22-April-2024

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger-USA is a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. We save the lives of malnourished children and we enable entire communities to be free from hunger. With more than 8,000 staff in over 50 countries, our programs reached 17 million people in 2019.

About the Country Program in Ethiopia

Action Against Hunger has been operational in Ethiopia since 1984 responding to both chronic and acute needs through a multi-sectoral strategy where nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods, WASH, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support activities are integrated to have a meaningful impact on people’s resilience. Action Against Hunger currently operates in 5 different regions (Oromia, Somali, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, and Gambella) with a portfolio of 20m USD/year of emergency, resilience building, research, and innovation programs. We have a country team of around 600 staff in 17 regional and satellite offices. Our main donors in Ethiopia in 2020/2021 are BHA, ECHO, Europaid, UNHCR, UNICEF, GFFO, BPRM, SIDA, EHF, WFP, CIAA, and others.

 I. General Assignments / Scope of the Role

The Database Developer/Manager plays a pivotal role in the efficient operation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) department within the organization. This position primarily focuses on the design, management, and optimization of databases crucial for assessments, routine checklists, monitoring, and evaluation tools. Collaborating closely with MEAL Head of Department (HoD), Regional MEAL Managers, Roving MEAL Managers, and others, the Database Developer/Manager ensures smooth data analysis and quality assurance processes. Responsibilities also entail working alongside regional teams to ensure proper archiving of documents, producing reports, validating indicators, and refining databases and analysis tools in collaboration with the broader MEAL team.

Purpose

The purpose of the Database Developer/Manager role extends beyond database management to encompass supporting regional teams, staff, and partners in troubleshooting data-related challenges, reviewing data reporting systems' progress, and developing centralized web-based databases. Maintaining data quality procedures, collaborating with MEAL managers, and coordinating with project components to ensure the timely flow of data are essential aspects of this role. Additionally, the Database Developer/Manager maintains a comprehensive catalog of regional MEAL tools, addresses staff data processing needs through training and advocacy, and undertakes assigned tasks to contribute effectively to the organization's overarching objectives.

Engagement

Internal

Roving MEAL manager: Exchange of information

MEAL HoD and Deputy HoD- technical guidance on MEAL procedures, and systems

External

Local governmental and non-governmental partners: exchange of information, coordination, and training related to ACF database and data management system

Delivery

1. Designed and Managed Databases: Developed and maintained databases for assessments, routine checklists, and monitoring and evaluation tools, ensuring their functionality and accessibility.
2. Performed Data Analysis and Quality Assurance: Conducted data analysis and implemented quality assurance measures to ensure accuracy and reliability of data.
3. Collaborated on Database Development: Worked closely with the MEAL team to develop, test, and troubleshoot databases and analysis tools, enhancing their effectiveness and efficiency.
4. Resolved Database Challenges: Regularly revised and troubleshooter database-related challenges to optimize database performance and address any issues promptly.
5. Ensured Data Quality Procedures: Implemented and ensured adherence to data quality procedures, checks, and backups, safeguarding data integrity and security.
6. Maintained Dashboard Updates: Developed and ensured regular updates of dashboards of indicators, providing access to project staff or stakeholders for informed decision-making.

Ad-hoc reports (assessments reports, newsletters, etc.

Essential job duties

Objective 1: Database Management and Analysis

• Design and manage databases for assessments, routine checklists, and monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Perform data analysis and quality assurance.
• Work closely with the MEAL team to develop, test, and troubleshoot databases and analysis tools.
• Regularly revise and troubleshoot database-related challenges.
• Ensure data quality procedures, checks, and appropriate backups.
• Develop and ensure regular updates of dashboards of indicators and provide access to project staff or stakeholders.
• Coordinate with all project components to ensure smooth and timely flow of data and data processing.
• Maintain an up-to-date catalog of all regional MEAL tools and forms in electronic and hard copy of data files.

Objective 2: Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with MEAL HoD, Regional MEAL managers, Roving MEAL managers, and other stakeholders.
• Support regional teams, other staff, and partners to troubleshoot challenges.
• Review the progress of data reporting and provide timely feedback for real-time data use.
• Work with the rest of the team to maintain an up-to-date catalog of all regional MEAL tools and forms in electronic and hard copy of data files.
• Identify regional staff data processing needs and ensure that these needs are met and provide training on data processing activities, including DHIS II as needed.
• Advocate and promote for dashboard access and more data use on Tablets and other machines.

Objective 3: Reporting and Documentation

• Produce reports and validate the quality of indicators based on different dimensions.
• Tracks the implementation of monthly plans and activities with each thematic area, along with documentation and produce ITT dashboards.
• Work closely with the MEAL HoD, Deputy HoD, roving MEAL managers, and HEARO team to develop a centralized web-based database for all project checklists and tools.
• Produce reports and share regularly.
• Other tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• ·N/A

I. Gender Equality Commitments  

• Foster an environment that supports the values of women and men, and equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion. race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status. 
• Value and respect all cultures.  

II.  Fiscal Responsibility

•    N/A

III.  Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IV.  Working Conditions, Travel, and Environment 

• The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required and in line with Labor Law.

• Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business purposes. While performing the duties of this job in the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high-security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as infectious diseases. 

I.                    Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Statistics, or related field
• Proficiency in Database Management Systems (DBMS): Expertise in utilizing DBMS such as MySQL, DHIS II, or Microsoft SQL Server is essential for designing, managing, and optimizing databases for assessments, routine checklists, and monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Data Analysis Skills: Proficiency in data analysis techniques and tools such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS, R, Stata or Python
• Experience with Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio
• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Principles: Understanding of M&E principles and methodologies and previously work as part of the MEAL unit in humanitarian organizations
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic, and knowledge of additional local languages

Required Experience:

• Database Management Experience: At least 3 years prior experience in designing, managing, and optimizing databases, preferably in a monitoring and evaluation context, is essential.
• Data Analysis Experience: Demonstrated experience in performing data analysis, conducting quality assurance checks, and producing reports is required, particularly in DHIS II and other databases
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Proven experience in working collaboratively with diverse teams, including MEAL, regional managers, and partners
• Experience with Reporting and Documentation: Previous experience in producing reports, maintaining documentation, and developing dashboards of indicators
• Training and Capacity Building Experience: Experience in identifying staff data processing needs, providing training on data processing activities, and advocating for enhanced data utilization is advantageous.

II. Required Skills & Competencies 

Essential

• Professional, motivated, open, creative, mature, responsible, flexible, and culturally sensitive
• Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to translate evaluated results into learning strategies
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation
• Experience in humanitarian M&E
• Commitment to ACF mission, values, and policy

PREFERRED

• Previous experience with nutrition, WASH, food security, and livelihoods programming.
• Previous experience with cash-based interventions (i.e. cash for work, cash transfers, or cash vouchers)
• Experience with mobile data collection processes and platforms
• Experience with GIS and spatial analysis
• Knowledge of local language (Desirable)