Technical Support on the use of GIS, Remote Sensing, and Real Time Monitoring Tools

Background

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is one of the largest humanitarian aid organisations in the Nordic region, committed to promoting global justice and addressing the root causes of poverty. As an ecumenical diaconal organisation, NCA is part of the ACT Alliance – one of the world’s largest humanitarian alliances with faith-based organisations from over 140 countries. Jointly with partners, NCA provides humanitarian assistance, long-term development and advocacy work in: Climate-resilient WASH, Gender-based violence, Peace building, Fighting Inequality, Climate and Environmental Stewardship, and Economic Development and Food Security programmes.

NCA’s new programme framework (2025-2029) seeks to enhance the impact of our work through a multi-sectoral approach that integrates humanitarian, development, and advocacy efforts. It emphasizes local capacity-building, collaboration with various stakeholders, and inclusivity – in alignment with the principle of “leaving no one behind” to support sustainable development.

Contract Purpose and Expected results

The effect of climate change on humanitarian needs has been increasingly prevalent during the past decade, both as a multiplier of threats and as a direct cause of humanitarian crises. At the same time, humanitarian access is hindered by the intensification of armed conflicts, while resources and funding are diminishing. In this global context, international humanitarian actors are compelled to adopt remote implementation and localized response modalities to prioritize and meet the needs of the most vulnerable and those at greatest risk.

Purpose:

NCA’s aspires to build its technical capacity and competency in data driven and evidence-based climate resilient program design, disaster risk reduction and anticipatory actions, particularly with the use of GIS, remote sensing, real time monitoring and their practical applications.

Results to be achieved by the Contractor(s):

Through this framework, contractors / consultants will provide technical services to support the design and implementation of high-impact and quality humanitarian and development aid programs. Consultants will offer tailored support across several operational needs, including:

1. Ensuring that NCA and local partner staff are well-equipped with the necessary technical skills and knowledge to implement and utilize these technologies effectively.
2. Enabling informed decision-making, efficient program management and competitive fundraising through data collection, visualization and analysis
3. Empowering local partners and communities through active participation in the mapping and monitoring of their own environments, fostering ownership and sustainability of WASH and other initiatives.
4. Leveraging advanced and innovative technologies, such as AI and drones, to enhance the impact and efficiency of humanitarian interventions while adhering to ethical standards.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Framework contracts will commence upon signature and remain valid for five years, with specific purchase orders issued for defined deliverables. The specific conditions, quantity, date of delivery etc. of a given purchase shall only be laid down in a purchase order when the services are needed. This framework contract shall cover Global services, as well as services in specific regions and countries in NCA’s areas of operation (https://www.kirkensnodhjelp.no/en/where-we-work). Key tasks and specific objectives are provided below (applicants must be able to cover at least 2 of the following tasks):

1. Develop and facilitate tailor-made training/capacity building events for NCA and local partner staff on GIS, Remote Sensing and real time monitoring using digital tools.
2. Support NCA HQ and COs to develop, maintain and continuously update a GIS based online dashboard and create customized interactive story maps, using real time and historical data from NCA projects and external sources.
3. Support NCA HQ and COs to develop tools and a standardized approach for participatory community led mapping.
4. Provide on demand technical support, advice, trouble shooting and input to NCA HQ and NCA COs on the use of GIS, remote sensing and real time monitoring tools in humanitarian and development aid programs. Primary focus on WASH and Climate Resilient programming but not limited.
5. Provide advice, technical input and support for the effective, innovative and ethical use of advanced technology, such as AI and drones, in WASH and other humanitarian projects (in connection to using GIS, remote sensing and real time monitoring technologies).
6. Other relevant services, as needed

Qualifications:

• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), remote sensing tools, real-time monitoring technologies and digital tools is required (e.g., Google Earth, Google Earth Engine, FAO AQUASTAT, OpenStreetMap).
  • Essential technical skills: Knowledge of satellite technology and its practical applications in humanitarian contexts. Experience with spatial analysis, mapping techniques, 2D/3D data visualization (e.g. ArcGIS storymaps, PowerBI) and Microsoft Fabric.
  • Working knowledge and expertise in AI and drone technology will be considered an advantage
• Work Experience:
  • Previous experience in humanitarian and development aid programming, particularly in WASH projects, and/or within climate resilience is desirable
  • Work experience in other areas, such as Disaster Risk Reduction, Anticipatory Action, Economic Development, Food Security, Gender Based Violence, Peacebuilding will be an added advantage or could compensate for the lack of experience in the WASH sector.
  • Experience in developing and facilitating tailor-made training and capacity-building on the subject is essential and will be prioritized
  • Work experience in community led and participatory data collection and mapping will be considered an advantage.
• Educational Background:
  • Geography, Environmental Science, Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or a related field is desirable.
• Other:
  • Solid communication and IT skills are essential.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and capability to provide on-demand technical support, advice, and troubleshooting.
  • Working knowledge in French and/or Arabic will be considered an advantage.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including local partners, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and communities
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing skills.

Scope of Services:

The services are primarily expected to be provided remotely and/or virtually. Potential travel may be required and will be specified in the purchase order.

Reporting

Consultants will report to the designated NCA staff as outlined in specific purchase orders. The main reporting language is English but reporting in French and/or Arabic may be required.