National GIS and Land Use Planning Specialist

Organizational Context

The position is within the FAO Representation in Georgia, based in Tbilisi. FAO country offices assist governments in developing policies and programs for food security, hunger reduction, and sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. This role is part of the UTF/GEO/034/GEO-F project, focused on formulating and designing land consolidation in Georgia. The project aims to integrate land consolidation with irrigation rehabilitation under the World Bank's GRAIL Project, contributing to increased agricultural production, efficient land and water use, and strengthened land rights.

Job Purpose

The incumbent will provide essential technical support for the implementation of the UTF/GEO/034/GEO-F project in Georgia. This support will specifically focus on all land consolidation-related activities. The role involves contributing to the introduction of a fully operational land consolidation instrument, integrated with irrigation rehabilitation efforts. The objective is to facilitate more efficient farm structures, reduce land fragmentation, and support local agricultural development, while also addressing broader environmental and climate change adaptation goals within the project areas.

Responsibilities

Provide GIS, mapping, land administration, and land use planning support for land consolidation pilot projects in collaboration with FAO and relevant Georgian institutions. Develop and maintain geospatial databases, prepare thematic maps, and conduct spatial analyses for landownership inventory, valuation, and re-allotment planning. Coordinate with institutions on cadastral and land registry data, and support systematic land registration processes. Assist in implementing pilot activities, including feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and landowner interviews. Ensure project activities comply with data protection requirements, NSDI principles, and national legislation. Coordinate with GRAIL project teams for integration of irrigation and land consolidation. Organize and participate in training and workshops. Facilitate communication among diverse stakeholders, including landowners, government bodies, and private entities. Support integrated land use planning in pilot areas. Identify and report project risks and assist in addressing emerging issues. Ensure quality assurance of GIS products and technical deliverables. Contribute to the National Land Consolidation Strategy and Programme development.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in GIS, land administration, cadastral systems, land tenure, land management, land use planning, and/or land consolidation. Proven experience in practical application of GIS software (ArcGIS/QGIS), geospatial database management, mapping, and spatial analysis. Strong understanding of land governance, land tenure systems, cadastral and land registry systems, and institutional frameworks related to land administration in Georgia. Experience working with cadastral data, land registry information, landownership inventories, and systematic land registration processes.

Skills

Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS/QGIS), geospatial database management, mapping, and spatial analysis. Experience in data analysis, data quality control, and managing geospatial data. Knowledge of Georgian cadastral systems, land tenure, land registration, and land administration processes. Strong coordination, reporting, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Understanding of Georgia’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and data protection requirements. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or development partners is an asset. Experience with rural communities and farmers is an asset. Excellent communication, coordination, and negotiation skills.

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