1.Background

The Government of Saint Lucia recognizes the importance of a coordinated spatial data management framework to support sustainable development, disaster resilience, environmental management, and informed decision-making. The establishment of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) provides a platform for integrating, sharing, and utilizing geospatial data across various sectors. Readily accessible information encourages effective and well-informed decision-making and highlights scientific approaches to conceptualise government initiatives from agencies, thereby reducing vulnerability to natural hazards and environmental shocks. Strategic guidelines for mitigation, along with the inclusion of crime mapping, can save lives, combat fraud, reduce bureaucracy, and improve emergency response efforts. Furthermore, the efficient management of geoinformation can support socio-economic growth, including, but not limited to, economic sectors such as tourism (Kadaster & Ku Leuven, 2022). The necessity to share spatial data has driven the transition from standalone Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). The NSDI will develop comprehensive framework for the collection, management, and sharing of geospatial data in Saint Lucia, create standards and protocols for data interoperability and dissemination, establish a centralized accessible geospatial data repository, build capacity among stakeholders for effective use and management of spatial data and will promote interoperability and collaboration among government agencies, private sector, academia, and civil society. This project will position Saint Lucia to better respond to development challenges and improve the effective use of spatial information for national growth and resilience.

2.Project Description

The Saint Lucia National Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is guided by nine (9)  mid-to long-term objectives embedded within its strategic agenda. These objectives are systematically aligned with the nine integrated geospatial information framework (IGIF) strategic pathways, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to advancing geospatial capabilities across the country. The nine components encompass governance and institutions, policy and legal framework, financial sustainability, data and metadata management, technological infrastructure, standards and interoperability, strategic partnerships, capacity building and effective communication and engagement. The NSDI will implement a range of targeted actions referenced in the approved NSDI policy and action plan. Key actions include the establishment of a dedicated NSDI unit responsible for governance and coordination, the development and adoption of technical standards to ensure data quality and interoperability, and the creation of a centralized geospatial data portal to facilitate easy access, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial information. These efforts will be supported by capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing technical skills and institutional knowledge, as well as efforts to establish sustainable financing mechanisms to support ongoing operations and upgrades.

3.The National Spatial Data Infrastructure Unit

As per Cabinet Conclusion 103(b) of 2025- dated 10^th February 2025, the Government of Saint Lucia (GoSL) has initiated the process of establishing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Unit (NSDI) within the Department of Finance at the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The NSDI Unit will be responsible for establishing and managing a National Spatial Data Infrastructure for Saint Lucia. The Unit’s mandate will include:

1. Establishment and Management of Technological Infrastructure for Geospatial Data
2. Building local capacity and strengthening governance of the NSDI in Saint Lucia.
3. Managing Geospatial Data, Metadata and Interfaces for the dissemination of data to various
4. stakeholders.
5. Leading outreach and communication efforts to improve awareness of the value and use cases for geospatial data in Saint Lucia to all, including technical and non-technical stakeholders, decision-makers and the general public.
6. Developing data access policies, standardising usage conditions and recommending changes in regulations when necessary.

4.Tasks and responsibilities

The NSDI Data Expert III will provide technical support in the development, validation, and management of geospatial data, ensuring all activities comply with NSDI standards and guidelines under the supervision of the NSDI Manager. The NSDI Data Expert III will work collaboratively with the NSDI Systems Administrator II and undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Metadata Documentation
2. Data Development and Validation
3. Dataset Management
4. Technical documentation and Reporting
5. Capacity Building
6. Ensure data management practices comply with established IT security and data handling protocols.

More broadly, the NSDI GIS Expert III shall be responsible for:

1. Prepare, update, and validate metadata records for geospatial datasets, ensuring compliance with NSDI standards.
2. Perform data cleaning, validation, transformation, and Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes for spatial datasets, add metadata and attribute entries within the NSDI data repository, and enter and update metadata in accordance with national and international standards such as ISO 19115.
3. Prepare maps, charts, and thematic displays, including interactive web maps and dashboards for planning, decision-making, and stakeholder dissemination, while assisting with the analysis of spatial data and the production of GIS-based reports for dashboards.
4. Operate and maintain geospatial hardware and software, including desktop/laptop PCs, UAVs, GNSS receivers, and plotters.
5. Participate in stakeholder meetings, document outcomes, and communicate progress issues.
6. Participate in field verification exercises, field missions, and provide logistical support during geospatial surveys and workshops.
7. Develop, format, and submit geospatial datasets in accordance with NSDI guidelines, ensuring data integrity and usability.
8. Create and maintain technical documentation, including data dictionaries, user manuals, and data quality reports.
9. Support the NSDI working groups in implementing strategies related to the NSDI Action Plan.
10. Perform any other duties related to geospatial data management as assigned by the supervisor.

