Database Specialist, USAID/Madagascar HARENA At DAI Global

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the MEL/CLA Director, the Database Specialist ensures the administration of Harena’s information and data collection system. He or she ensures the development and maintenance of applications and data collection forms essential to the smooth running of MEL/CLA activities. He or she develops and administers the Harena database.

He collaborates with the MEL/CLA team in data processing, data quality assurance and consolidation of Harena results for USAID.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and manage the Harena information system and database:

• Develop and administer Harena’s information system and database.
• Design and adapt the project performance monitoring database, monitor data accuracy, entry and cleaning.
• Develop and/or update data collection forms.
• Develop and maintain various applications related to MEL/CLA activities.
• Manage organizational units and users.
• Develop performance monitoring dashboards and recommendations within the framework of the Harena project.
• Ensure monitoring and maintenance of all data collection equipment: tablets, smartphones, GPS, etc.
• Design and prepare spatial and temporal data/geographic information systems (GIS) maps and related spatial data presentations,
• With members of the monitoring and evaluation team, ensure that the monitoring and evaluation system accurately reflects the needs of the project and donors.
• Lead and ensure data quality assessment and address data and information management challenges.
• Coordinate surveys and evaluations, including management of monitoring and evaluation functions carried out by external service providers.
• Contribute to the proper functioning of the project’s MEL/CLA system

Knowledge Management and Capacity Building:

• Develop training tools and information system documentation,
• Train and assist staff and partners at all levels on the use and operation of the information system and data collection forms.
• Strengthen data collection and analysis capacities in line with project objectives.
• From all the data, in collaboration with the MEL Director, ensure internal accountability of the results to avoid any late delivery.
• Support partner staff in data entry and data quality analysis.
• Contribute to coordination between MEL/CLA teams, communications teams and technical teams to produce data for activity updates, newsletters, success stories and performance reports.
• Contribute to the integration of gender equality into all aspects of the database and reporting, and ensure that required data relating to gender equality and youth are monitored, recorded and reported appropriately.
• Contribute to the organization of pause and reflection workshops and other knowledge management events.

Communications:

• Foster ongoing positive cooperation with HARENA stakeholders and staff.
• Help coordinate the dissemination of key lessons learned and knowledge/learning products through various communication channels.

Reports:

• Generate accurate and timely MEL reports for regular reports and ad hoc requests.
• Know how to manage data within the allotted time and ensure the good quality of the shared data.

REPORT:
The Database Specialist reports to the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning/Collaboration and Adaptation.

The employee may be called upon to perform other tasks related to his responsibilities and skills, also, the above list is not exhaustive.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Holder of a Bac + 4 diploma in Computer Science, Database or development option;
• At least 5 years of experience in the development and use of a decision-making information system;
• Experience in web development (HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP CodeIgniter framework, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MVC model);
• Advanced mastery of the use of tools on Office 365: Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, Teams, Sharepoint…
• Experience in leading and developing activities related to databases and related project components, particularly in designing forms, using applications for data collection and creating dashboards.
• Experience in skills transfer and training of end users of different knowledge levels.
• Ability to advocate for MEL work at all levels of the organization.
• Professional experience in geographic information systems (GIS) to facilitate the analysis of spatial data and visualization of results.
• Experience in data quality assurance;
• Ability to solve complex database and M&E challenges, evaluate options and advise strategic decision-making based on existing evidence, data trends, lessons learned and other relevant information.
• Excellent communication and people management skills and the ability to get along with people at all levels of an organization.
• Good knowledge of the protected areas management system in Madagascar would be an asset;
• Professional fluency in oral and written French and Malagasy is required; professional ability in written and oral English would be an asset.
• Experience using Kobotoolbox would be an asset.
• Experience with USAID MEL/CLA system would be an asset.
• Ability to travel frequently to intervention areas.