Call for Consultants — GIS & Mapping Services

Overview

Item	Details
Type	Independent consultancy, non‑exclusive, engaged on a need‑basis
Location	Remote (supporting conservation projects in Somalia and/or Kenya)
Engagement Structure	12‑month renewable framework agreement, with individual assignments issued under separate scopes of work
Application Deadline	Rolling basis
Start Date	As soon as possible

About Us

The Species Saviour Initiative (SSI) is a Somali‑led conservation organisation working to protect dryland ecosystems and threatened species across the Horn of Africa. Our work focuses on wildlife survey and monitoring, rangeland threat mapping, habitat conservation planning, and community‑based stewardship. We currently operate across Somalia, with expanding work in Kenya. Our current portfolio includes rapid biodiversity assessments, community engagement, and conservation planning initiatives. We are committed to locally led, evidence‑based conservation that delivers tangible results for both wildlife and people.

The Opportunity

We are looking to build an ongoing relationship with a skilled GIS consultant who can support our mapping and spatial data needs across current and future projects.

This is not a single‑project hire. It is a standing arrangement:

• Once onboarded, we will reach out whenever a specific mapping need arises.
• We will agree on the scope, deliverables, timeline, and fee for that assignment.
• Work will then proceed under a separate Statement of Work (SOW) , governed by the framework agreement.

There is no minimum volume of work guaranteed, and the arrangement is non‑exclusive. You are free to take on other clients alongside this role.

Illustrative Current Assignment

To give applicants a clear understanding of the type of work they may be engaged for, we have outlined a typical assignment below. This assignment involves the production of three maps in support of a recent field assessment conducted by SSI in Somalia. SSI’s project team will provide all necessary GIS data required for the production of these maps including GPS track logs, observation records, and spatial boundaries. The consultant’s primary responsibility is to produce high‑quality cartographic outputs based on the data provided. This is intended as an example only the actual scope, deliverables, and data may vary depending on the specific project.

Deliverables

The consultant will be required to produce the following maps for a typical biodiversity assessment project in Somalia:

1. Survey Area Map – showing the survey boundary, survey tracks, towns, and water points.
2. Species Sighting Map – showing wildlife observations with group size visualised, overlaid with a standard reference grid and survey tracks.
3. Threat Distribution Map – showing threat observations colour‑coded by category, overlaid with a standard reference grid and survey tracks.

All maps shall be delivered in the following formats:

• High‑resolution images (PNG / JPEG, 300 DPI) for insertion into reports.
• Print‑ready files (PDF, vector) for high‑quality printing.
• QGIS project files (.qgz) including all layers, symbology, and layout.
• Final shapefiles (.shp, zipped) of all layers used, with metadata.

Data to be Provided by SSI

The following data will be provided by SSI to support the production of the maps:

• GPS track logs
• Wildlife observation data (with coordinates and group size)
• Threat observation data (with coordinates and category)
• Water point locations
• Town and road layers
• Survey area boundary
• Regional boundary (for context)
• Standard reference grid (for spatial referencing)

All data will be provided in WGS 84 (EPSG:4326) and delivered in CSV and/or shapefile format. The consultant is not required to collect or process raw data – only to produce the maps and spatial outputs as specified

Key Responsibilities

• Produce high‑quality publication‑ready maps and spatial analysis for conservation reports and donor communications.
• Manage, clean, and organise GPS field data (waypoints, tracks, sighting records).
• Prepare GIS project files, shapefiles, and metadata.
• Ensure all map outputs follow specified symbology, layout, and design guidelines.
• Handle sensitive wildlife location data with care and in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
• Collaborate remotely with the SSI team to meet project deadlines.

Requirements

Essential	Desirable
Background in GIS, geography, environmental science, or a related field	Experience in Somalia, Puntland, or the wider Horn of Africa / East Africa conservation context
Strong working proficiency in QGIS (our preferred open‑source platform) or equivalent GIS software	Familiarity with QDGC (Quarter‑Degree Grid Cell) referencing systems
Experience producing publication‑quality cartographic outputs (layout, symbology, legends, print‑ready exports)	Experience working with ecological or wildlife survey datasets
Comfort working with ecological/wildlife survey datasets (GPS tracks, waypoints, species sighting data)	Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple assignments
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive location data responsibly
Reliable remote working setup with your own equipment and software licences
Strong attention to detail and spatial accuracy
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

What We Offer

Benefit	Description
Flexible, project‑based work	Engage on assignments as they arise – no minimum commitment.
12‑month renewable framework	One signed agreement, with individual SOWs for each assignment – no need to renegotiate basic terms each time.
Competitive consultancy fees	Fees negotiated per assignment based on scope and deliverables.
Meaningful impact	Contribute to conservation of threatened species and dryland ecosystems in the Horn of Africa.
Long‑term collaboration	Opportunity to grow with our organisation as our project portfolio expands.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through one of the following options:

Option 1 – Online Form
Complete below online application form. You will be able to attach your CV, portfolio, and other supporting documents directly through the form.

Option 1 – Email
Send your application to info@speciessaviour.orgwith the subject line: “GIS Consultant Application – [Your Full Name]” .

Your application must include:

1. Current CV    Maximum 3 pages, outlining your relevant experience and qualifications.

2. Portfolio / Work Samples        2–3 examples of previous GIS or cartographic work (PDF or links).

3. Cover Note    A brief statement outlining your relevant experience, current availability, and why you are interested in working with SSI.

4. Budget Breakdown    A detailed budget for the illustrative assignment, with costs itemised per deliverable (in USD).

5. Proposed Timeline     Your proposed timeline for completing the illustrative assignment.

Review Process

We review applications on a rolling basis and will follow up with shortlisted candidates to discuss a specific first assignment.

Important Notice

SSI does not charge any fees or request any payments from applicants at any stage of the recruitment or consultancy engagement process. All applications are reviewed free of charge.

We have been made aware that fraudulent actors may impersonate organisations and request payments from applicants. If you receive any communication requesting payment, processing fees, or any form of financial transaction in connection with this opportunity, please treat it as suspicious. We take these matters seriously and will take appropriate action to protect applicants from fraudulent activity. If you encounter such behaviour, please report it to us immediately at: safeguarding@speciessaviour.org