South Sudan: GIS Mapping Consultancy

Apr 1, 2025 | Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany
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VSF Germany is an International Non-Governmental Organization providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists, agro-pastoralists and vulnerable rural communities in areas where livestock is of importance in the Greater Horn of Africa region. VSF Germany (VSFG) and Enjojo Foundation (EF), have partnered to implement the project “Fostering Peace and Natural Resource Governance in NaturAfrica- supported landscapes in South Sudan-FOPNAG”. VSFG is the consortium lead and is responsible for the Livelihoods Component of the project; and EF is in charge of the Peacebuilding Component. The project is led by a Consortium Coordinator and supported by a Project Steering Team (PST).

 

 

1. The Project

 

The EU-funded FOPNAG project in South Sudan works to reduce conflict and improve resource management in and around Kidepo Game Reserve and Lantoto National Park. Implemented by VSF Germany and Enjojo Foundation, this 30-month project (2024-2026) promotes peace and resilience in these landscapes. FOPNAG aims to strengthen local conflict resolution, enhance community livelihoods, and empower community participation in peacebuilding.

 

The project recognizes the link between conflict and resource scarcity, addressing root causes like cattle raiding by supporting alternative livelihoods. Capacity building for local leaders and skills transfer to community members promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource management. FOPNAG establishes and strengthens peace committees, develops early warning systems, and trains law enforcement in community policing.

 

Youth are actively involved through peace scout training, promoting reconciliation and raising awareness through a radio program. Economic empowerment is prioritized, with "peace dividends" supporting livelihood recovery and creating opportunities. In Kidepo, the project focuses on the needs of cattle-keeping communities and resource mapping. In Lantoto, it supports livelihoods, particularly the honey industry. FOPNAG emphasizes social cohesion through inclusive engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. The project strives for a more peaceful and resilient environment where communities can sustainably manage resources and thrive.

 

 

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

 

The project team requires a consultant to conduct a comprehensive GIS mapping study of the 35 bomas within Kidepo Game Reserve. The study will develop a detailed GIS model, mapping livestock locations, migration routes and patterns, conflict hotspots, water resources, grazing areas, cattle camps, human settlements, farmlands, potential sites for water facility development, and disease risk zones. This mapping will be a crucial input for the NaturAfrica project, informing the development of a land use plan and a community development plan for the reserve.

 

 

3. Specific Objectives of the Consultancy

 

The Consultant will:

 

  1. Collect ground data within the project area and create preliminary maps (sketches) of livestock locations, migration routes, and patterns.
  2. Identify and map (sketch) the location of water resources, grazing areas, cattle camps, human settlements, farmlands, potential sites for water facility development (outside the reserve), and disease risk zones within the project area.
  3. Develop a spatial and temporal framework documenting traditionally agreed livestock migration routes and shared grazing areas within Kidepo Game Reserve, the surrounding Dongotona and Didinga hills, and adjacent counties (e.g., Kapoeta).
  4. Convert the ground data sketches into digital maps using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) to spatially represent livestock migration routes, shared grazing lands, and other relevant natural and anthropogenic features.
  5. Generate shapefiles for various land-based activities within the area of interest and develop a land use map for Kidepo Game Reserve.
  6. Develop necessary attributes for the spatial data and demonstrate spatial linkages between various project activities.

 

 

4. Scope of Work

 

This consultancy focuses on data collection and analysis to create a GIS model map of livestock locations, migration routes, grazing lands, and patterns within the 35 bomas of Kidepo Game Reserve. The consultant will conduct a desk review of project literature, meet with project staff, stakeholders, and partners in Juba and in the field, and propose appropriate data collection tools to ensure accuracy and reliability.

 

 

5. Mode of Delivery

 

The consultant will primarily use direct field visits for data collection, employing GPS technology to record precise coordinates. Subsequent data processing and map compilation will be conducted remotely. This process will include the collection, labelling, and compilation of accurate GPS data for livestock migration routes and patterns. The final mode of delivery will be determined in consultation with the project team, taking into account the specific context. All deliverables, including maps and plans, will be finalized after incorporating and addressing all client feedback.

 

 

6. Key Tasks

 

The Consultant will:

 

  1. Hold a kick-off meeting with the Consortium Coordinator to ensure a thorough understanding of the project and receive all necessary reference documents.
  2. Review and understand key project documents, including the project proposal narrative, EU guidance, and the approved project log-frame.
  3. Submit an electronic draft inception report detailing the proposed methodology, including data collection tools and a work plan.
  4. Present the proposed methodology and instrumentation to the project team.
  5. Conduct fieldwork in designated locations, with logistical support provided by the project team.
  6. Arrange meetings and access to project areas according to the approved field itinerary.
  7. Create GIS maps using software such as ArcGIS and QGIS, visually representing livestock migration routes, shared grazing lands, and other relevant natural and anthropogenic features.
  8. Consult various data sources, including topographic maps, satellite imagery, and existing land use sketches and profiles. Mapped features will include, but are not limited to: area coordinates, contours, rivers, wetlands, and physical and social infrastructure.
  9. Submit draft maps for review and feedback by the project team.
  10. Prepare final maps and accompanying deliverables, incorporating feedback from previous iterations and ensuring the highest quality standards.

 

 

7. Outputs.

 

The Consultant will deliver:

 

  1. Three (3) reference sketches (Budi & Ikotos Counties separately, and a combined map) derived from analogue data, showing livestock locations, migration routes, and patterns.
  2. Five (5) geo-referenced GIS maps depicting livestock locations, migration routes, patterns, water resources, grazing areas, cattle camps, human settlements, farmlands, potential water facility development sites (outside the reserve), and disease risk zones within the 35 bomas of Kidepo Game Reserve. These maps will include two (2) for Budi County, two (2) for Ikotos County, and one (1) combined map, delivered in PDF and JPEG formats.
  3. Shapefiles for each of the five (5) GIS maps (two for Budi, two for Ikotos, and one combined) and a land use plan.
  4. Thirty (30) A0-size (0.84m x 1.19m) colour printouts of the geo-referenced maps on plain paper (fifteen (15) for each county and ten (10) combined).
  5. A spatial framework documenting traditionally agreed livestock migration routes and shared grazing areas within Kidepo and surrounding counties.

 

 

8. Time Frame

 

Considering the vastness of project area and the poor infrastructure, it is expected that the assignment will take approximately 28 days, broken down as follows: 4 days of travel, 1 day to review the project documents, 18 days in the field to collect data/information, meet stakeholders, and produce the draft report, and 5 days to produce the final deliverables.

 

 

Qualifications and Experience of the Consultant

 

A multidisciplinary team with proven experience in delivering high-quality digital maps is required. The following skill mix is essential:

 

a. Academic Qualifications

 

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Geomatics Engineering, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Cartography, Engineering Surveying, or a closely related field. Additional qualifications in Remote Sensing, Satellite Imaging, or Photogrammetry are highly desirable.

 

b. Experience

 

At least 10 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

 

  • GIS mapping, remote sensing, and satellite imaging.
  • Surveying, including photogrammetric mapping and GPS control surveys.
  • Proficiency in ArcGIS software.
  • Extensive experience in planning and executing topographic and engineering surveys.
  • Demonstrated expertise in surveying, GIS, satellite imaging, photogrammetry, and remote sensing.
  • Experience implementing internet GIS applications based on ESRI technology.

 

 

The deadline for all applications is April 15, 2025