Pamela Nkatha Thuranira
Geographical Information Systems
Nairobi,30
Summary
Dedicated GIS and Information Management Consultant, committed to creating and maintaining safe internal system operations and external data transmission policies to reduce liability and mitigate risks. Demonstrated strengths in leading internal data health and security initiatives at any scale. Creator of holistic management techniques for both highly efficient and extremely secure operations. Astute Data analyst with data-driven and technology-focused approach. Communicates clearly with stakeholders and builds consensus around well-founded models. Talented in writing applications and reformulating models. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
GIS and Information Management Consultant
IFRC
Narok, 30
06.2021 - 10.2023
- Designed data collection tools (Kobo Toolbox), trained data collectors, and conducted spatial mapping including real-time monitoring of data collection using Power BI for One Health mapping activities.
- Performed spatial analysis of collected data and this informed decisions on implementation of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in Chepalungu Ward leading to it being declared Open Defecation Free, generation of health hazard maps for Narok that informed response towards Cholera, Anthrax, and Rabies in three counties of operation.
- Collaborated with 12 stakeholders to enhance emergency response planning using One Health approach.
- Trained 240 data collectors (Community Health Promoters) and supervised spatial mapping process while doing real-time monitoring of data collection with Power BI for One Health mapping activities toward Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Project.
- Uploaded collected datasets on nine sectors for three counties into Humanitarian Data Exchange and Open Street Map databases for open access and use
- Compiled reports on department achievements and areas for growth to aid annual strategy planning.
- Reduced processing time significantly by optimizing spatial database performance through indexing techniques.
GIS Consultant - Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM)
World Food Programme (WFP) - Kenya
Nairobi, 30
04.2021 - 06.2022
- Improved accuracy and quality of GIS shapefiles by updating administrative units at high resolution and integrated external mapping products for additional geophysical and socio-economic data
- Provided WFP with timely food security and vulnerability information by maintaining and updating databases of spatial and socio-economic data and developing mechanisms for sharing data.
- Coordinated with government departments, e.g government of Kenya National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), UN, NGOs, and other relevant agencies on food security early warning information, contingency planning, and response activities and provided synthesized information to WFP
- Contributed to development of VAM projects and activities, ensuring alignment with wider WFP policies and guidance as well as generating evidence across Country Strategic Plan (CSP) towards helping vulnerable populations.
- Provided WFP with necessary GIS and mapping services, including preparation of thematic (i.e., analytical) base maps for 45 counties that supported country-level operational functions, and mapping of hotspots
- Played key role in annual vulnerability assessments providing required technical support to government and other stakeholders and leading joint food security assessments with relevant stakeholders on markets, food security, and livelihoods
- Aligned existing livelihood zone maps with current administrative levels for training and verification and generated maps for livelihood profiles and draft Atlas
- Lead joint Needs Assessments, joint Assessment missions, and vulnerability targeting for WFP operations including displaced persons and refugee response
- Participated in design and implementation of WFP programs with particular emphasis on problem analysis, providing recommendations on targeting such assistance along geographic, sectoral, or socio-economic lines, as well as conducting beneficiary verification
- Transferred skills and developed sustainable capacity in food security analysis and information management systems in relevant government institutions and local partners.
Assistant GIS Officer
Danish Refugee Council
Nairobi, 30
03.2020 - 04.2021
- Developed GIS tools and projects, training staff on key GIS capacities for nine East Africa and Great Lakes countries
- Carried out trend analysis and mapping of food security phases in 9 East Africa & Great Lakes (EAGL) countries using IPC datasets contributing to quantitative research as bigger objective
- Supported in developing new and revising coding of survey as required using (Open Data Kit, Kobo Toolbox, and Survey CTO), and in line with Monitoring and Evaluation standards, coordinating with Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
- Trained country's Monitoring and Evaluation teams on visualization of data, including GIS data, using relevant software such as Quantum GIS (QGIS), Excel, and Power BI.
- Developed dashboards on environmental safeguards, water resources, and refugees, presenting data for internal and external use at regional level.
- Promoted collaborative work environment by actively participating in team meetings and sharing expertise with colleagues.
- Managed large-scale data sets by organizing, validating, and maintaining all relevant information
- Enhanced GIS data accuracy by conducting thorough quality checks and implementing necessary updates
Assistant GIS Research Officer
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust
Nairobi, 30
02.2017 - 08.2019
- Executed GIS data mining from District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), cleaned it, formatted it into acceptable formats, analyzed it, and mapped it to inform malaria prevalence decisions and effects of job cadres in malaria alleviation.
- Coauthored publications in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing impact of our team''s research efforts on advancing knowledge in field.
Education
Master of Science - Geographical Information Systems
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, 30 10.2018 - 09.2022
Bachelor of Science - Geospatial Engineering
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, 30 10.2007 - 06.2012
Skills
GIS mapping
Data collection
Excellent communication (written and oral)
Data Analysis and Management
LeadershipTeamworkPaying attention to detail
Problem-solving
Statistical analysis
Research
Evaluation and Monitoring
Public Speaking
Flexible and Adaptable
Certification
Monitoring and Evaluation - 2016
Other Consultancy Work
- Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) - World Bank GEMS (The Geo-Enabling Initiative for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS) Trainer, 01/01/24
- Gambia Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources - Integrated Data collection and visualization for Project Management Trainer, 02/01/24
Awards
- International Research Award - IPUMS International (2019)
- Special Achievement in Geographical Information Systems (SAG) - ESRI (2018)
- The Geo-innovation Esri Award - ESRI (2012)
Publications
- The Lancet - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(17)30488-6/fulltext
- BMC Public Health - https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-6474-1
Volunteer Experience
- Volunteer data collection and project monitoring trainer, 02/01/24, Present, University of Nairobi
- Volunteer Program Coordinator, 07/01/06, 08/01/06, Samaritans Purse
Timeline
GIS and Information Management Consultant
IFRC
06.2021 - 10.2023
GIS Consultant - Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM)
World Food Programme (WFP) - Kenya
04.2021 - 06.2022
Assistant GIS Officer
Danish Refugee Council
03.2020 - 04.2021
Master of Science - Geographical Information Systems
University of Nairobi
10.2018 - 09.2022
Assistant GIS Research Officer
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust
02.2017 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Geospatial Engineering
University of Nairobi
10.2007 - 06.2012