If you possess a master’s degree in information management, geography, agriculture or water resources, and have at least five years professional experience in the field of Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing (GIS/RS), you could fit our profile of supporting GIS/RS. This position reports to the Manager of the GIS, RS and Data Management Unit at the headquarters of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• provide technical support to researchers to identify appropriate data sources, acquisition/retrieval, storage and archiving of digital data/imagery, processing, interpretation and analysis of remotely sensed and GIS data to produce new products focusing on water and agriculture.

• lead the processing of digital imagery using image processing software such as ERDAS Imagine, ER Mapper or similar. Processing includes orthorectification, image classification, building textures, performing geometrical corrections, projection standardization, removal of cloud effects on images, application of standard algorithms/models and preparation of standard outputs, including maps.

• oversee collection, compilation, evaluation, interpretation, maintenance and distribution of the GIS and remotely sensed data (and metadata) for the water resources management applications through the Water Data Portal adhering to international standards.

• train project staff and partners and provide academic guidance to research students/interns in the use and application of GIS/RS.

• prepare research reports, journal articles and other manuscripts and presentations to disseminate research results.

• MSc. degree in information management, geography, agriculture or water resources with a focus on database and information management.

• formal or on-the-job training in GIS, image processing, database and information management.

• at least 5 years relevant professional experience at a mid-level position in the field of GIS/RS.

• experience with web approaches, interfaces and protocols such as html, xml, php, etc.

• demonstrated ability to implement OGC compliant standards such as WMS, WFS, etc.

• experience in sub-meter GPS applications, including data acquisition and post-processing.

• good understanding of computer networking, client-server and database technologies.

• self-motivated, enthusiastic and work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• able to establish priorities, plan, organize and monitor own work.

• committed and reliable, with good organizational skills and time management.

• challenges posed by environmental impacts on global change on one hand and rapidly developing GIS/RS techniques on the other.

• GIS/RS tools and software such as ESRI GIS software particularly ArcGIS Server, ERDAS Imagine, E-cognition and other similar software.

• metadata standards and platforms

It would be advantageous if you had a degree in GIS/RS or a relevant discipline and experience in working with water and agriculture related issues. Previous work experience in developing countries would be welcome. If you can conduct trainings/workshops and develop training material and have innovative thinking, challenging existing approaches and knowledge, that would also be an advantage. Finally, knowledge of relevant programming languages such as C++, Python, etc., will be an advantage.

This is a regionally recruited position with a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a housing allowance, transport, education, shipping assistance, annual home leave, retirement and health insurance package. IWMI’s policy is to appoint staff initially on three-year contracts which are subject to renewal, depending on performance and the Institute’s needs.

The International Water Management Institute (www.iwmi.org) is a non-profit, scientific organization engaged in research and capacity building activities for developing countries. Our mission is to overcome poverty through better management of land and water resources. Working with diverse partners and supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (www.cgiar.org), IWMI seeks to translate its research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, resource managers and poor rural communities. IWMI is based in Sri Lanka and has regional offices in 12 countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.