Spatial Mapping Expert Consultant

CAB-International (CABI) is implementing is conducting a comprehensive analysis of agricultural value chains in Punjab and Balochistan. This includes assessing commodities like cotton, wheat, maize, potato, sugarcane, and various horticultural crops grown in specific districts. The project involved mapping natural resources and identifying associated threats and conservation efforts.

CABI requires a Spatial Mapping Expert (Consultant) to be engaged in mapping natural resources and identifying associated threats and conservation efforts.

Expert will develop High-resolution maps of cropping patterns of current and over the past five years, analyze natural resources like water bodies and forests in relation to agricultural systems, and identify threats to these resources with mitigation strategies. Additionally, it will create landscape-level story maps that visually depict the interconnections between cropping patterns, natural resources, and community settlements, offering a holistic view of their mutual impacts. He/she shall be willing to travel as per requirement.

Qualification/ Experience:

Qualifications and Experience:

The Spatial Mapping Expert should have a proven track record of successfully completing similar assignments on a regular basis. The candidate must demonstrate the following qualifications, experience, and key competencies:

1. 1.    Educational Background:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Geomatics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or a related field from an HEC-recognized university/institution.
• A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is preferred for research-intensive roles.

1. 2.    Professional Experience:

• A minimum of 4-5 years of hands-on experience in GIS, Remote Sensing, or Spatial Mapping in either the public or private sector.
• Proven experience in handling spatial data analysis, cartography, geospatial modeling, and the use of remote sensing tools and software.

1. 3.    Communication & Collaboration Skills:

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken), Urdu, and local languages to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong ability to present complex spatial data in a clear and engaging manner to technical and non-technical audiences.

1. 4.    Training & Outreach Capabilities:

• Experience in conducting training of staff and stakeholder for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.

Terms & Conditions:

Consultancy salary will be paid to selected Spatial Mapping Expert on competitive market rates. Failing to fulfil any of the criteria listed above will leads to disqualification. Candidate meeting the criteria on with highest relevancy as per above mentioned criteria will be hired.

Duration:

The duration of consultancy services shall not exceed Feb 2025 to March 2025 after signing of contract and shall be subject to renewal after elapse of the defined duration.

Data collection methodology and tools:

Selected Candidate will submit a details workplan and data collection tool to CABI with the signing of contract. The indicator and methodology may be discussed with Project Manager before submission.

Deliverables:

B- Spatial mapping of assignment areas;

Mapping: High-resolution maps will be created using a combination of satellite imagery (Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1) and field surveys. Advanced mapping software (Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) will be used to analyse and visualize the data, providing detailed insights into cropping patterns, natural resources, and geographic features.The expert can use other technology sources to complete the assignment.  The target agriculture commodities are included cotton, wheat, maize, potato, sugarcane, and horticultural crops (taking consideration of other potential crops as well) grown in Bahawalpur, Multan, Sahiwal and Jhang districts of Punjab provinces and Barkhan,  Khuzdar and Lasbela districts of Baluchistan province.

1. Prepare hi-res maps of cropping patterns keeping in mind the diversity of target districts and crops and show changes in cropping patterns if happened during a period of the last 5 years.
2. Measurement of Soil parameters, Environment Parameters, Crop Parameters, and other to be discussed with CABI Team
3. Describe the reasons behind the shift in cropping pattern, what were the major drivers, speed, and extent of this conversion.
4. Develop maps of natural resources available in prioritized assignment areas including water bodies, rivers/hill torrents, forests, natural vegetation, etc., and their connection with agricultural systems.
5. Describe challenges or threats to natural resources and how these threats can be addressed.
6. Prepare landscape level story maps of prioritized areas. It can be a short video showing different landmarks on the map including cropping patterns, natural resources, community settlements, etc. with captions/short descriptions of how these are interlinked and impact each other.