5.Outputs/ Deliverables

• Monthly reports;
• Preparation of metadata documentation for datasets, reviewed and approved by the supervisor to ensure compliance with NSDI standards.
• Reports on the progress of data collection, validation, and quality assurance activities, including issues encountered and solutions implemented.
• Development, validation, and submission of geospatial datasets in accordance with national standards and project specifications.
• Creation of technical documentation, data dictionaries, and user manuals to facilitate data understanding and use by stakeholders.
• Periodic progress reports detailing work accomplished, upcoming activities, and adherence to timelines submitted for supervisory review
• Meeting summaries and action points from coordination and review sessions with stakeholders and team members
• Submission of detailed work plans aligned with project milestones, validated by supervisor

6.Duration, location, coordination and reporting arrangements

• Duration. The NSDI Data Expert III  is a full-time position required for one (1) year, renewable annually based on  satisfactory performance. It is expected that the NSDI Data Expert III role will become a permanent position within the Public Service after the one-year contract has been completed.
• Performance will initially be reviewed after six (6) months, and thereafter, subject to annual reviews.

• This is a full-time position based in Castries, Saint Lucia and will require travel within Saint Lucia for participation in meetings, site visits in relation to data collection and validation and other work-related tasks.

• Location. The NSDI Data Expert III will work primarily from the Department of Finance where he/she will be assigned a workstation and will participate in face-to-face or virtual meetings, as is the case.  He/she will also be required to visit stakeholder agencies to ensure consistency in data development and adherence to standards.
• Coordination.  The NSDI Data expert III will lead and coordinate activities among stakeholder agencies, liaise with other members of the NSDI Technical Committee (NGTC), and other relevant public and private stakeholders on matters related to ongoing work.
• Reporting arrangements.  The NSDI Data Expert III will report directly to the NSDI Manager and will provide regular progress updates to ensure adherence to objectives and timelines.

7.Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Computer Science, Engineering  or a related field
2. Three (3) years of relevant technical experience in GIS, geospatial data handling, or survey work. 
3. Technical training or certification in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS or Global Mapper),
4. Basic coding in languages such as Python and R, and experience with using relational databases and SQL
5. General understanding of hardware, software, networking, databases and data management.
6. knowledge of spatial data management of datasets in various formats and proficiency in using GIS software, GNSS, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and basic data processing applications (e.g. QGIS, ArcGIS, PostGIS, Excel, Google Earth).
7. knowledge of spatial databases (e.g. PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Oracle Spatial) and Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) processes, particularly for geospatial data. 
8. knowledge of geospatial principles, coordinate systems, and map projections, especially Saint Lucia British West Indies Grid 1955 and Universal Transverse Mercator.

Desirable attributes

1.      Knowledge of geospatial principles, coordinate systems, and map projections, especially Saint Lucia British West Indies Grid 1955 and Universal Transverse Mercator. 

2.      Knowledge of spatial data management of datasets in various formats and proficiency in using GIS software, GNSS, and basic data processing applications (e.g. QGIS, ArcGIS, PostGIS, Excel, Google Earth).

3.      Knowledge of web mapping frameworks or APIs (e.g. Leaflet, OpenLayers, ArcGIS API for JavaScript).

5.      Knowledge of NSDI principles, metadata standards (e.g. ISO 19115), and OGC protocols (WMS, WFS, REST/SOAP APIs)

6.      Computer literacy skills, including the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, visual graphics, and presentation programmes.

7.      Professional Certification in GIS, such as GISP, would be considered an asset.

8.      Ability to work accurately and independently with minimal supervision.

9.     Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders

10.   Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and remain calm under pressure

11.   Ability to exercise initiative and judgement in the execution of duties.

12.   Ability to adapt to organizational change.

Applications for this post should be emailed, hand delivered or mailed to:

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy

4^th Floor Finance Administrative Center

Pointe Seraphine

Castries

Saint Lucia

1 (758) 468 -5503

Email: arja.payne@govt.lc

Applications must include the following:

-A brief cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in this post

-A resume which summarizes your most relevant skills and experiences related to this post as well as listing three (3) work related referees.

Deadline for submission: 20^th October 2025