Deputy Director, Cartography/ Geographic Information System

Role Overview

This position leads a national statistics office’s cartography and geographic information division, directly supporting the accuracy and credibility of census and survey programmes. Day-to-day work involves directing the full mapping lifecycle—from geospatial instrument design through data collection, analysis, boundary delineation, and final map production—while ensuring that field teams are well trained and that technical standards keep pace with emerging geospatial technologies. The role matters because reliable population and social statistics depend on precisely defined enumeration areas and up-to-date geospatial databases, which in turn shape policy decisions and resource allocation across the country.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the development and technical review of mapping proposals, ensuring alignment with census and survey objectives and available budgets.
• Lead the design and refinement of geospatial mapping instruments, incorporating input from subject matter experts and field pilot results.
• Scan and evaluate emerging technologies in geospatial data collection and analysis, recommending practical adoptions that improve data quality and operational efficiency.
• Supervise the analysis, cleaning, and processing of geospatial data, verifying that outputs meet validation standards before further use.
• Coordinate comprehensive training initiatives for trainers and mapping assistants, focusing on geospatial collection methods, equipment handling, and map production workflows.
• Manage the identification, delineation, and routine updating of administrative boundaries and enumeration areas to support national censuses and household surveys.
• Ensure timely preparation of mapping reports, census maps, and atlases for both internal use and public dissemination, responding to stakeholder requests for custom maps as needed.
• Champion stakeholder engagement by organising sensitisation forums that explain mapping methodologies and encourage collaboration with local authorities and community leaders.
• Oversee the design, maintenance, and security of the central geospatial database, including the editing of geography files and the enforcement of data integrity protocols.
• Establish and document standards and techniques for mapping, monitoring compliance across the division and coordinating assignments given to the team by the Director.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A minimum of fifteen years of cumulative, relevant professional experience in cartography, GIS, or a related field, including at least three years served at the level of Assistant Director of Cartography/GIS or in a comparable senior supervisory position.
• A bachelor’s degree in geospatial engineering, geomatics engineering, geographic information technology, geospatial information science and remote sensing, geomatics technology, geography, environmental studies, urban planning, or another equivalent qualification recognised by the relevant national authorities.
• A master’s degree in geospatial engineering, geomatics engineering, geospatial information science, geography, environmental studies, urban planning, geographic information systems and remote sensing, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Completion of a leadership or management development course lasting no fewer than four weeks, from a recognised institution, demonstrating formal grounding in people and programme management.
• Demonstrated proficiency in relevant computer applications, including GIS software packages and database management tools.
• Proven merit and ability, evidenced by consistent work performance, successful delivery of mapping projects, and tangible results in previous roles.