Smart Technical Officer -ref: "dw Sto Tnr 1126"

The objective of this position is to ensure the implementation and proper functioning of the infrastructures and technological tools necessary for the use of SMART by Durrell, as an approach to ensure effective, adaptive and evolutionary management of protected and conserved areas in which the organization intervenes. The SMART Technical Officer works closely with field teams and headquarters staff to design, implement and continually improve the tools needed for this management. The position is based at Durrell’s office in Antananarivo, with regular trips to Durrell’s various intervention sites.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure the deployment, proper functioning and maintenance of the SMART system, which is a central tool for adaptive management of protected and conserved areas in which Durrell intervenes, in particular to strengthen the prevention and deterrence of offences within these areas.
• Ensure timely, relevant and accurate communication between patrol teams, field teams and officials to facilitate decision-making in a timely manner and guide response strategies.
• Contribute to the improvement of processes and procedures, and provide technical support for their implementation.
• Assume the role of administrator and SMART technical focal point for field teams.

Education / Qualifications

• Periodically assess the skills of SMART users in the field, including Durrell employees, community patrollers and law enforcement officers. Plan, organize and/or deliver training to meet the skills building needs identified.
• Supervise all hardware and equipment necessary for SMART to operate, in particular, in collaboration with the IT Support Officer, smartphones and telephone subscriptions. Specific responsibilities:
• SMART configuration and customization: configure and adapt the SMART system according to defined needs and requirements, including:
• Maintain and modify data models;
• Create and maintain patrol packages as well as reporting templates, according to agreed specifications.
• Develop, update and maintain relevant standard operating protocols and procedures (SOPs).
• Administer and maintain the database and server, and ensure their connectivity with devices used in the field.
• Manage SMART user accounts and their access rights and levels.
• Ensure the installation and configuration of hardware (including smartphones) and software required for SMART, including SMART Mobile, SMART Connect and SMART Desktop.
• Provide technical support for periodic evaluations of the implementation and performance of SMART.

Other information

• Manage SMART integration with other relevant systems, such as EarthRanger, IoT devices (Internet of Things), drones and Gundi integrations.
• Monitor, diagnose technical problems, maintain and update the SMART system as needed.