Job Description

NACOSA is looking for a suitably qualified candidate to fill the M&E IT Specialist will add critical skills to the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team as they will provide high IT skills and act as a link between M&E and IT service providers. The person will build a strategy for the governance of all data and will assists in creating links between IT, strategy and statistics. They will fulfil the following duties: data governance, IT controls, IT security, IT support, application service provider liaison, and product setup.The duties and responsibilities of the Research and Learning Specialist will include, but not limited to:

• Research and recommend changes to improve M&E systems and tools, and determine requirements related to such changes
• Contribute to drafting of policies for effective data management from data collection, through data storage, and into analytics reporting
• Continuously review, develop, and oversee of Programme Data Management System and IT tools.
• Liaise with IT specialists and service providers to ensure alignment of systems and tools with Programme requirements.
• Act as the main point of contact between NACOSA and various IT services providers for data management system related issues
• Understand the competencies of the system tools the data required to meet the business users requirements.
• Understand the workflows within and between applications and ensure integration and efficiencies where possible.
• Assist to draft terms of reference for data systems requirements, and support procurement process (matching service delivery options with resource requirements)
• Contribute to processes, procedures, and governance to manage the IT service providers.
• Ensure maintenance of security protocols and analytics.
• Support broader M&E team to continuously review and strengthen data flow for program/s ensuring it is documented and shared with all relevant staff.
• Liaise with all stakeholders regarding maintaining quality, validity and reliability of data and system
• Support data analysis, when necessary, to determine root cause of data challenges in the system.
• Ensure the correctness of the scripts (typically python, SQL, and JavaScript) used by IT service providers to extract, manipulate, and present data.
• Act as the M&E subject matter expert for systems and IT related M&E support required. Where appropriate, consult and include the M&E Manager in technical support needs
• Support and ensure data governance processes are followed (for example, access to system is restricted).

Required qualifications, skills and experienceDegree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Data Science or relevant field

• Minimum of 2 years proven experience in IT and data management
• Experience in data management processes, experience in the social development sector is preferred.
• Experience with SQL, Python, and JavaScript is preferred
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
• Experience managing, consolidating, analysing, and reporting on large datasets.
• Experience with donor M&E reporting requirements (USAID, Global Fund) is advantageous
• Familiarity with South Africas health management information system and other national M&E systems

Personal Competencies

• Demonstrated experience with data analysis software
• Definite inclination to keep abreast of technical developments in the HIV, AIDS and TB fields.
• Strong technical skills regarding evaluations and research with the ability to support colleagues using this expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer
• Strong planning, time management and project management skills
• Analytical thinker who is able to interpret quantitative and qualitative data to share relevant insights for programming and grant performance.
• Experience in working and communicating across all levels, including effective interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, high stress environment
• Results-oriented, professional, accountable and proactive. Must be able to work with little supervision and take ownership of the grants
• Proficiency in English and excellent written and report writing skills
• Valid drivers license and willingness to travel within South Africa.

Applications closing date: 31 October 2024PLEASE NOTE:Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the employment equity plan and targets of NACOSA. We also encourage people with disabilities to apply. NACOSA is guided by the principles of Employment Equity. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply and an indication in this regard will be appreciatedIn the event that you do not hear from us after 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. NACOSA reserves the right to amend and/or withdraw adverts at any time without notification. NACOSA respects the privacy of its stakeholders and will treat all personal information provided in line with our recruitment policy and in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.As part of our hiring process, NACOSA will inquire during reference checks for information about job applicants reference persons regarding any finding of sexual exploitation, abuse, and/or harassment as well as any other forms of misconduct.

NACOSA