Data Visualization Expert – Individual Consultant

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan TH-RIMES-378407-CS-INDV)

Objective

The objective of this consulting service is to support the CARE Component 1 Team indeveloping/completing effective visual interfaces for the agriculture and planning DSSs for Pakistan, and where relevant, for the RDAS.

Scope of Work

The Data Visualization Expert – Pakistan has the following specific tasks:

● Work closely with CARE Component 1’s inter-disciplinary team, and design and implement an interactive, user-friendly, and effective visual interfaces for the agriculture and planning and development DSSs for Pakistan, and where relevant for the RDAS, that respond to user/stakeholder requirements, per access levels, among others:

○ Institutional decision-makers: integrate data, and review, revise/correct, approve,

and send such decision/guidance/advisories to other stakeholders/end-users

○ End-users: view decision guidance of various timescales, and where necessary,

download/share such decision guidance/advisories/reports to others

● Integrate features that allow stakeholders to easily navigate through decision guidance products of various timescales; access resources that could provide further guidance to stakeholders’ decision-making processes; easily populate, properly curate, and access relevant data; and connect to PMD forecast

● Incorporate functionalities that allow real-time/near real-time integration of on-ground observations of/feedback from, stakeholders, whether in narrative or image forms

● Ensure compatibility of the Pakistan DSSs visual interfaces to that of the RDAS and other relevant systems

● In coordination with the rest of the RIMES Systems Development Team in CARE Component 1, regularly assess and address gaps that needs to be addressed to ensure that the data visualization/system interfaces and features in the agriculture and planning and development DSSs in Pakistan are effective and attuned to user/stakeholders’ requirements. As necessary, the Data Visualization Expert shall advise relevant members of the CARE Component 1 Team on these gaps and requirements, for strategic planning and execution of actions for addressing relevant issues, concerns, and challenges on data visualization

● Where feasible, capacitate government focal points in data visualization, and provide

inputs to Training Guides/Materials for the same (narrative and/or video tutorials). The

Data Visualization Expert will also provide inputs, in coordination with the rest of relevant members of the CARE Component 1 Team, to the Operations and Maintenance Manual of the DSSs in Pakistan, and where relevant, of the RDAS

● In coordination with the rest of the CARE Component 1 Team, regularly obtain feedback from stakeholders on the interfaces of the DSSs in Pakistan, seek recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness thereof, and identify data visualization capacity building requirements, among others

● As necessary, participate and provide inputs in discussions, meetings, trainings,

workshops, and other project-relevant activities

● Others, as may be required by CARE Component 1

Qualifications

Knowledge:

● At least Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or related fields

● Extensive knowledge of data processing and optimization techniques and data format conversion

● Knowledge of structured and scientific data management, data mapping, and visualization

● Strong knowledge of Data as a Service, REST API services and web services as well as data formats like GeoJson, ESRI shape files, scientific data NETCDF, GRIB (gridded Binary), HDF

● Strong knowledge of statistics, and knowledge of HTML, CSS, key libraries, and scripting tools like R, Python and JavaScript, D3, Tableau, etc.

● Demonstrable design knowledge, such as layout, typography, color, interaction design

Experience:

● At least 5 years of experience in software/database development and management, and analysis tools

● At least 3 years of experience in providing data visualization expertise to government institutions in Pakistan

● Strong GIS skills (desktop, online versions) and knowledge of OGC standards and Open APIs and google earth engine

● Experience with development of interactive visualization dashboards, portals, and mobile apps based on online/cloud services for data and analytics

● Experience with user interaction for systems requirement, collaborative design, and feedback

● Experience in diverse database design (MySQL, Microsoft SQL, or NoSQL), and various Linux/Unix distribution platforms

● Experience in internal abstract data visualization including reporting, dashboarding, and presenting real-time analytics to enable smart decisions

● Experience in creating and editing visual content including maps, charts, and graphs

Skills and abilities:

● Demonstrable ability to digest complex technical information and convey them in easy-to-understand forms to a variety of stakeholders

● Strong written and verbal command of Urdu and English languages

Personal qualities:

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; demonstrable ability to plan and organize work independently; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; high commitment to responsibility and work quality; ability to work effectively and efficiently independently and/or within a multi-cultural team; openness/receptiveness to critique for enhancing work and outputs.

Contract Duration

The contract will be for 1 year, commencing 1 July 2024, and is subject to a 4-month probationary period. The contract may be extended until the end of the project (August 2025), per satisfactory annual performance review.

Reporting

The Data Visualization Expert – Pakistan will report to the CARE Component 1 Project Director, through the RIMES Country Program Lead in Pakistan. He/She will be based in RIMES/CARE Component 1 Office in Islamabad, and will work with CARE Component 1’s multi-disciplinary team. As may be required by the Project, the Data Visualization Expert – Pakistan will travel to RIMES Headquarters in Thailand and/or to CARE Component 1’s other focus countries.