GIS and Cartographic Design Analyst

GIS and Cartographic Design Analyst (Part-Time / Day-Rate) – Haiti or remote (Haiti, European Timezone)

This Scope of Work outlines the GIS (Geographical Information System) and Cartographic Design Analyst position with the Center for Operational Analysis and Research (COAR), an independent social enterprise that directly supports practitioners, policymakers, and donors by facilitating humanitarian and development interventions in complex, fragile, and high-risk environments. This is a part-time, day-rate role designed to provide flexible, on-demand mapping support for COAR’s analytical briefs, situational reports, and contextual monitoring. Sitting within the Information Management (IM) team, the Analyst will process spatial datasets and produce clean, publication-ready vector maps as operational needs arise.

The role focuses on spatial data management, cartographic styling, and vector map production. The GIS and Cartographic Design Analyst works alongside the IM Unit and Graphic Design Unit, which remains responsible for overall report layouts, branding, and final document publication.

Objectives

The GIS and Cartographic Design Analyst will support COAR’s analytical products by:

Translating various kinds of GIS data into clean vector maps (e.g., incident hotspots, population displacement, territorial control, access constraints, conflict dynamics).

Ensuring high cartographic standards across all visual mapping products, including correct projections, clear legends, accurate labeling, and visual hierarchy.

Managing and structuring spatial datasets to develop and maintain a reliable geographic base layer repository for Haiti and potentially for other countries.

Supporting field teams and experts in collecting location-based data in the most efficient way in order to provide high quality data and maps.

Collaborating seamlessly with analysts, experts and the Graphic Design Unit to ensure maps integrate smoothly into final reports and briefings following the standardized graphic design guidelines.

Technical Areas of Focus

Spatial Data Management Focus: Collecting, cleaning, converting, and organizing geographic datasets (e.g., shapefiles, GeoJSON, GPS coordinates from multiple open sources, and also from KoboToolbox/ODK data collection).

Cartographic Design Focus: Designing thematic vector maps in QGIS and polishing map graphics for analytical clarity and visual appeal.

Workflow & Publication Integration Focus: Exporting clean, standardized vector assets (SVG, PDF, PNG) and collaborating with the Graphic Design Unit for document layout integration.

Activities

The GIS and Cartographic Design Analyst’s tasks are envisaged as follows:

Map Production: Create thematic vector maps for regular situational updates, access briefings, and in-depth research reports using QGIS or ArcGIS.

Spatial Data Processing: Extract, clean, and convert raw GIS data (Excel/CSV coordinates, field surveys, open-source conflict logs) into GIS-ready layers.

Cartographic Polish: Use vector software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) to refine map aesthetics, hierarchy, and labeling for maximum readability.

GIS Repository Development and Maintenance: Develop and maintain version control and metadata for COAR’s spatial layers, administrative boundaries, baseline maps, and custom style templates focusing on Haiti.

Cartographic Quality Control: Apply strict cartographic rules regarding scale bars, map projections, labeling, data source citations, legend clarity, etc.

Design Coordination: Hand off finalized vector map graphics to the Graphic Design Unit for incorporation into the report templates, ensuring all graphic design and layout alignment.

Support to Analysts

Advise the team on spatial data feasibility, visual map ideas, and geographic context representation, including the development of map-based storytelling approaches that help explain complex scenarios, spatial relationships, and evolving dynamics in a clear and attractive way.

Deliverables

The GIS and Cartographic Design Analyst will:

Produce publication-ready vector maps (PDF, SVG, Ai, PNG, etc.) for scheduled and ad-hoc analytical briefs for Haiti and potentially for other country programmes.

Maintain an updated, standardized spatial database (admin layers, baseline maps, etc).

Provide prepared GIS vector layers to support analysts and data visualization products.

Profile

University degree in GIS, Geography, Cartography, Information Management, Graphic Design, IT or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of 2 years of experience in GIS mapping, spatial data handling, or cartographic design within an INGO, UN agency, social enterprise, research institute, or news organization.

Skills

Strong GIS Technical Skills: Excellent proficiency in QGIS and/or ArcGIS, with a focus on vector layer management, attribute joining, labeling engine, and print layouts.

Vector Design Skills: Good experience using vector design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) to clean up and enhance map graphics.

Spatial Data Handling: Solid understanding of vector data formats (Shapefiles, GeoJSON, KML) and structuring tabular GIS data (CSV/Excel from KoboToolbox or ODK).

Cartographic Fundamentals: Clear knowledge of map projections, scale, legend design, color theory, and typographic hierarchy for maps.

Humanitarian & Conflict Context: Familiarity with mapping conflict dynamics, population displacement, access barriers, or humanitarian context in fragile settings (e.g., Haiti, or similar contexts) is highly desirable.

Team Collaboration: Ability to work smoothly across teams, particularly with research analysts and graphic designers.

Languages: Fluency in English (written and spoken) and French is required. Knowledge of local languages such as Haitian Creole will be a good asset.

Urgent Request Management: Ability to handle urgent requests and deliver outputs within tight deadlines.

Flexible Working Hours: High willingness to occasionally work outside of normal office hours when required.

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a “Practical Assessment Test” as part of the recruitment process.

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