The Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) aims to increase state presence and community
resilience in remote areas of Benin, Ghana and Togo that are at risk of encroachment by violent
extremist organizations. In these areas, CSSM provides short-term, targeted programming tailored
to the specific context, prioritizing interventions that strengthen positive state presence. CSSM’s
overall aim is supported by three key outcomes focused on i) reinforced security provision; ii)
expanded and improved government delivery of critical basic services; and, iii) community action to
address local instability risks. The CSSM is funded by the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and aligns with the US
Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability and the GFFO’s Concept on Foreign and Security
Policy Strategy for an Integrated Peace, as well as regional and national efforts to prevent violence.
The CSSM is being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in close
coordination with GFFO, USAID, as well as with communities in priority zones and all levels of the
host Governments.
CSSM’s programming and reporting objectives require the ability to rapidly capture, visualize,
analyze, and integrate the influx and analysis of new data on the fluid dynamics of the Coastal West
Africa context. The GIS Consultant will create visual maps and other geospatial products to ensure
that CSSM visualizes data to inform CSSM partners, deepen its contextual analysis, and monitor,
assess and inform programmatic opportunities.
6. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: CSSM
7. Category B Consultant: Tasks and deliverables under this contract
This contract is for up to a ceiling of 60 days for the six month contract duration. The Deputy Chief of Party and the Consultant will agree in advance on specific deliverables based on the list below to be produced by
the consultant. The consultant will invoice IOM monthly for the days worked towards completing the
agreed deliverables.
i. Develop maps and other visual products as requested by the CSSM Senior Management
Team, that highlight CSSM’s analysis and activities, capture programmatically relevant  trends and issues, and tell the story of CSSM’s accomplishments and strategic approach.
ii. Develop snapshot mapping of evolving dynamics relating to stability and opportunities in
particular locations at key moments.
iii. Propose new maps based on consultant’s understanding of CSSM and host country partner
mapping needs.
iv. Repackage to tailor communications for different formats and audiences.
v. Recommend ways of collecting, capturing, coordinating, and visually conveying CSSM’s
geospatial data streams in a timely and effective manner.
vi. Designing and ensure consistency for CSSM mapping materials
8. Duration of Consultancy: Six (6) Months
9. Education, Experience and/or skills required
• Bachelor’s degree in Information management, GIS or a related field
• Three years of relevant working experience.
• Portfolio showing consult own products in GIS is required
• Expertise in using ArcGIS and QGIS
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, and to exercise good, professional judgment that communicates the established message of the CSSM program
• Familiarity with Coastal West African geography and context is desirable
• Must be able to obtain various Coastal West Africa visas
• Technical qualifications in GIS are a strong advantage
• Strong writing skills in English or French is strictly required, bilingual candidates will have a
strong advantage.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills are required, as is the ability to organize the
workload.
• Preference will be given to consultants whose usual residence is within three time zones of
Accra, Ghana (GMT) to avoid communication lags with the Accra-based team
10. Languages
• Fluency in English is required (Oral and Written).
• Working knowledge of French is an advantage.