Principal Geospatial Analyst at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    

• The eResearch Knowledge Centre (eRKC) within the HSRC employs a group of practitioners and specialists in the areas of information services, geospatial analytics and digital curation who provide knowledge services to enhance the HSRC’s research capability.
• The eRKC is looking to appoint a suitably qualified professional to fill the position of a Principal Geospatial Analyst. The main responsibilities of this position are to take the lead in geospatial advocacy through regular publication of Spatial Insights and to interact with internal clients to represent their social sciences research findings spatially.
• The vision of the eRKC is to enhance the HSRC’s research capability through innovative information services, geospatial solutions and digital curation. The mission of the eRKC is to be an informed research enabler that provides innovative knowledge services and access to resources that meet the needs of the HSRC’s research community and its stakeholders. This is achieved by:

•  managing various resource collections and support the use thereof,
•  supporting digital scholarship and providing support for organisation wide processes and requirements,
•  supporting geospatial analytics in the HSRC, and
•  raising awareness about best practices and building capacity in the HSRC.
• The Principal Geospatial Analyst role demands that the incumbent functions as part of the Geospatial Analytics team. The successful candidate will provide geospatial support services to HSRC researchers by liaising with internal clients in a professional way, deliver client solutions related to analysis, value-added outputs as well as innovative research methods and contribute to the increased use of spatial data and solutions in the HSRC. The latter includes taking the lead in the publication of Spatial Insights, an internal geospatial communication piece, and participating in selected research projects to undertake spatial analysis.

Minimum Requirements    

•  A recognized Master’s or Honours/ equivalent qualification in GIS/Geomatics or a related discipline.
•  For a Masters’ qualification, at least 3-4 years of working experience and for an Honours qualification at least 5-10 years of working experience. Work experience should be in the GIS field that demonstrates specialist expertise.
•  Experience of working in a research environment.
•  Good knowledge of social science research
•  At least 3 publications, most sole/first-authored.
•  Working knowledge of spatial analysis in ArcGIS (QGIS being an advantage).
•  An understanding of the Social Sciences and a conceptualisation of how GIS can contribute to enhance such work.
•  Able to work in a team environment, but also be self-motivated.
•  Proficiency in speaking and writing English.
•  Basic knowledge of statistical software like Stata, SPSS or SAS.
•  High proficiency in MS Word and a working knowledge of manipulating data in Excel.
•  Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills to interface effectively with colleagues and internal clients.
•  Ability to anticipate needs, take initiative and implement solutions effectively.
•  Ability to work under pressure and after hours when needed.
•  Self-motivated to own development and training.

Duties & Responsibilities    

•  Geocode survey data and create maps according to client requests.
•  Participate in spatial data modelling and analysis in HSRC research projects.
•  Create infographics using GeoDa, ArcMap/Pro, PowerBI/Tableau and open-source graphic packages to create client products as required.
•  Explore and advise on spatial data interpretations and information-sharing options to create a regular awareness of geospatial services, within the HSRC context.
•  Advise on open-source GIS solutions for data analysis and modelling.
•  Interact professionally with and advise HSRC stakeholders about Geospatial Analytics services.
•  Assist to set-up meetings with external GIS researchers to share knowledge, skills and methodologies.
•  Take the lead in publishing the Spatial Insights series and ensure the data presented is statistically accurate and presented without bias.
•  Author/co-author journal articles with a geospatial component to contribute to the HSRC’s publishing performance targets.
•  Develop and maintain geospatial content as part of the eResearch Knowledge Hub as an internal information resource.
•  Raise awareness about solutions and services offered by the Geospatial Analytics Unit by co-presenting workshops to HSRC staff.
•  Test new practices in an innovative, intensive and experimental manner as part of growth and business practice learning. Pick the approaches that work and rapidly implement it towards enhanced efficiencies and effectiveness.
•  Achieve own personal development plan with the focus on continuous development and contribute to the development of other colleagues in the eRKC.