|
Position title:
|
GIS and Database Expert
|
|
Reports to:
|
Conservation Governance and Community Manager, with technical coordination and oversight from the Lead Technical Advisor for Khangai project activities
|
|
Location:
|
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
|
|
Position managed:
|
n/a
|
|
Country Program/Sector:
|
WCS Mongolia Program
|
|
Scope:
|
WCS Mongolia Program
|
|
Position type:
|
Full-time
|
|
Travel:
|
Travel to work in different work locations, districts, and provinces as required and at times can be at short notice and for extended periods
|
|
|
|
Organizational Background:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a U.S. non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1895, dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science-based solutions and conservation actions. With more than a century of experience, WCS has established itself as the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, achieving innovative and impactful results at scale. Today, WCS operates programs across the entire ocean and more than 3 million biologically critical square miles in nearly 60 countries. Over the years, WCS has played a pivotal role in establishing more than 150 protected areas worldwide. Our work is built on a unique foundation: Global reach across continents and ecosystems; Best-in-class science to discover and guide conservation strategies; On-the-ground protection in collaboration with local and Indigenous communities; Inspiration through education at our world-class zoos and aquarium; Policy influence and partnerships to leverage resources for systemic change. WCS combines biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with governments, NGOs, industries, and communities, WCS applies this knowledge to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life for rural populations whose livelihoods depend directly on natural resources.
WCS Mongolia Program Overview:
Established in Ulaanbaatar in 2003, WCS Mongolia has spent more than two decades working to conserve the country’s wildlife and ecosystems. The program applies a science-based, landscape-level approach to support the protection and restoration of Mongolia’s ecological integrity. WCS Mongolia works in partnership with government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector to advance biodiversity conservation, maintain ecological connectivity, and support sustainable land use. Its work spans wildlife research and monitoring of protected area management, community-based conservation, policy engagement, infrastructure planning, One Health, and climate change adaptation. In 2024, WCS Mongolia launched its five-year strategy to 2030, structured around three priorities: enhancing ecological function, ensuring functional connectivity, and strengthening climate resilience. These guide efforts to safeguard Mongolia’s ecosystems over the long term.
Job Summary:
The GIS and Database Expert will be based within WCS Mongolia’s Conservation Governance and Community Team, while also serving as a technical member of the FAO-GEF8 Khangai Landscape Project team. The position will provide GIS and database expertise across the WCS Mongolia conservation programme, supporting spatial analysis, biodiversity monitoring, habitat management, ecological restoration, and evidence-based conservation planning.
The position will be responsible for developing and maintaining spatial databases, producing maps and analytical products, supporting conservation monitoring systems, including SMART and EarthRanger, and strengthening GIS capacity among WCS staff and partners.
A key responsibility will be to provide GIS and database support to the FAO-GEF8 Khangai Landscape Project, including spatial analysis for integrated land management and restoration planning, management of project-related geospatial data, support to relevant government information systems, and preparation of spatial information for project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
The GIS and Database Expert will work closely with WCS programme teams, government agencies, and technical partners to ensure that geospatial information is accurate, accessible, and effectively used to inform conservation and sustainable land management.
The position will independently deliver assigned GIS, database management and spatial analysis activities using established technical approaches and standards. Working with programme teams and technical partners, the Expert will contribute to data management, mapping, monitoring and reporting across WCS Mongolia’s conservation projects, with a significant focus on the FAO-GEF8 Khangai Landscape Project.
Major Responsibilities:
1. GIS and Spatial Data Management
- Maintain, update and manage spatial databases and GIS systems to organize and analyze geospatial data on land use, biodiversity, infrastructure, patrolling (SMART/EarthRanger), and community resources.
- Support the integration, management and updating of spatial and non-spatial data from target soums and aimags into national and project-specific databases, including GALAGaC’s Integrated Land Management Database, biodiversity dashboards, restoration pilot sites, community conservation areas and other systems developed under national and donor-supported initiatives.
- Collaborate with government agencies and partner organisations in maintaining and updating databases for project-related geo-information, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and security.
- Provide technical support for the maintenance and improvement of geodatabases and online geospatial platforms managed by government partners, following established standards for data quality, interoperability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
2. Spatial Analysis and Mapping
- Provide spatial analysis and technical inputs for conservation and restoration (forest and pasture) planning, climate vulnerability assessments, SMART/EarthRanger patrol data, and other monitoring efforts in coordination with WCS teams.
- Develop high-quality maps, dashboards, and data visualization products to communicate spatial data, project progress, and conservation outcomes to stakeholders in an accessible and effective manner.
- Conduct land potential assessments, restoration suitability analyses, and spatial prioritization exercises using established methodologies to identify areas for ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, sustainable land management, and biodiversity conservation.
- Support the application of government-approved restoration and land rehabilitation methodologies, incorporating climate change risks and high conservation value areas into spatial planning processes.
3. Technical Capacity Building and Support
- Prepare and deliver GIS and database training activities for government agencies, local authorities, project partners, and WCS staff on GIS software, database management, spatial analysis, geospatial data standards, and digital monitoring systems.
- Support the preparation and delivery of SMART/EarthRanger-related training for government staff and community rangers, helping to build capacity in data collection, management, and interpretation using SMART tools.
- Proactively troubleshoot technical issues and offer practical solutions for database, GIS, and SMART/EarthRanger-related challenges encountered during project implementation.
- Develop and update user-friendly guides, manuals, or standard operating procedures for GIS, database, and SMART/EarthRanger data management where appropriate.
4. Project and Partner Support
- Work closely with the WCS Teams to align GIS, spatial data management, and SMART-based patrol data services with conservation priorities, supporting SMART data management, training, and reporting needs.
- Provide dedicated GIS and database support to the GEF-8 Khangai Landscape Project, including spatial data management, restoration planning, mapping land assessments, monitoring, reporting, and coordination with national and local government partners.
- Work closely with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, GALAGaC, local governments, and other partner agencies to provide technical GIS and database inputs to geospatial information systems and support evidence-based land management and restoration planning.
- Engage with national stakeholders, government agencies, academic institutions, and NGOs to share data, methodologies, and tools, supporting collaboration on conservation activities.
Job qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Conservation Science, or related field.
Experience
- At least 3-5 years of professional experience in managing GIS systems, spatial analysis, and database management in a conservation, land management, or development context.
Additional requirements:
- Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and database management systems.
- Strong skills in spatial analysis, map creation, and geodatabase management.
- Experience in providing training and technical support in GIS and database management.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with working proficiency in both Mongolian and English preferred.
- Willingness to travel to field sites, including remote areas, as required.
Application process:
- Please submit your completed application by including (all in one pdf file);
1) CV in English,
2) With a one-page cover letter in English explaining your interest and suitability for this position,
3) Along with diploma copies, and
4) Two reference letters provided by previous line managers;
- The subject line of your email submission with “Application – GIS & Database Expert [Candidate Name]” and interested applicants should submit the application to the following email address: hrmongolia@wcs.org
- Applications should be sent on or before 17:00 Ulaanbaatar time, Wednesday, 28th of October 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted;
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program
201 San Business Center, Amar Street-29, Small ring road, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia. Tel: +976-11-323719