GIS Technician
Reference number: 2624
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Colombo, Sri Lanka
CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
GIS Technician
Overview
The responsibilities of this position include supporting spatial data collection, management, and analysis to support Sustainable Land Management (SLM) planning, ecosystem monitoring, and climate resilience interventions in the Knuckles Mountain Range under the GCF Knuckles Project. The Geographic Information System (GIS) Assistant will assist in preparing maps, dashboards, and visualizations for project reporting and stakeholder consultations; provide field support during participatory mapping exercises and community engagements; and contribute to technical notes, reports, and knowledge products related to GIS and SLM.
Duties and responsibilities
Science
Production
Undertake
spatial data acquisition, processing, management, and analysis using GIS and
remote sensing techniques to support SLM, ecosystem restoration, land
degradation assessment, and environmental monitoring activities. Produce
thematic maps, spatial models, geodatabases, dashboards, and technical
visualizations for project planning, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and
decision-support applications. Support integration of field-collected data into
centralized GIS systems and contribute to technical documentation, analytical
outputs, and research products under the GCF Knuckles Project.
Human
Capital
Provide
technical support and capacity strengthening to students, interns, field teams,
government counterparts, and community stakeholders on GIS applications,
GPS/mobile-based data collection, spatial data management, and digital mapping
workflows. Support the facilitation of training, participatory mapping
exercises, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations while promoting
knowledge sharing and effective utilization of geospatial tools and datasets
across project activities.
Game-changing
Solutions
Contribute
to the development of innovative geospatial tools, visualizations, and
platforms that strengthen project impact and support evidence-based
decision-making among stakeholders and contribute to applied research outputs
and knowledge products that demonstrate GIS applications in climate resilience
and sustainable land management. Represent the organization in engaging with
public, private, and smallholder farmers in various events – as a resource
person, participant, and other relevant capacities, particularly on SLM and
GIS.
Structural
Capital
Support
implementation of GIS and SLM activities through coordination, documentation,
and operational assistance in line with project workplans.Coordinate
stakeholder engagement processes, including planning and scheduling meetings
with government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations.Provide
logistical and administrative support for workshops, training, consultations,
and field-based engagement activities.Maintain
stakeholder engagement records, including contact databases, attendance lists,
agendas, minutes, and supporting documentation.Track
follow-up actions from meetings and monitor the status of agreed decisions to
ensure timely closure.Contribute
to adaptive management processes through participation in periodic review
meetings and documentation of implementation feedback.Prepare monthly progress summaries on stakeholder
engagements, including activity types, outcomes, and action status.
Education, knowledge and experience
- A bachelor’s degree in GIS/Environmental Science/Surveying Science/Geography/Forestry/ Natural Resource Management, or a related field with GIS coursework.
- Demonstrated proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS and/or QGIS, ArcGIS Online, GEE) and spatial data management and spatial analysis.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications and data management.
- Working knowledge of sustainable land management concepts and ecosystem services is a strong advantage.
- At least 1-2 years of experience in GIS-related work, spatial data management, or field-based environmental data collection in a reputable national or international organization.
- Experience in collecting and processing spatial data using GPS equipment, mobile data collection apps, or similar digital tools.
- Experience in integrating field data with GIS databases and preparing maps, spatial layers, and data visualizations for reporting.
- Previous engagement with government agencies, NGOs, community-based organizations, or research institutions in the context of environmental or land management projects will be an advantage.
Terms and conditions
- This is a vacancy for Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) positions. Landscape Alliance offers competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
- The appointment will be for 6 (six) months with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position, and available resources.
- The duty station will be in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
To apply, please visit our career site at:
https://www.landscapealliance.org/about/work-with-us/
To learn more about Landscape Alliance, please visit our websites at:
https://www.landscapealliance.org/
Landscape Alliance promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
Landscape Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.
Application process
The application deadline is 02 Jul 2026.
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.