Uganda: Data Management Assistant- 3 Vacancies based in Kitgum (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps drives high quality, analytical work in tough places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently manage a breadth of programs in Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions with funding from a basket of donors. We partner with a range of private, public and civil society actors to systemically broaden opportunity for people across northern Uganda. Much of our work focuses on crowding-in private sector actors to deliver highly demanded but poorly supplied products and services that enhance the growth and competitiveness of the agricultural sector and improve the overall quality of life for the poor. Our work is market-oriented and consistently innovative and dynamic.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Data Management Assistant will provide support to the SIDA funded ‘Transforming Agriculture for Improved Livelihoods (TRAIL) program and Special Projects such as CFPA which are being implemented in Lamwo Kitgum, Pader, Agago districts. The programs seek to enhance smallholder farmer production and profitability, improve agribusiness and trade performance in key input and output markets and expand access to rural financial services. The programs work with a range of private sector partners including agribusinesses, SMEs, financial institutions and other service providers. The Data Management Assistant is a key position in program quality, assurance, accountability, documentation and learning within the MEL unit. The unit exists to support program design, implementation and utilization of information collected at different stages to create data driven impact. The position holder will be responsible for data tracking, entry and documentation of learning. S/he will be responsible for data collection, cleaning, validation and coaching partners on data tracking tools as well as engagements in mini-assessments, case studies, surveys and evaluation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Working under the supervision of the MEL Specialist for Acholi Sub Region, the Data Management Assistant will be responsible for the following key functions;

· Provide support to the MEL Specialist and Program team in data collection, tracking, and validation. Data entry into Design Planning Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication DPMELC systems and conduct basic data analysis, organization and presentation to program team members and partners/stakeholders.

· Provide support to the MEL Specialist in the design and uploading forms into digital data collection platforms such as ODK/Ona to enhance ICT4D initiatives.

· Participate in program and sector specific assessments, monitoring, surveys and evaluations. This will entail trainings and management of data collectors and facilitating results discussion

· Conducting, documenting and recording beneficiary interviews and share all learnings from program implements as required.

· Participate in on-going M&E training and support for all Mercy Corps programs

· Visit sites and partners to collect supplementary data, stories and conduct qualitative research both independently and in teams

· Manage the Design Planning Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication (DPMELC) systems and private sector partners databases working with the program and work closely with the program team to monitor progress against target.

· Maintain professional relationships with local government officials, private sector partners, NGOs, other development organizations and civil society organizations

· Maintain an active advisory role with each program team to help guide them towards robust and relevant data collection

· Work with MEL Specialist, Senior Program Manager and other staffs to ensure that activities are implemented on plan and progress towards targets is not compromised.

· Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to credit Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

· Perform any other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor or representatives

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics, Demography, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science or relevant field

· At least 2 years of good track-record on data tracking

· Must have knowledge on ICT4D initiatives such as digital data collection etc.

· Knowledge/Skills in designing databases will be an added advantage

· Must have good writing and analytical skills

· Should have knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection, reporting techniques. S/he should understand and be able to apply basic measures of central tendency and spread

· Skills of Microsoft excel and Access.

· Must be fluent both spoken and written English. Luo language skills is a plus

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The ideal candidate will;

· have the ability and curiosity to work comfortably and effectively in the cultural, relatively poor infrastructure of Acholi sub region.

· be an excellent communicator, have a strong sense of humor, multi-tasker, and able to work difficult and often stressful environments.

Applications: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Thursday, 15^th June, 2017. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for**.** Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.