GIS specialist (Advanced)

Role: Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist

Language knowledge

• Very good knowledge of English language, both spoken and written, corresponding to Level B2 or higher of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Specific expertise

• 10 years of experience with/in using GIS software, performing spatial analyses and competences in database handling. Expertise with QGIS/ArcGIS Pro required.

NATURE OF THE TASKS

The service provider is expected to take on general GIS support to the Energy and Industry Geography Lab team (spatial calculations, joining, manipulation and management of datasets as well as the creation of maps and visuals) as required by the appropriate project and service managers.

The tasks that service provider will be expected to perform include any or all the following:

• Provide expertise in GIS strategies, reference architectures, and emerging technologies, advising on standards, scalability, and integration with enterprise systems.
• Conduct GIS requirements analysis; design and develop GIS processes, automation scripts, and custom software components to meet business and technical needs.
• Perform spatial analysis using advanced geoprocessing, spatial statistics, and modelling techniques to support decision-making.
• Design cartographic products and geographical data visualisations, applying symbology standards, scale rules, and accessibility principles for diverse audiences.
• Process and analyse remote sensing and earth observation imagery, including classification, change detection, and environmental monitoring.
• Create, maintain, and curate GIS datasets, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with metadata and data model standards.
• Administer and manage GIS databases and software platforms, including user roles, security, performance tuning, and system upgrades.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, analytical reports, and technical documentation to communicate GIS findings and methodologies.
• Develop, test, and maintain GIS web applications and OGC-compliant web services (WMS, WFS, WMTS), ensuring usability and reliability.
• Monitor, test, and optimize the GIS architecture for performance, availability, scalability, and compliance with IT standards.
• Update and maintain geographical databases, ensuring version control, data lineage, and integration with external data sources.
• Implement data quality checks, validation rules, and automated workflows to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of spatial data.
• Integrate GIS platforms with enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, BI tools), APIs, and external datasets, ensuring seamless data exchange and interoperability.
• Ensure compliance with the EU INSPIRE Directive and metadata standards, maintaining interoperability and discoverability of spatial datasets.
• Manage coordinate reference systems (CRS), projections, and transformations to guarantee spatial accuracy across platforms and applications.

SPECIFIC EXPERTISE AND TECHNOLOGIES

• Knowledge of GIS methodologies, tools, and technologies (eg, ArcGIS, QGIS, GDAL) supported by formal training or certification.
• Knowledge and practical experience with GIS methodologies, tools, and platforms (eg, ArcGIS, QGIS, GRASS GIS) for spatial analysis and mapping.
• Knowledge of geospatial database management (eg, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Oracle Spatial) for dataset maintenance, analysis, and updates.
• Knowledge of geospatial data management operations, including modelling, transformation, enrichment, quality assurance, dissemination, and visualisation.
• Knowledge of spatial analysis methodologies (eg, computational geometry, network analysis, geo-statistics, photogrammetry, remote sensing) applied to geospatial problems.
• Knowledge of geospatial database technologies and design practices (eg, UML class diagrams, spatial indexing) with exposure to database administration.
• Knowledge of programming and Scripting (eg, Python, R, JavaScript) for automated GIS workflows, web services, and software development.
• Knowledge of cartographic design principles and web mapping technologies (eg, ArcGIS Online, Leaflet, Mapbox) to create interactive and Real Time maps.
• Knowledge of geospatial big data management and tools (eg, MapReduce, Athena, Hadoop, GEE) for large-scale data processing.
• Knowledge of web cartography technologies and standards (eg, HTML5, WebGL, JavaScript, Node.js, CSS, SVG, REST, ArcGIS web mapping technologies, QGIS, OSGeo web mapping technologies, GeoJSON/TopoJSON formats, SLD, T-WMS and other OGC standards, Leaflet, D3js, Qlik Sense) for interactive mapping.
• Knowledge of earth observation data operations (eg, Copernicus, Sentinel, Landsat) including collection, processing, integration, and analysis.
• Good knowledge of international standards on GI (eg ISO, OGC, INSPIRE, etc.);
• Knowledge of metadata standards and cataloguing (eg, ISO 19115, INSPIRE metadata) for geospatial data governance and discoverability.
• Knowledge of data interoperability practices and APIs for sharing and consuming geospatial data across platforms.

CERTIFICATES and/or STANDARDS

Optional: A certification such as the Esri Technical Certification (eg, ArcGIS Pro Associate/Professional).

SKILLS

Ability to analyse spatial data and provide geographic insights. Commitment to accuracy in spatial data capture and reporting. Skill in resolving GIS challenges from integration to configuration. Competence in managing multiple GIS projects effectively. Drive to explore emerging GIS tools and technologies. Ability to participate in multilingual meetings. Ability to understand, speak and write English, optionally French as an additional asset. Capacity to build trust and influence decision-making. Ability to work in a team as well as autonomously. Results-oriented mindset, focused on delivering.