To ensure that we are effectively carrying out our mission, we have committed to implement outcome-driven and evidence-based programs, measure what we achieve, act on what we learn, and generate new and relevant evidence. We need to produce high-quality data that can inform decision-making while also meeting donor requirements. The Measurement Unit is responsible for global guidance, resources and coordination to ensure that staff across all our programs are equipped with the skills and tools they need to generate and manage the right data for programmatic decision-making across the IRC. IRC’s M&E efforts rely heavily on technology platforms, and IRC’s Measurement Strategic Plan calls for further investment in and commitment to technology for M&E. Over the coming 2-3 years, the Measurement Technology Team (which sits at the intersection of the Measurement Unit and IT) will design, deliver and support a more comprehensive technology stack for M&E, ensuring Crisis Response, Recovery and Development (CRRD) program, technical and M&E staff have access to more comprehensive technology platforms to improve program delivery.
Job Overview/Summary
Focused on Measurement technology support, the Technology Platform Specialist is a member of the team responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting IRC’s global technology tools and platform for the organization. This includes CommCare, Kobo, Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft SQL server Azure based data warehouse. Working in partnership with staff at various levels and locations, the Platform Specialist performs a key role in analyzing, developing, and improving tools and processes supplying to the successful rollout of the Technology for Measurement products
Specific tasks include technology implementation support, project configuration, technical assistance and issues routing, front line help desk application support, and participation in setting standards for processes, data quality, security, and systems configurations.
Major Responsibilities
• Resolve support requests and handle further routing of support questions, issues, and risks within IT team and with the larger Measurement team.
• Ensure the technology tools and platform adhere to IRC systems standards and processes.
• On a project-by-project basis, provide guidance in digitizing paper-based forms, convert data to appropriate format and migrate data from existing sources (e.g., spreadsheets) into CommCare.
• Work with business partners including Technical Advisors, the Data and Monitoring team, and Regional Technology support teams to gather and analyze requirements for data collection and data visualization tools.
• Develop and improve CommCare applications and Microsoft Power BI dashboards in-close collaboration with the Data and Monitoring team to support toolkits development and rollout.
• Provide learning, mentorship and support to regions and countries in developing and/or improving CommCare applications and Microsoft Power BI dashboards per global standard requirements and standards.
• Provide Tier-2 and Tier-3 support emerging from Countries and Regional Technology support team for the products rolled out.
• In collaboration with the data engineers and data architect, capture requirements for data integration needs and transform data from various data sources that can be aligned and imported into the data warehouse.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and operation of data quality processes as they apply to the data platform.
• Participate in the maintenance of systems and user documentation and advocate for improvements in infrastructure and processes to support efficient operation of measurement technology offerings within the areas of operation.
• Support standards for data protection, confidentiality and data security for the technology systems and collaborate with key teams in IT security and protection teams for guidance as needed.
Job requirements
• At least five years of experience working in technology domain to develop and rollout technology products for programs – out of which, at least three years of experience developing, implementing and supporting application such as CommCare, Kobo, and Microsoft Power BI dashboards for large and complex programs
• Experience in public sector programming, and M&E specific technology tools
• Ability to effectively communicate in English both in verbal (i.e. day-to-day discussions, team meetings) and written (requirements and design specifications) form, as well as an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
• Strong analytic curiosity and innovative problem-solving skills using a systems thinking approach
• Demonstrable ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure
• Demonstrable ability to establish and maintain working relationships across all departments and levels of the organization
Preferred Skills
• Direct experience implementing programs or M&E in an international NGO context
• Experience working with enterprise grade systems implemented in multiple departments and countries to collect, store, and visualize data such as CommCare, PowerBI or similar
• Advanced level experience of MS Excel including developing macros and consolidating data from multiple Excel spreadsheets
• Experience working with Microsoft T-SQL, Azure SQL Server, Data Factory, SSIS/other ETL tools, data modeling and data warehouse development.
• Experience providing support for enterprise-level platforms with significant numbers of users across global time zones and varying IT infrastructure
• Familiarity with mobile data collection and/or case management tools such as CommCare, Ona, Kobo Toolbox or Microsoft PowerApps
• Experience with enterprise data architectures, integration, and master data management
• Ability to speak, read and understand one other language including French, Spanish and/or Arabic is a very strong advantage
Working Environment:
• Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, this role may initially be working remotely and providing remote support. As travel restrictions lift, it is encouraged that the role will transition to an office environment
• Some international travel is needed
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, 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. IRC is also strongly committed to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. Respecting diversity means recognizing and valuing the many ways in which people differ and are unique and creating a supportive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment in which everyone’s rights are upheld.
More Information
- Job City Nairobi
