Technical Assistant (Geographic Information Systems Support) is wanted for employment by CHF International. Founded in 1952, the Cooperative Housing Foundation—now known simply as CHF International—serves more than 20 million people each year, empowering them to improve their lives and livelihoods for a better future.

CHF currently has programs in more than 25 countries around the world in Africa, Asia, Europe & the Caucasus, Latin America & the Caribbean and the Middle East. In Ghana, CHF works in expanding economic opportunities through microfinance, improving and upgrading slums, expanding access to water and sanitation and engaging the youth in urban service delivery.

CHF is a politically neutral, non-profit organization that prides itself on an approach which is accountable, efficient and effective.

Description Of Job

Short Term Technical Assistance
Location:     Sekondi Takoradi
Job Title:     Technical Assistant (Geographic Information Systems Support)
Reports To:     Project Director (IncluCity)
Contract Duration: Six months

BACKGROUND
CHF International with a four year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is implementing a program in Ghana (in the cities of Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi) called IncluCity-Improving Governance and Services for Ghana’s Urban Poor. The program includes developing a series of activities that build the capacity of local governments to improve revenue generation. IncluCity will assist two cities in Ghana—Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi—to work sustainably for the urban poor through two objectives:

Objective 1:

Increased constructive participation of slum residents in governance, inclusive planning and budgeting processes in Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assemblies; and

Objective 2:

Increased capacity of Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assemblies to generate municipal revenue.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The GIS Technical Assistant will support reform initiatives aimed at modernization of property tax system by linking GIS and property database and reassessment of properties on unit area basis in the STMA.

The Technical Assistant will also support with the development of a new base map to make it possible to identify all taxpaying units (houses); Support with the development of a method of identification of the taxpaying units; Set-up a supporting Geographical Information System (GIS); Re-organize the revenue collection to utilize the GIS application; Build staff capacity to utilize the new system.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Referencing (Ground-trotting) to determine individual property values
•  Production of digitized maps in line with the LVD block plans
•  Labeling of the individual properties (record sheets will be redesigned to make scanning possible)
•  Capturing of block boundaries into GIS
•  Updating of geographic data and preparation of maps
•  Preparation and printing of A0 maps for demarcation of block plans
•  Preparation and printing of A3 block maps for data collection of property features for valuation of properties
•  Printing of A0, A1 A3 maps for data collection
•  Monitor field data collection related to the property tax reforms
•  Leading the updating geographic data (e.g. entering of street names/numbers and property numbers, indicating start and end nodes of streets) after data collection.
•  Supervise and Manage IT infrastructure for the STMA property tax reforms.
•  Assist in developing a web-based monitoring system
•  Support in the set-up of billing and accounting systems
•  Train and mentor staff of STMA to effectively utilize and internalize the new IT and GIS system for property tax improvement.
•  Represent the interest of CHF as, may be determined by supervisor, in all discussions at STMA administration related to property tax reforms.

Qualification Required & Experience

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

•  Bachelor's Degree in GIS, geography, computer science, engineering, cartography, or related field. A Master’s Degree in GIS or related field shall be a plus.
•  Two to four years of experience in the use of Arc Info, ArcView, MS Access applications and programming, CAD or other related computer experience (SDE); and prefer exposure to personnel management and project planning
•  Additional two years directly related experience may substitute for each year of education (up to two years of education) if there is demonstrated knowledge, ability and skills to perform the work

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

•  Considerable knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, including programming procedures and techniques.
•  Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of map creation, land descriptions, parcel numbers, and related concepts.
•  Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of property appraisal and tax assessing as applied to land, buildings, and personal property.
•  Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer to prepare maps, enter and maintain data, create maps and reports, and search for and compile data.
•  Skill in operation of modern office equipment such as personal computers, facsimiles, copiers, scanners, and telephones.
•  Ability to understand and interpret property descriptions and plat maps.
•  Ability to work with local government officials and the general public.

How To Apply For The Job

Application should be forwarded to:

contact@ghana.chfinternational.org ;

or

iadams@ghana.chfinternational.org

Closing Date: 17th July, 2012