Data Systems Manager

Vacancy Number: DSM/RMG/04/13
Humidtropics
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. http://www.ilri.org/.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. http://www.cgiar.org/.

Humidtropics, a CGIAR Research Program (CRP), seeks to transform the lives of the rural poor in tropical Americas, Asia and Africa. Innovative integrated systems research in the humid tropics will help poor farm families, often led by women, boost their agricultural productivity while preserving the land for future generations. ILRI is heavily engaged in the Humidtropics, leading Strategic Research Theme 1 on Systems Analysis and Global Synthesis with strong inputs into other CRP’s. Further information is available at: http://humidtropics.org/

The Position

The overall purpose of this position is to provide support in data management, database design and designing and maintaining systems for managing and utilising research data for Humidtropics Strategic Research Theme 1 (Systems Analysis & Global Synthesis). This position would be part of the ILRI Research Methods Group.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain an integrated database system for the Humidtropics Strategic Research Theme;
• Establish and maintain links and processes between the system and teams utilising the data;
• Provide input into impact assessment and monitoring & evaluation (M&E), designing and linking systems with M&E indicators;
• Write programs / procedures to extract and prepare data for analysis;
• Program field survey instruments and coordinate the training of staff in their use;
• Implement and monitor quality assurance (QA) protocols and routines, including safe and remote back-up of database systems and tools;
• Support the work of technical staff with data management and analysis responsibilities – this will include some technical supervision and training;
• Keep up-to-date with the latest tools and resources, including open-source software, for the collection, management, storage and sharing of information;
• Contribute to the overall work of ILRI, this may include: database design for specific projects within Humidtropics or other CRP’s, supervising of students, institute level impact assessment and M&E database systems etc.

Requirements:-

• MA/MSc degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics & Statistics or related discipline;
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the development and use of database systems for large-scale surveys;
• Experience in the development of web-based database systems will be an advantage;
• Experience with SQL language is required;
• Experience with statistical packages (R, SPSS, STATA) is required;
• Experience working in an international organisation and/or in applied agricultural research;
• Formal training and experience in database design, database management and computer programming necessary, including application of quality assurance standards and procedures;
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft packages, MySQL, open-source data collection tools (CSPro, ODK) and at least one programming language besides SQL (e.g. Visual Basic, Java, Pascal) a MUST. Knowledge of C++ programming language and Qt framework is an advantage;
• Ability to communicate well in English, both spoken and written is required, together with a working knowledge of another language (either French, or Spanish) or willingness to learn, will be an advantage;
• Excellent interpersonal communication and good personal organization skills required, including skills in mentoring and capacity building;
• Good judgment and willingness to take initiative; ability to work under pressure often to meet tight deadlines with compromising the quality of deliverables;
• Willingness to travel both regionally and internationally;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional contacts with relevant people and organizations.

Terms of Appointment

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus.  The position is on a 2 year contract with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Job level and salary

ILRI offers an attractive salary for this position, which is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.

Location: The position will be based at the ILRI, Nairobi.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document addressed to the Human Resources Director, explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience by 8th May 2013. Log on to:http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs. The position title and reference number REF: DSM/RMG/04/13 should be clearly marked on the cover letter. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.