Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist at Ministry of Energy

MINISTRY OF ENERGY
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)
COUNTRY: MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT: ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS TRANSFORMATION IN MALAWI (ASCENT MALAWI) PROJECT
PROJECT ID: P502464
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: GIS SPECIALIST
DATE OF ISSUE: 24TH FEBRUARY 2025

1.0 Introduction
The Government of Malawi is currently implementing the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT Malawi) Project with funding from the World Bank. The project development objective is to increase clean and sustainable energy access in Malawi, aligning with ASCENT’s Program Development Objective of increasing clean and sustainable energy access in Eastern and Southern Africa. The project has five components but, the Ministry of Energy (MoE) will implement components 2,3,4; Off-grid Connection through Solar Home System; Energy Access for Schools and Health Facilities; and Clean Cooking Solutions, respectively; and Sub-component 5.1, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. The MOE intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist.

Position Title: Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist (Individual Consultant One (1) Position
Commitment: 100%
Reporting: To the Project Manager

2. The Objectives of the Assignment

The GIS Specialist will be responsible for providing geospatial analysis and data management support to the ASCENT Malawi project. The assignment focuses on leveraging GIS technology to enhance the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various project components, including grid and off grid electrification and clean cooking initiatives

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The GIS Specialist will be at the forefront of creating and maintaining geospatial databases, conducting insightful spatial analyses, developing compelling maps and visualizations, and managing the project’s online presence through the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund website. By providing accurate, timely, and accessible geospatial information, the GIS Specialist will empower data-driven decision-making, facilitate efficient resource allocation, and enable effective tracking of the project’s progress and impact on communities throughout the country. The GIS Specialist shall, inter alia, undertake the following tasks:

1. Gather, compile, and manage geospatial data from various sources, including government agencies, project partners, and field surveys. This includes creating and maintaining GIS databases for tracking project activities and beneficiaries.
2. Conduct spatial analysis to identify priority areas for project interventions, such as electrification of households, public institutions, and other beneficiaries, through both grid and off-grid options, and clean cooking programs. This includes mapping population density, energy demand, resource availability, and infrastructure networks.
3. Manage and operate the National Remote Monitoring Platform (NRMP) to track grid connections, off-grid installations, and clean cooking technologies.
4. Ensure integration of data from grid and off-grid service providers and Energy Service Operators into the NRMP.
5. Design and produce high-quality digital maps and visualizations to communicate spatial information effectively.
6. Manage and update the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund website with GIS-based maps and visualizations to communicate project progress and achievements to stakeholders.
7. Provide training and technical support to project staff and partners on the use the Remote Monitoring Platform and GIS tools and techniques.
8. Prepare reports and presentations summarizing GIS-based analysis and findings. This includes documenting methodologies, data sources, and results.
9. Work closely with other project staff, government agencies, and project partners, consultants to ensure that GIS activities are integrated into the overall project implementation plan.
10. Ensure that all GIS activities comply with relevant data privacy and security regulations.
11. Carry out any other relevant periodic duties that may be assigned by the Project Manager from time to time.

4. Qualification and Experience

The GIS Specialist will have at least five (5) years of working experience in conducting geospatial analysis using software such as ArGIS or QGIS preferably applied towards rural development projects involving renewable energies like solar home systems etc. Educational and professional qualifications will include:

1. Bachelor’s degree in either Geography, Environmental Science or Computer Science or related field. A Master’s Degree will be an added advantage.
2. Excellent skills in project management, negotiation, written and oral communications, and team work demonstrated in previous jobs and ability to communicate complex geospatial concepts and findings to nontechnical audiences;
3. Expertise in using GIS software packages (e.g., ArGIS, QGIS) for spatial data analysis, mapping, and visualization.
4. Certification in these software will be an added advantage.
5. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, SQL, or similar for data management and system development.
6. Experience with loT platforms, cloud computing, and database management for remote monitoring applications is an added advantage.
7. Experience in using GPS devices for field data collection and integration with GIS databases.
8. Ability to conduct and interpret various spatial analyses (e.g. proximity analysis, overlay analysis, network analysis, and spatial statistics) to support project planning and decision-making.
9. Experience in Energy access planning or familiarity with Electricity infrastructure.
10. Familiarity with remote sensing data and image processing techniques for land cover mapping, environmental monitoring, and resource assessment.
11. Knowledge of web mapping technologies (e.g., Leaflet, OpenLayers) for creating interactive web maps and applications.
12. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities related to geospatial data, analysis, and visualization.
13. Ability to work effectively with other project team members, government agencies, and project partners
14. Familiarity with development challenges and issues related to energy access and clean cooking in Malawi.
15. Ability to manage project tasks and deliverables within established timelines.
16. Knowledge of data privacy and security regulations related to geospatial data.
17. Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
18. High degree of integrity, accountability, and transparency.

5. Reporting Arrangements and Requirements
The GIS Specialist will be reporting to the Project Manager on the following aspects:

1. Bi-weekly or monthly progress reports summarizing key activities, achievements, challenges and planned activities for the next reporting period
2. GIS data and map products as needed to support project planning, implementation and monitoring activities Technical reports documenting GIS methodologies, data sources, analysis results and recommendations
3. Presentations of GIS finding and results at project meetings and workshops
4. Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual GIS reports as inputs into the Project Management Reports (within 2 weeks from the end of the review period) and, in addition, will prepare GIS reports during support missions.
5. Monthly timesheets to identify time spent.
6. Active participation of regular project meetings and workshops with the PIU, World Bank and other relevant stakeholders to provide updates on GIS activities and addressing any concerns or issues.
7. Collaborate with other project staff and consultants to ensure that GIS activities are integrated into the overall project implementation plan
8. Proactive communication of any potential risks or challenges related to geospatial data, analysis, or website management that may impact project implementation, along with proposed mitigation measures

6. Performance Assessment Criteria

1. Timeliness and Quality of Deliverables
2. Effective Implementation of Safeguards Instruments
3. Functional and Accessible GRM
4. Timely reporting of incidents on the project in line with the ESS2
5. Timely Monitoring and Reporting Accuracy on Safeguards
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
7. Improvement in the Capacity of Project Staff on Safeguards
8. Compliance with National and International Standard
9. Prompt and professional Communication and Responsiveness:

7. Location of Employment
The ESSS will be based at the PIU Office in Lilongwe which is located within the Ministry of Energy where ASCENT is implementing its activities.

8. Duration of Employment
The Contract is a period of five years renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.

9. Reporting Requirements
As a member of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the ESSS shall report to the Project Manager.

10. Services and facilities to be provided by the Client
The client will provide the following services and facilities to the Consultant

1. Office space
2. Office equipment
3. Communication facilities
4. Logistics for field work

11.0 The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section Ill, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

12.0 A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

13.0 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on Weekends and Public Holidays

Method Of Application

Expressions of interest including detailed updated Curriculum Vitae and copies of professional and academic certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 11th APRIL, 2025.

The Chairperson-Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee
Attn: The IPDC Chairperson
Ministry of Energy
Private Bag 309
Lilongwe 3.
Tel: +265 1 770 688

Email: info@energy.gov.mw or
E-mail: victor.lombola@energy.gov.mw; misheck.maweru@energy.gov.mw