MEAL Data System Management Manager At International Rescue Committee

Background

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The Ukraine crisis could become the worst humanitarian crisis Europe has seen in decades. More than 5.3 million people have fled across borders to seek safety in the 1st month since the escalation of conflict in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and over 6.5 million people are reported to be displaced. Reports indicate that almost all arrivals in Poland are women and children, including those that are unaccompanied and separated, as well as older persons.

Between February 7-23, 2022, an IRC team undertook a scoping mission covering Poland and Ukraine to better understand the context, humanitarian and civil society landscape, and anticipated service gaps in the event of an escalation of conflict in Ukraine and consequent displacement into neighboring Poland. As of February 24th, the IRC has pivoted to emergency response, and has identified partner agencies in Ukraine and Poland to facilitate immediate assistance that can be used where it is most needed. Simultaneously, the IRC has established operations across Ukraine and Poland offering a robust humanitarian response to complement partner response services either in breadth or scale.

Poland is hosting the largest number of refugees from Ukraine; more than 1.5 mil. have registered for Temporary Protection (70% females and 40% children)1. In the second year of the crisis, more refugees are expected in Poland as the frontlines change and Russia intensifies attacks. The new arrivals are expected to be more vulnerable with increased protection concerns and basic needs. As the needs continue to evolve, the IRC proactively adapts its programming to the context to ensure efficient delivery of assistance. The IRC Poland currently provides Protection, cash, education, and livelihood support to the affected population in Poland.

Purpose of this role:

The Data system Management (DSM) Manager will provide leadership and technical support to the establishment of data collection, and analysis systems and developing data workflows to facilitate coherent storage and reporting to internal and external audiences. The DSM will have a thorough understanding of the different databases, aiming to harmonize and validate data by developing tools, processes, and mechanisms, ensuring data quality, is readily available for the reporting needs of all sectors.

Major Responsibilities:

Data Management:

• Lead on design and develop a Database Management System (DBMS) able to include all sources of data, following the General Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), including data use and demand generation strategies. This task will be performed at team level (MEAL team), sectorial (across ERD, Protection, and Education sector), and partnership level (nurturing quality data management culture and processes for implementing partners)
• Lean on identification and development of dedicated Data Management Plans (DMP) for all ongoing, and new grants
• Oversee the development, ongoing modifications, strengthening and functioning of the country level data management system from all sectors (Protection, ERD and Education) and partners
• Design data validation mechanisms for internal and external sources (partner) of data
• Lead on the design and maintain Management Information systems for tracking and reporting all quantitative data and information with appropriate disaggregation (e.g., gender, location, etc.), harmonizing data sources internal and external.
• Ensure alignment of grant/program indicators with IRC core indicators
• Lead, design, and implement capacity building on effective use of Database products and systems to IRC and, where applicable, partners

Research, Learning, and Analysis

• Support the MEAL Coordinator to develop and implement regular monitoring and evaluation activities for the protection program
• Collaborate with program teams to discuss, analyze and interpret findings of sectorial activities
• Analyze quantitative data for the purpose of internal and external reporting
• Design and develop tools and systems to carry out the program monitoring and evaluation plans, as well as a comprehensive yet user-friendly program-wide database for each program
• Develop and implement appropriate data collection methodologies and tools, analysis plans, reporting outlines, and data/information dissemination/utilization plans
• Ensure that proposal budgets capture appropriate cost and financial information to enable implementation of both internal and external database system components
• Establish and maintain data standards, best practices and adherence to these standards as required internally and externally
• Identify and design innovative practices to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness in database management and incorporate them in the country MEAL strategy

Reporting

• Lead on data validation of internal and external report ensuring data quality and accuracy
• Lead on external reporting on a monthly basis, compiling and producing data in different formats as required
• Creating visualizations to support organizational decision making

Experience (Including sector/industry):

• At least 3 years NGO experience, preferably in a data system management role
• Working knowledge of GSBPM
• Experience developing solutions to optimize data workflow from different repositories
• Experience with business intelligence and analytic tools such as ONA, or Kobo
• Experience developing case management databases in a humanitarian context. Ideally, support in adapting CommCare or Primero
• Experience using Power Bi
• Experience using Power Apps
• Experience using ArcGIS is desired

Knowledge, Skills & Competences:

• Statistics, data analysis, and data-driven computation are all relevant areas of study or experience
• Able to think critically about data and information, triangulating and cross-checking data when needed and with minimal guidance
• Self-directed and able to work independently
• Excellent visual design sense regarding the clear and accurate presentation of data
• Very good analytical and reporting skills with attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently
• Excellent analytical, and writing skills and fluency in English
• Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure effectively and productively, including meeting strict deadlines
• Additional qualities: the ability to multi-task, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, flexibility, adaptability to manage transitions and change. A deep understanding of humanitarian and data protection principles

Specific Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science or/a related degree
• Others professional degrees related to this position

General Statement:

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Are you ready to join the most dynamic team?

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.