, impacting routine health services, economic and food security, trade, education, civil order, communication, transportation, and many other areas of life. The threat of emerging infectious diseases, including those of zoonotic origin, and the increasing prevalence of diseases previously controlled by antimicrobials and vaccination efforts, is a cause for concern to the global health community. Communities play an important role in prevention, early detection and early response with regard to this threat.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a new programme targeting community centric epidemic and pandemic preparedness utilising an all of society all hazard approach. This programme builds on existing tools and actions being taken by Red Cross members but also external partners. A number of projects will occur within the programme focused on three work streams: Community Preparedness, National Society Preparedness and Private Sector and Key Stakeholders Engagement.

Objective of the consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to support the IFRC and its partners strengthen the ability of communities and civil society groups to prevent, detect, and respond to disease threats and play a central and significant role in preparing for future health and disaster risks. As part of the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society will work with the IFRC, the American Red Cross, government entities, anthropologists, social scientists, civil society groups and other partners to collect and release key datasets and to produce digital visualization tools that will help responders at all levels to better understand where and why disease threats exist and thrive and to better prepare for them.

Acting as a champion for the importance of mapping and open data, the GIS consultant will work with government and other partners to gather existing information and data, identify gaps and validate the collected data, and work to gain permission to release the data openly. Priority datasets include geographic base data, social and cultural determinants of health, etc. These datasets will be finalized in coordination with local stakeholders and with guidance from the IFRC, the Sierra Leone Red Cross, and the American Red Cross, working from a draft list already created by the project team. Once the data layers are assembled and permissions granted, the consultant will work with Red Cross partners to upload these to OpenStreetMap and HDX, as appropriate.

The consultant will engage with local partners, government actors, and other NGOs to promote open data and mapping within the region, and solicit stakeholder input into data needs to ensure that mapping results in useful products and synergistic inputs for Red Cross programmes. The GIS Consultant will receive close technical support from the IFRC and the American Red Cross’ GIS and Information Management unit.

The GIS consultant will cover the project work in Sierra Leone and may be based in Freetown with travel to the field, and potential regional travel to Nairobi in order to engage with government and non-governmental partners working the region.

Expected outcomes and deliverables

1. Build and maintain relationships with the IFRC, Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, American Red Cross, government ministries and partner organizations to collect relevant datasets

▪ Meet with relevant ministries (Ministries of Health, Geographic Information, Census, etc) to determine relevant datasets

▪ Work with officials to allow for sharing and dissemination of data using appropriate licenses

▪ Work with Red Cross partners to validate data to ensure data quality

▪ Arrange that data is received in a universally accessible, and if possible, a machine-readable format to allow for data analysis

▪ Assist in determining the best way for data to be disseminated and visualized

▪ Practice responsible data management for sensitive datasets

▪ Work with Red Cross partners to ensure that data are upload to the relevant database (e.g. OpenStreetMap, Humanitarian Data Exchange, etc.)

▪ Consult on strategy and methods for mapping vulnerable areas, as identified by Red Cross partners, in OpenStreetMap.

1. Promote an ecosystem of open data in the region

▪ Engage with volunteers and partner organizations to educate people about the value of open data and mapping as key infrastructure for humanitarian/development efforts

▪ Ensure that all appropriate geographic data are uploaded to OpenStreetMap or other relevant, accessible repositories

▪ Support local OpenStreetMap communities to encourage local mapping.

▪ Work closely with Red Cross partners to support the project’s collaborative partnerships with other Red Cross / Red Crescent National Societies, HOT, MSF, the World Bank, local government agencies, and other relevant entities.

1. Ensure timely submission of all required project reporting.

Management of the consultant

The consultant will be managed by the IFRC Public Health Informatics Senior Officer in Geneva, in close coordination with the IFRC CP3 Coordinator in Freetown, and the American Red Cross in Washington DC.

Proposed time frame and location

The proposed time frame is for a 5-month contract, with an initial maximum of 113 days of work, with potential or extension based on funding and candidate availability.

Start Date: 1 August 2018

Role balance guide:

▪ Project management – 30%

▪ Relationship Development and Data Coordination – 60%

▪ Data analysis and reporting – 10%

Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Desirable Requirements

● Minimum of bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, urban planning, or other related field

● Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of GIS. The position requires proficiency in ArcGIS or QGIS, online server-based GIS, and web-mapping. Graphic design skills and experience using Adobe Creative Suite and are strongly preferred

● Previous experience with community-based mapping

● Extensive experience with OpenStreetMap (OSM)

● Strong data analysis skills (Excel, Access, PostGIS, PostgreSQL, etc.)

● Interest in using open source software and working to promote open data

● Awareness of data protection principles are strongly preferred

● Minimum of five years of experience in project management; demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance to projects and in training/overseeing staff

● Willingness to travel within the project region for meetings with partners

● Fluency in English with strong report writing and verbal communication skills.

● Strong interpersonal skills and public speaking abilities

● High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels

● Previous experience with various humanitarian and health partners

● Ability to work in an environment of diverse languages and cultures

● Minimum of 3 years’ experience living and working in developing country contexts

● Prior experience with Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, IFRC and/or ICRC

Interested candidates should send their CV, letter of interest, and daily consultancy rate to health.department@ifrc.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.