BACKGROUND:

The East African Community (EAC), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is addressing critical biodiversity threats such as climate change, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade through the management of transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs). These shared ecosystems, spanning multiple countries, are vital for livelihoods and regional economies but require coordinated conservation strategies. Despite progress with initiatives like the EAC Transboundary Conservation Areas Network, the Secretariat faces significant capacity gaps, particularly in GIS and data management expertise. Such skills are essential for effective monitoring, mapping, and decision-making to support the sustainable management of the region’s diverse and threatened ecosystems.

To bridge this gap, the NaturAfrica project, funded by the EU, has created a GIS-focused position seconded at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. This role is central to monitoring shared ecosystems using space and earth observation technologies and strengthening liaison with the EAC’s Resource Conservation and Regional Management Directorate (RCRMD). The position will support the operationalization of the EAC TBCA Network and the implementation of the Natural Capital Valuation Study action plan, enabling evidence-based decision-making and fostering regional collaboration. By addressing the lack of GIS capacity within the EAC Directorate, this initiative aims to enhance the region’s ability to conserve its critical natural resources and improve cross-border governance for sustainable ecosystem management.

The Geographic Information System Officer will;
Assume overall responsibility for the timely and quality delivery of geospatial information related work for the NaturAfrica project – EAC component, including supporting TBCAs assessments and monitoring,
With the assistance of the EAC TBCAs Unit and IUCN experts working on the NaturAfrica project, will develop a Methodological Framework for regular monitoring and updating of information on the EAC TBCAs i.e. Mapping and trend analysis,
will develop interactive maps for the TBCAs in collaboration with RCMRD experts from the Regional Centre of Excellence,
Will regularly update the portal with information about activities linked to the TBCAs, with technical support from RMCRD, EAC and IUCN experts,
In collaboration with EAC, support the dissemination of information about TBCAs through online media,
Provide other GIS support to the department of Environment & Natural Resources and the department of Tourism and Wildlife Management under the Directorate of Productive Sectors of the EAC
Provide technical backstopping and support Programme development by working closely and with the support of relevant IUCN thematic heads, provide leadership and oversight to Programmatic initiatives assigned by the line manager:
Assist in identifying, establishing and building relationships with strategic partners (including, but not limited to EAC Secretariat and Partner States) relevant and necessary for GIS-related Programme delivery and growth;
In consultation with the IUCN team, EAC and other key stakeholders – Identify key programmatic strategic priorities relevant to the current and emerging needs around GIS-linked natural resources conservation and management I the region;
Support fundraising efforts through identifying and securing funding opportunities to operationalise the GIS-linked priorities related to Natural Resources Conservation in the EAC, as a continuation or leverage to the NaturAfrica program;
Work Closely with the IUCN-GIS expert to ensure quality programme delivery and harmonization.
In collaboration with EAC and upon request by the line manager, attend the IUCN thematic coordination meetings and actively contribute to the substance of the meetings.

Any other duties;
Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager.