Spatial Mapping Expert Consultant

CAB-International (CABI) is conducting a comprehensive analysis of agricultural value chains in Punjab and Balochistan. This includes assessing commodities like cotton, wheat, maize, potato, sugarcane, and various horticultural crops grown in specific districts. The project involves mapping natural resources and identifying associated threats and conservation efforts. CABI requires a Spatial Mapping Expert (Consultant) to be engaged in mapping natural resources and identifying associated threats and conservation efforts. The expert will develop high-resolution maps of cropping patterns from the current year and the past five years, analyze natural resources like water bodies and forests in relation to agricultural systems, and identify threats to these resources with mitigation strategies. Additionally, they will create landscape-level story maps that visually depict the interconnections between cropping patterns, natural resources, and community settlements, offering a holistic view of their mutual impacts. The expert shall be willing to travel as per requirement. Qualifications and Experience:

• 1. Educational Background:
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Geomatics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or a related field from an HEC-recognized university/institution.
• A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is preferred for research-intensive roles.
• 2. Professional Experience:
• A minimum of 4-5 years of hands-on experience in GIS, Remote Sensing, or Spatial Mapping in either the public or private sector.
• Proven experience in handling spatial data analysis, cartography, geospatial modeling, and the use of remote sensing tools and software.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken), Urdu, and local languages to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong ability to present complex spatial data in a clear and engaging manner to technical and non-technical audiences.
• 3. Training & Outreach Capabilities:
• Experience in conducting training of staff and stakeholders for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.

Terms & Conditions: Consultancy salary will be paid to the selected Spatial Mapping Expert at competitive market rates. Failing to fulfill any of the criteria listed above will lead to disqualification. Candidates meeting the criteria with the highest relevancy as per the above-mentioned criteria will be hired. Duration: The duration of consultancy services shall not exceed February 2025 to March 2025 after signing the contract and shall be subject to renewal after the elapse of the defined duration. Data Collection Methodology and Tools: The selected candidate will submit a detailed work plan and data collection tool to CABI upon signing the contract. The indicator and methodology may be discussed with the Project Manager before submission. Mapping Responsibilities:

• High-resolution maps will be created using a combination of satellite imagery (Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1) and field surveys. Advanced mapping software (Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS)) will be used to analyze and visualize the data, providing detailed insights into cropping patterns, natural resources, and geographic features. The expert can use other technology sources to complete the assignment. The target agricultural commodities include cotton, wheat, maize, potato, sugarcane, and horticultural crops grown in Bahawalpur, Multan, Sahiwal, and Jhang districts of Punjab province and Barkhan, Khuzdar, and Lasbela districts of Balochistan province.
• Prepare high-resolution maps of cropping patterns considering the diversity of target districts and crops and show changes in cropping patterns that occurred during the last five years.
• Measurement of soil parameters, environmental parameters, crop parameters, and others to be discussed with the CABI Team.
• Describe the reasons behind the shift in cropping patterns, including major drivers, speed, and extent of this conversion.
• Develop maps of natural resources available in prioritized assignment areas, including water bodies, rivers/hill torrents, forests, natural vegetation, etc., and their connection with agricultural systems.
• Describe challenges or threats to natural resources and how these threats can be addressed.
• Prepare landscape-level story maps of prioritized areas, which may include a short video showing different landmarks on the map, including cropping patterns, natural resources, and community settlements, with captions/short descriptions of how these are interlinked and impact each other.

Remuneration: Payment of 580,000 Rs, including all applied taxes, will be paid to the expert as per the given schedule. #J-18808-Ljbffr