Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people.
The "Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana's Communal Rangelands" Project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aims to use collective management of livestock and ecosystems to restore Botswana's communal rangelands, increasing the climate resilience of vulnerable populations and reducing GHG emissions. Over 8 years, the project will work in 104 villages across Ngamiland, Kgalagadi and Bobirwa to improve management of 4.6 million hectares of rangelands.
Position summary: This position is based in Gaborone, Botswana. The GIS Manager supports ecosystem-based mitigation and adaptation efforts in Botswana's communal rangelands. The role reports to the Senior M&E Manager and collaborates with the Deputy Chief of Party and the H4H Senior Technical Manager on the development and management of a Rangeland Stewardship Portal, leading the remote sensing component. The role leverages GIS technology to create spatial products and services that aid sustainable land management and help communities adapt to environmental changes.
Responsibilities:
- Portal development: work on the Rangeland Stewardship Portal and lead its remote sensing component, ensuring accurate, up-to-date data integration.
- Application and data management: own the full lifecycle of GIS applications, data integrations and spatial analysis; lead end-to-end analytics; manage and analyze large datasets including satellite imagery, demographic variables and monthly rangeland monitoring data.
- Spatial analysis and product development: analyze spatial data on Botswana's rangelands; create digital mapping and remotely sensed products, raster and LiDAR products; manage publishing and portal activities.
- Application development: lead development of tools, web applications and dashboards; use Python, Batch and SQL to automate GIS workflows; use Model Builder and data interoperability tools.
- Collaboration and support: work with the project team, local communities and departments; manage user groups; provide staff training.
- Data capture and analysis: capture, produce, geoprocess and analyze geospatial data (elevation, land use, hydrography); maintain GIS databases and update rangeland data regularly.
- Communicate findings through maps, reports and presentations to stakeholders.
Working conditions: normal office environment; frequent travel to remote areas within the project area; occasional work outside normal hours; fixed-term assignment.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Geospatial Sciences, Environmental Studies or a related field plus 4 to 6 years of relevant experience; knowledge of GIS fundamentals, coordinate systems and projections; proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS; experience in spatial analysis, digital cartography and data manipulation; strong coding and scripting skills (Python, Batch, SQL); experience creating and manipulating databases; understanding of ecosystem management and conservation principles; strong communication skills; ability to collaborate with diverse communities; proficiency in MS Office.
Preferred: experience in Botswana or similar environments; familiarity with Botswana's ecosystems and rangeland management; extensive experience with raster and LiDAR products and portal management; web application and dashboard skills; experience with large datasets.
Application Deadline: October 26, 2026 (11:49 PM EST)
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter via the online application form.
https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=CONSERVATION&cws=39&rid=2797