DECISION SUPPORT SPECIALIST – OKACOM

The Decision Support Specialist has overall responsibility for the development of the DSS including: design of the structure of the DSS incorporating where appropriate the existing basin information systems and planning tools in proper synchronisation with existing platforms and systems across the Member States; development of integrated Geographical Information System (GIS) and the linkages to national databases and support to national departments for developing and upgrading the GIS and databases; design and linkages to remote sensing data management systems; design and implementation of use interfaces/ dashboards/ websites; and training of OKASEC and Member State professional staff in the use of the DSS.

European Union Delegation to Botswana and SADC have been in the process of formulating the support to Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) which was established through the 1994 OKACOM Agreement. The

Agreement commits the three Member States to promote a coordinated water resource development of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin (CORB). The basin is transboundary and includes parts of Angola, Botswana and Namibia. A Strategic

Action Programme (SAP) for the Sustainable Development and Management of the Cubango-Okavango Basin was approved in 2011, and plans are being made to implement it. The SAP includes a long-term planning framework, the Basin

Development and Management Framework (BDMF), established to improve the basin governance and tackle specific issues on 4 thematic areas: 1) livelihoods and socioeconomic development; 2) water resources management; 3) land management; and 4 environment and biodiversity.

The proposed action to be supported by European Union focuses on establishing the foundation for sound decision-making by supporting the BDMF, in particular the data collection, data management and analytical systems that provide information

used in decision-making (Decision Support System –DSS Thematic area 2) water resources management, will focus in filling gaps in the data monitoring networks and developing early warning systems; and thematic area 3) land management, will aim at introducing better land-use planning guidelines and addressing livelihood issues that lead to environmental degradation.

The overall objective of the Action is to strengthen the Cubango-Okavango river

Basin governance and promote sustainable management of its water and land resources.

The proposed programme has been defined within the overall structure of the SAP and has the following three specific objectives:

1. To improve the Decision Support Systems (DSS) used in the Cubango-Okavango

Basin Development and Management Framework (BDMF) to enable OKACOM to provide effective advice to member states;

2. To strengthen water management in the Cubango-Okavango River Basin, through improved water resources data availability and early warning system;

3. To strengthen land management in the Cubango-Okavango basin through improved land use planning, reduction of environmental degradation and improved livelihood.

In light of the above, OKACOM is inviting applications from qualified candidates for the above position. Detailed job descriptions for these advertised positions can be accessed from the OKACOM website (www.okacom.org).

For further enquiries contact Ms Shirley N Selolwane at [email protected]

CLOSING DATE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS IS 28th FEBRUARY 2018