GIS Specialist

GIS specialist

Location: Nchalo

Overview

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of GIS Specialist, based in Nchalo under the Estate Agriculture unit.

The successful candidate will lead and manage the collection, processing, analysis and interpretation of GIS and drone data to support precision agriculture, crop optimisation and data-driven decision-making.

The role will also support the integration of GIS with business systems, field equipment and third-party platforms, while promoting automation, AI-driven analytics and digital transformation initiatives.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Lead and manage the collection, processing, analysis and interpretation of GIS and drone data to support precision agriculture, crop optimisation and data-driven decision-making.
• Drive and support the integration of GIS with business systems, field equipment and third-party platforms while enabling automation, AI-driven analytics and digital transformation initiatives.
• Oversee and coordinate drone fleet planning, deployment, maintenance, regulatory compliance, operational performance and the implementation of standard operating procedures.
• Enhance and support operational reporting, spatial monitoring, dashboard development and real-time decision-making for production, asset management and agricultural operations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to GIS teams, collaborate with business functions and external partners, and align GIS strategies with organisational and operational objectives.
• Promote and adhere to Illovo's procedures, policies and guidelines, including requirements relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

Key requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, GIS, Agriculture, Surveying, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience with Agricultural Management software, such as CanePro, and GIS.

Preferred skills

• GIS.
• Land surveying.
• Sugarcane agriculture.
• Drone piloting.
• Agricultural machine control.
• Computer programming.
• Database management software.
• Systems integration.
• Agricultural data analytics.

Mode of application

Applications should include:

• An application letter.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of relevant certificates.
• Details of traceable referees.
• A copy of National ID.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Site People and Performance Head
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc
Private Bag 50
Blantyre, Malawi.

Email: nchalohr@illovo.co.za

Closing date: 25TH november 2026

General information

• Applicants should clearly indicate the position they are applying for.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
• Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is an equal opportunity employer, and women are encouraged to apply.

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