Data Officer for Sudan, based in Nairobi or Kampala

BACKGROUND ON IMPACT

Created in 2010, IMPACT is a Geneva-based NGO and the largest independent data provider in contexts of crisis. IMPACT aims to support a range of stakeholders in making better, more informed decisions in humanitarian, stabilization, and development settings. Through our team of assessment, data, geospatial, and thematic specialists, IMPACT promotes the design of people-centred research and set standards for collecting and analysing rigorous, high quality data in complex environments. Over the past 15 years, IMPACT has been growing in size and geographic reach to become one of the largest humanitarian research agencies in the humanitarian sector.

IMPACT's teams implement assessment, monitoring, evaluation, and organisational capacity-building programmes in direct partnership with aid actors. IMPACT's team is composed of over 200 full-time international experts as well as a roster of consultants, who are currently implementing over 50 programmes in over 30 countries across Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Central and South-east Asia, and Eastern Europe.

We are currently looking for an Data Officer to support our team in Sudan, based in Kampala, Uganda

Position: Data Officer

Contract duration: months

Starting Date: November

Location: Kampala, Uganda or Nairobi, Kenya

 Please note that this is a link for internal applicants only and applications of external candidates will be automatically rejected.

COUNTRY PROFILE

Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in Khartoum on 15 April 2023 and spread quickly across the country. Civilians have fled areas affected by fighting in large numbers, including to Chad, Egypt and South Sudan. Prices of food, fuel and other basic goods have skyrocketed skyrocketing, making critical goods unaffordable for many people. Half of Sudan's population are in need of humanitarian assistance, and the country is on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis. Humanitarian organizations are racing to respond to the most pressing needs wherever and whenever feasible, with access issues complicating the ability of actors to respond. In this fast-evolving context, IMPACT Initiatives is working to inform the emergency response to enable effective prioritization with scarce resources.

BACKGROUND ON INTER CLUSTER UNIT

The Inter Cluster Unit houses some of research cycles that are directly responsible for humanitarian prioritization both across the humanitarian architecture and also specific to cluster support.

The main research cycles are the Food Security Livelihood and Nutrition targeted assessments, The Rapid Needs Assessments, The Multi-sector Needs Assessment, and the Joint Market Monitoring Initiative. Some of the assessments are high frequency (JMMI), while the others are more phased based on contextual changes (RNA, FSLA etc.)

POSITION PROFILE

Under the line management of the Senior Data Officer/ Data Specialist of the Analysis Unit in Sudan, the Data Officer is responsible for the production of IMPACT's analysis products in Sudan, including the preparation of research design, support in designing sampling methods, data analysis plans, data collection tools, data cleaning scripts and processes, analysis scripts, analysis outputs and (as relevant) production of web maps and information management systems. The Data officer will support in the dissemination and evaluation stages of the research cycle. Throughout each research cycle, the Data Officer, in (as relevant) close liaison with the assessment teams, engages with partners to promote their participation in data processing, analysis or relevant topics as designated by the line manager, to maximize the uptake and use of IMPACT research. When relevant, or managing a project, he/she also ensures an efficient and transparent use of resources required for project implementation. This can include the direct supervision of data and assessment teams during data collection, analysis or output production.

Mission
RESPONSIBILITIES

The Data Officer's responsibilities include:

RESEARCH PLANNING

• Contribute towards the identification and implementation of effective and adapted data management and analysis solutions for IMPACT research in Somalia, in line with IMPACT's relevant research and data guidelines.

• Support (as designated by line manager) sampling design, creation and management of data collection tools (ODK or KoBo), training on data cleaning and management techniques, support for data analysis set up (specifically conducted in the R environment).

• Contribute to draft research ToRs with a specific focus on sampling, data collection tools, the data analysis plan, as well as data management plan;

• Support the development of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, ensuring requirements of research cycle/assessment are met;

• In coordination with relevant assessment and GIS officer(s), support construction of quantitative sample;

• Keep track of progress and delays of all assigned tasks throughout the research cycle. Ensure that delays or identified problems are reported by writing and orally in a timely manner.

RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION

• When relevant, support the identification and training of enumerators for primary data collection;

• When relevant, support oversight of data collection, in line with agreed TORs (including their Annexes), including data cleaning processes, checks and data cleaning scripts;

• In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), document all changes in data collection that lead to a modification in the agreed TORs, ensuring that the IMPACT CC/CR and IMPACT HQ are informed and agree on the modifications.

DATA MANAGEMENT, CLEANING AND ANALYSIS

• Monitor accuracy of data collected in line with IMPACT's Data Cleaning Minimum Standards Checklist;
  • Manage the analysis pipeline from the point where data has been collected to the products produced. Seek to standardise and automate wherever possible.

• Cross check data collected in the field, ensure regular updates and solve eventual discrepancies;
  • Manage, update and deploy monthly questionnaire;
  • Maintain, update and expand R-based systems of data management and analysis for data dissemination and reporting;
  • Serve as focal point for statistical analysis and quantitative reporting on assessments.

DRAFTING OF PRODUCTS

• Ensure that all IMPACT analysis products the requirements of IMPACT and concerned partners;
  • In support of the Research Manager or CC/CR, as requested, provide regular communication with IMPACT HQ on progress and deadlines for analysis outputs
  • Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate data and analysis products (such as factsheets, graphics, webmaps, dashboards), which comply with IMPACT's guidelines;

• Ensure findings are accurately reported given the data collection and analysis methodology planned in TORs.
  • Ensure that all analysis outputs are validated by IMPACT HQ before external release;
  • When relevant, in close coordination with IMPACT HQ, support the regular maintenance and update of online products;

• PROJECT CYCLE MANAGEMENT

UPON REQUEST OF THE LINE MANAGEMENT

• For relevant projects, ensure compliance to project cycle management requirements and guidelines at all phases;

• Before project start, support the organization of a kick off meeting and the availability of key project management documentations to plan the efficient use of assets, financial and human resources;

• In close coordination with line management, finance and grants colleagues, monitor and regularly update the use of assets, financial and human resources, in full compliance with IMPACT's guidelines; this includes maintaining an oversight of budget availability and expenditure for assessment activities;
  • Ensure that project deliverables and requirements are tracked, met and complied to;

• Ensure that any issue in relation to project implementation is reported to the line manager, finance and grants colleagues, and HQ;

• Ensure that a project completion meeting is held and documented for all relevant projects;

• Support the line manager, finance and grants colleagues in drafting of relevant project narrative and financial reports;
  • Other tasks as requested by supervisors

DATA CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROTECTION

• The Data Officer will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes, ensuring full compliance with IMPACT's data protection policy and SOPs. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.

Profile
REQUIREMENTS

• Academic Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a Master degree in relevant discipline;

• Research skills Demonstrable experience of data science. Excellent data analysis skills.

• Software skills Advanced knowledge of R essential, additional knowledge of STATA, Python or equivalent statistical software helpful. Proven knowledge of Microsoft office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of ArcGIS an advantage.

• Years of work experience At least 1 years of relevant working experience. Experience in humanitarian settings highly desirable;

• Communication/reporting skills Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting;

• Multi-tasking skills Ability to multitask with tight deadlines, on numerous research cycles;

• Level of independence Proven ability to work independently;

• Cross-cultural work environment Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility;

• Experience in geographical region Past experience in the [relevant] region is desirable;

• Security environment Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment

• Language skills: Fluency in English required, competency in Arabic is an asset.

 COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

 

• For this position, salary between 2'220 CHF and 2'280 CHF monthly (before income tax), etc as well as a monthly living allowance of 300 USD NB - IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary grid depending on the grade of the position and the level of education of staff. A location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied as a recognition that some staff are required to work in difficult places where living and working conditions are much more difficult than elsewhere.

• Accommodation and food provided in the guesthouse.

• Enrolment in Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approx. 9.975% of staff gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance.

• Flight tickets every 6 months & visa fees covered (in-country travel costs and professional expenses are fully covered).

• Contribution to the luggage transportation: between 20 and 100 kgs, depending on the length of the contract (+ luggage and personal property insurance)

• Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave when applicable.

• Predeparture induction - 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives's HQ in Geneva + one week pre-departure training in ACTED HQ in Paris, including a 4-days in situ security training;

• IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff and the health insurance provided covers, among others, up to 1000 € per year of psychosocial counselling fees.

---