Context
Operational engagement in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (FCVS) is critical: over a quarter of the world’s population lives in such contexts, and by 2030, ~60% of the world’s extreme poor are projected to reside in FCV settings. The World Bank Group (WBG) has made FCV response a strategic priority. However, limited physical access and contextual knowledge hinder effective operations precisely where development interventions are most urgent. To bridge this gap, the WBG relies on systematic use of simple ICT tools—including the GEMS initiative.
GEMS Initiative Overview
GEMS (Geospatial Enablement for Monitoring and Supervision) is a core pillar of the WBG’s ICT support in FCV contexts. It enables project teams to use open-source tools for field data collection, feeding structured digital data into a centralized M&E system. Key objectives include:
Building in-house M&E capacity among government agencies, WBG teams, and country missions to sustainably apply GEMS.
Scaling implementation across the portfolio to enable real-time supervision, coordination, and interactive mapping of field data.
During the COVID-19 response, GEMS has been used for remote project supervision and operational monitoring.
Assignment Overview
The short-term consultant (STC) will join the GEMS team to support the World Bank’s Country Mission Unit (CMU) in the DRC. Key responsibilities include:
Overseeing the full-scale rollout of the GEMS methodology across the CMU portfolio for operational supervision, M&E, safeguard monitoring, and portfolio mapping.
Administering the GEMS platform (KoBo Toolbox) and ensuring its sustainable use across WBG projects.
Providing GIS and geospatial analysis support—including data collection, processing, visualization, and technical reporting.
Supporting capacity-building trainings for CMU staff, project teams, government counterparts, and partners on GEMS and related digital tools.
Supporting other FCV ICT initiatives, including social media monitoring and the DRC Crisis Observatory.
Collaborating with technical counterparts (e.g., the Geospatial Operations Support Team – GOST) and exploring complementary ICT4D approaches such as SMS-based systems, social media analytics, and satellite remote sensing.
Deliverables
Coordinate and support GEMS implementation across the CMU portfolio.
Administer the GEMS platform (KoBo Toolbox).
Deliver GEMS training (including Train-the-Trainer sessions for WBG staff).
Provide on-demand GIS and geospatial analysis.
Ensure progressive integration of all CMU projects into the GEMS system.
Support other supervision initiatives (e.g., social media monitoring).
Provide back-office support for systematic GEMS rollout.
Conduct client follow-up and technical support.
Review and digitize data collection tools.
Explore data-sharing and analysis collaborations with partners.
Develop practical guidance materials for ICT-enabled engagement in FCV contexts.
Produce monthly information notes on GEMS implementation progress.
Selection Criteria
Fluency in French (mandatory); proficiency in English (preferred).
Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in: (i) Engineering, Geography, or Computer Science; or (ii) Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, Public Policy, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in M&E, ICT, geospatial analysis, or development/humanitarian work, with demonstrated ability to apply technology to development/operational challenges.
Advanced GIS skills and proven experience with geospatial data and analysis (e.g., ArcMap, QGIS, R, Python).
Experience managing large datasets and databases.
Demonstrated experience using mobile data collection tools (e.g., KoBoToolbox, ONA, SurveySolutions, SurveyCTO).
Familiarity with M&E systems, especially in fragile contexts, demonstrated through field experience.
Experience working with household/survey/census/enterprise data is an advantage.
Knowledge of data analysis tools (R, SPSS, Stata, Python) is an advantage.
Familiarity with World Bank operational policies and procedures is an advantage.
Demonstrated initiative, leadership, innovation, and results orientation.
Excellent communication skills.
Advanced proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
Strong workflow management skills and proactive attitude.
Solid understanding of FCV issues and prior travel/experience in fragile states is preferred.
Administrative Arrangements
Contract duration: 150 days (2021 fiscal year, ending 30 June 2021).
Location: Based in Kinshasa, DRC, with potential for domestic and regional travel (e.g., Angola, Burundi). Remote work may be possible for the first 3 months.
Reporting: To a team leader based in Washington, DC, with close collaboration with FCV colleagues in Kinshasa and Goma, and the CMU.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and motivation letter in English to:
[email protected]