Database Specialist

RTI International is one of the world’s leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 3,700 provides research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 75 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory testing and chemical analysis.

In the international education sector, from our longstanding work in post-apartheid South Africa to innovative work in Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA), including recently in Ethiopia, RTI works to improve education quality, relevance, access, and efficiency around the world.

RTI is recruiting for the USAID Ethiopia READ-TA education project, focused on curriculum revision and textbook development.  We are looking for proven performance in a variety of areas, with knowledge and experience in implementing evidence-based approaches to instructional improvement.  READ TA has 3-cross-cutting themes: gender, inclusive education and technology. Local candidates are preferred. Females are strongly encouraged to apply.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Database Specialist is responsible for recording, analyzing and processing all data and generating reports for the overall READ TA project.  The Database specialist is responsible for assisting in the monitoring and reporting of performance indicators and results, developing methods and milestones to monitor progress towards project goals. S/he will help to develop a project strategy to ensure that project activities and assignments are carried out as planned and the project objectives are being achieved.

S/he works in a team with the Director of M & E, other staff at M&E unit and READ TA Regional teams on a day-to-day basis related to work habits and technical support.

The Database specialist is expected to devote some of her/his time for field travel and will take on additional duties as needed.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Area 1: M & E Area Coordination and Implementation

• Develop and ensure application of effective data collection, recording, tracking, analyzing and reporting systems, tools and templates that enable and enhance regular monitoring outputs and program quality across the regions and generate quality evidence at various program levels


• Work with Regional Teams and service providers to ensure effective processes and mechanisms are in place, including supporting set up and ongoing technical support of the Output Tracker for project outputs


• Use the DQA and spot-checks (random field verifications) of reported data to maintain the quality of data management and reporting systems for program-level indicators


• Collect data for TraiNet to update READ TA training data on USAID site quarterly


• Provide technical support on data collection, management and overall annual planning and reporting processes


• Work with regional offices, service providers and regional offices to identify data management training and capacity building requirements and to develop capacity building plans and coordination mechanisms for training delivery


• Assist with planning and implementation of research and M&E tasks

Area 2: Management and Administration

• Support timely submission of and accuracy of data in reports


• Be aware of and inform M & E team of internal rules, policies, and policy context to promote compliant operations


• Actively participate in M & E meetings and communications.

Area 3:

•  Where necessary, provide trainings for the regional teams and technical staff on READ TA’s M & E systems including essential procedures for data collection and management, annual planning and reporting in compliance with the Quality Framework.


• Develop a thorough understanding of data collection abilities, data processing procedures and stakeholder needs.


• Maintain and update the data base (s) as necessary, data entry in the USAID Performance Reporting System (PIRS).


• Actively participate in report production including formatting and design.


• Efficiently track, analyze report and update objectives, activities, indicators, and results over the life of the project.


• Support the development of  a repository of tools, guidelines and reference documents for M & E and/or that may be used, and are easily accessible to staff and external audiences.


• Be a visible actor in strengthening data collection and management for capacity building and being an advocate for effective capacity building approaches.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Information technology or related fields and 2 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of  relevant experience in database management


• Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred


• Comprehensive understanding of education sector in Ethiopia

Skills and Abilities

•  Demonstrated skills and experience in development of data collection , data analysis, data quality assessments, and data use


•  Experience in data center build-up and management


• Past experience in using field data collection techniques


• Full proficiency in MS Office package, SPSS, SAS or STATA and other statistical software


• Excellent interpersonal skills


• Strong oral, writing skills in English


•  Excellent presentation skills


•  Excellent skills and ability to train staff and influence stakeholders


•  Ability to work as a team player, foster goodwill and build coalitions with relevant groups, organizations, agencies and businesses, private or public.

Closing date: Jan 22, 2016

. Females are strongly encouraged to apply. All candidates are required to be fluent in English. Salary is as per Company’s scale. Applications should consist of a letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and 3 professional references with the person’s telephone number and an email address. Applicants should submit their applications to: READ TA/RTI Office, Mafi City Mall Building 6

floor Room 601, (Addis Ababa Bole in front of Bole Medhanialem Church) OR send through P.O. Box 21054/1000 Main Post Office Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. To learn more about RTI and our work in international development, please visit

RTI is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.