USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reforms Activity (MISRA) is looking for a Local Geospatial Expert

 SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                                 Local Geospatial Consultant (further Consultant)

Location:                                Chisinau, Moldova

Period of Performance:        May – December 2024

Published:                              May 08, 2024

Total Level of Effort:            up to 35 days

Work Plan Activity:             Sub-task: 1.1.2.4 (FY24WP) Development of the Technical Concept for the National Geographic Information System “Urban Data Geo Portal”

Project Background

The USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reform Activity (MISRA) is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Nathan Associates Inc. MISRA’s objective is to stimulate a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the regional crisis, improve the institutional, business, and trade enabling environment in Moldova by supporting Moldova’s public institutions and the private sector to accelerate the implementation of trade liberalization mechanisms, adopt structural and investment climate reforms, accelerate financial sector reforms, improve economic governance in the public sector, and enhance strategic communications between the private and public actors. MISRA builds on prior and ongoing USAID and US Government activities in the business enabling environment and trade facilitation space to strengthen Moldova’s economic growth and resilience, and by doing so, increase transparency and accountability.

The main objective of the Component 1 “Strengthening Public Economic Governance Institutions for Resilience and Accountability” is to support public institutions to implement streamlined procedures and systems, interagency coordination and good governance, and digitalization to improve transparency, public service delivery, and access to information.

Activity Overview

MISRA is cooperating with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIRD) to develop a framework for a National Geographic Information System, otherwise known as the “Urban Data Geo Portal” (UDGP).

The UDGP is envisaged as the common digital framework for all national geographic/spatial data, a prerequisite for effective government territorial urban planning and management. A comprehensive report has been prepared on the vision for the UDGP with a proposed roadmap for its implementation based on successful approaches in other European countries, and MIRD has requested support developing a technical concept for implementation of the UDGP in Moldova.  

Under this scope of work, the Consultant will work with government stakeholders to assess various mapping approaches currently applied by government institutions and propose an appropriate technical framework for integration and disaggregation of digital mapping data in Moldova. This should consider the feasibility, cost effectiveness, and impact on data integrity on respective government institutions from any proposed technical change in mapping approach, so the Consultant should propose alternatives to consider.

The Consultant will provide the necessary support to MISRA’s IT Expert and Legal Expert in developing the technical concept for the UDGP by delivering the appropriate expertise and inputs related to geospatial data/systems.

Responsibilities and Tasks

The Consultant will be responsible for carrying-out the following tasks:

• Lead and participate in technical meetings with MIRD, the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre (AGCC), and other government institutions and stakeholders, including services providers who manage mapping data in their roles as either data providers, beneficiaries who access government data, or both.
• Coordinate with MISRA’s IT Expert and Legal Expert during development of the technical concept for the UDGP, by delivering appropriate expertise and inputs on geospatial systems and data, and support coordination among multiple government institutions and other stakeholders.
• Support the Legal Expert by providing expertise and advice as required during the promotion of the technical concept for the UDGP to the Government for approval.

 Deliverables

 The Consultant will produce the following deliverables:

• Report with analysis on geospatial systems and data in Moldova, based on consultations with multiple government institutions and other stakeholders, with recommendations on a common data framework for Moldova based on current developments and trends.
• Adjusted, final draft of the report and recommendations on geospatial systems and data in Moldova.
• Proposed revisions to the technical concept based on consultations with respective government institutions and other stakeholders, and in coordination with the IT Expert and Legal Expert.
• Completion report summarizing the work completed, findings, and recommendations, including for future roll-out of UDGP expansions, using the MISRA template.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Lead of the Institutional Strengthening Component.

Consultant Qualifications

• University degree in economics, computer sciences, engineering, telecommunications, business administration, public administration, or other relevant field.
• Demonstrated practical experience in geospatial mapping and data management, preferably in government and public administration. A minimum of five years of experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with geospatial systems and platforms in other European countries, as well as with the existing ones in the Republic of Moldova preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and capacity to explain, geospatial systems’ design process.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the regulatory framework in the geospatial field.
• Knowledge of best international practices for similar platforms preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with a technical mindset on geospatial systems and data.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills for facilitating meetings with government and private sector stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively communicate and write in Romanian and English preferred.

How to Apply

We welcome your CV and preferably cover letter at Moldovajobs@nathaninc.com. Please apply by May 21, 2024, with “Local Geospatial Consultant” in the subject line. This short-term position will remain open until filled.