The AKTC was founded in 1988 and is registered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a private, non-denominational, philanthropic foundation. It is an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a family of institutions created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with distinct yet complementary mandates to improve the welfare and prospects of people in countries in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa. AKTC is currently operating in Afghanistan under the name of Aga Khan Cultural Services – Afghanistan (AKCS-A) and is registered with the Ministry of Economy of the country.

Part of the wider development programme of the AKDN in Afghanistan, the AKCS-A has since 2002 been engaged in a range of initiatives in Kabul, Heart, Balkh, Badakhshan, Logar, and Ghazni aimed at the conservation and revitalization of historic neighborhoods, the improvement of living conditions and the development of professional and crafts skills.

General Function:

AKCS-A is implementing several projects in Afghanistan aimed at protecting Afghanistan's tangible/intangible cultural heritage and improving the living conditions of the inhabitants as part of a broader process of urban revitalization. Working within a team of Afghan and international professionals, under the direct supervision of the Project Manager or his designate, the GIS Specialist will be involved in a range of GIS survey-related activities in support of AKCS-A's conservation and rehabilitation activities in Afghanistan.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Storage and Management

• Develop and maintain geospatial databases and information system design.
• Ensure data integrity and security.
• Standardize data formats for consistency across projects.

2. Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Conduct spatial analysis and create detailed thematic maps to support project planning and decision-making.
• Interpret geospatial data to identify trends and patterns relevant to project outcomes.
• Produce regular reports and visualizations to communicate findings to stakeholders.

3. Team Leadership and Mentoring

• Lead a team of mobile technical associates such as intern engineers and architects, providing guidance and support.
• Mentor internal team members and external partners to build their technical skills and knowledge.
• Delegate tasks effectively to ensure timely and accurate completion of projects.

4. Technical Support and Training

• Provide technical support to project teams in using GIS tools and technologies.
• Conduct training sessions for team members and other staff on GIS applications and best practices.

5. Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand project needs and deliver appropriate GIS solutions.
• Communicate complex geospatial information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to strategic planning.

6. General

• Perform any other task assigned by the AKCS-A’s Management.
• Demonstrate to work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to travel outside of Kabul.

1. Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geospatial Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in GIS data management and analysis.
• Proven experience in managing and mentoring a team.

2. Technical Skills

• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcPRO, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS, AutoCAD).
• Proficiency in data collection tools (e.g., KoBo, ODK Collect, etc.).
• Strong understanding of spatial data formats and database management.
• Experience with remote sensing and GPS technologies.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or R for GIS analysis.
• Ability and experience in the use of GIS Online Mapping platforms.
• Experience with spreadsheet management and other data entry tools.

3. Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and dynamic environment.

4. Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel to various project locations within Afghanistan.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A good knowledge of English as a language of professional work and communication.
• Proficiency in the working language of the local language(s).

Interested Afghan nationals should submit their letter of interest and CV by e-mail to the Human Resources Department through, jobs.akcsafg@akdn.org.

The subject line of your email must be: (GIS Specialist/2024/09). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview no later than June 30, 2024.

AKCS-A is an equal opportunities employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

AT THIS STAGE, PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THE SCAN COPIES OF YOUR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (degree, certificates, etc.)