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Job
Title:         Project
Management Specialist (Malaria Data Management)

Organisation: United
States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda

Duty Station: USAID/Uganda
Office of Health, Kampala, Uganda

Salary Grade: UGX
145,734,783 – 214,194,284 per annum (FSN 11)

Reports to: USAID Senior Malaria Advisor

About US Embassy:

The United States
Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for
over 30 years.  Ambassador Deborah R. Malac currently heads the U.S
Mission to Uganda.  The Mission is composed of several offices and
organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the
direction of the Ambassador.

Among the offices
operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:

• United States Agency for International
  Development (USAID)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Peace Corps

 Job Summary:The Project Management Specialist (Malaria Data Management) will assist in the
development and implementation of strategies to improve data quality and data
sharing, while also establishing a stronger culture of data-informed resource
allocation within USAID Mission, Office Health and HIV the PMI/ Uganda, and
NMCD programs. Internally, the Malaria Data Specialist shall liaise with PMI
backstops, as well as Surveillance, Monitoring & Evaluation (SM&E) and
Data Integration technical teams at USAID/Washington and CDC/Atlanta, and USAID
personnel overseeing the Mission’s activities related to malaria control.
External responsibilities include regular contact and collaboration with
counterparts in Uganda’s NMCD at the Ministry of Health (MOH), the MOH Division
of Health Information (DHI), and other relevant government ministries and
agencies to drive government of Uganda and PMI common objectives when it comes
to SM&E. The Malaria Data Specialist is also expected to work with a wide
range of non-governmental and private sector organizations, other donor and
international organizations, and other United States Government (USG) entities
working in malaria prevention and control. As appropriate, the Malaria Data
Specialist will provide managerial and technical support to the NMCD Assistant
Commissioner and staff to build capacity within the NMCD in the areas of data
analysis and use.

The Malaria Data
Specialist shall provide technical advice in the conceptualization,
development, design, administration, and monitoring of the various information
systems necessary for malaria control, including for malaria case management,
vector control, and the supply chain of malaria commodities. S/He will
discover, facilitate and promote efficient ways to collect, organize, clean,
store, analyze, and share disparate, complex datasets with attention to
security and confidentiality. The Malaria Data
Specialist must possess highly specialized technical expertise in an applied
quantitative discipline such as statistics, economics, computer science,
epidemiology, or health informatics, and be able to demonstrate a basic
understanding of the malaria epidemiology in Uganda.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

 Data
Management – 50%

·       
Provide
technical support to all areas of data management—including ensuring
appropriate data ingestion (manual and automated), inventorying and cataloguing
in the PMI data platform—for all malaria-related datasets (e.g. financial,
programmatic, epidemiological, entomological, supply chain, demographic).

·       
Review
and provide technical feedback on surveillance, monitoring and evaluation
(SM&E) Plans submitted by PMI-funded implementing partners.

·       
Conduct
data quality assessments on key performance indicators included in the SM&E
plans of PMI- funded implementing partners, as required under USAID policy (ADS
200).

·       
Support
the NMCD and implementing partners in the planning and implementation of a
baseline national data quality assessment (DQA) to enable measurement of change
in data accuracy, timeliness, and completeness overtime.

·       
Support
the NMCD in data validation processes and in the implementation of routine DQAs
at facility/district/national levels.

·       
Develop
the PMI/ Uganda team’s data management plan and work with PMI-funded
implementing partners to ensure their data management plans adequately describe
datasets, access and sharing, data collection and analysis methodology,
intellectual property rights, ethics and privacy, as well as storage and
backup.

·       
Define,
manage, and routinely review identity and access management (IAM) framework to
ensure roles and access privileges of individual platform users.

·       
Ensure
the PMI/team’s electronic databases and archives are protected from security
breaches and data losses.

·       
Troubleshoot
data-related problems and country-level modifications to the internal data
platforms/repositories,

·       
Liaise
with the Mission’s IT officer and USAID/CIO (Chief Information Officer) to
ensure adherence to agency rules and regulations on information management and
the open data policy.

·       
Track
and enforce PMI implementing partner submission of all datasets, in
machine-readable format, to the USAID Development Data Library (DDL).

Data Visualization,
Reporting and Use – 35%

·       
Provide
technical assistance to NMCD and PMI/HQ in providing technical backing to the
newly established Quarterly Report requirement, wherein Uganda is requested to
report malaria-related health data, disaggregated by month and by district, on
a quarterly basis.

·       
Provide
technical assistance to the NMCD and PMI/ Uganda team to integrate, analyze,
and visualize data, and build the culture of data use for decision-making.

·       
Support
the M-DIVE platform to ingest, house, analyze, and visualize epidemiological,
supply chain, financial, entomological, demographic, climate, and other data
from various sources, including the monthly data reported from Uganda on a
quarterly basis.

·       
Facilitate
the M-DIVE platform to integrate with and complement with the existing tools
such as DHIS2.

·       
Apply
sound data science principles and methods to objectively and systematically
track epidemiological and entomological changes and measure progress towards
national targets for malaria control in Uganda.

·       
Conduct
rigorous analysis and triangulation of data from a variety of sources to
unearth implementation obstacles and opportunities, and employ cutting edge
approaches and tools to generate compelling data visualizations.

·       
Train
and mentor the NMCD and PMI colleagues in data analysis and visualization.

·       
Support
data compilation and production of periodic reports, including the PMI
quarterly reports and annual performance reports, as well as ad hoc briefing
summaries on status and progress.

·       
Facilitate
negotiation of data sharing agreements between PMI and relevant institutions of
the Government of the Republic of Uganda including the Ministry of Health, the
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the Uganda National Bureau of Standards
(UNBS), the National Medical Stores (NMS), Joint Medical Stores (JMS), and the
Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA).

·       
Facilitate
the establishment and institutionalization of data use processes, with a focus
on reducing time in the information to decision cycle within PMI and the NMCD.

·       
Implement
efficient and secure procedures for data handling and analysis.

Country Data
Systems Development – 15%

·       
Collaborate
with implementing partners and other donors to support the MOH and NMCD’s
transition from paper-based to digital health information systems.

·       
Assist
with the development and expansion of key platforms used by the MOH and the
NMCD, including the District Health Information System (DHIS) 2 and the
electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS), and ensure
adherence to the Roll Back Malaria monitoring and evaluation reference group
(RBM MERG), the World Health Organization (WHO) Digital Health Interventions
Guideline, the USAID Digital Health Strategy, and the Uganda e-Health strategy.

·       
Participate
in periodic assessments of national health information systems to evaluate
their performance and discover ways of enhancing them (e.g. capacity building,
technology upgrades).

·       
Maintain
an up-to-date understanding of the national health information system (HIS)
landscape and architecture (platforms and stakeholders and how they interact)
ensuring all digital HIS tools funded by PMI and other donors are inventoried
in the WHO’s Digital Health Atlas to avoid duplication and maximize
investments.

·       
Participate
in the development of costed national HIS strategy, and actively participate in
national HIS governance mechanisms—promoting strong NMCD involvement.

·       
Work
with SM&E advisor(s) at the NMCD to assist with coordination, national
M&E strategic plan development, standard DHIS2 malaria module
implementation, monthly/quarterly data review meetings at health facility,
district and national levels, as well as district level scorecards to foster a
culture of data use and accountability.

·       
Assist
with the development of core metadata components, including indicator reference
guides, data dictionaries, malaria commodity lists, master facility lists, and
accessibility application programming interface (API)-accessible health
facility registries.

·       
The
contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other
Missions abroad, to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship
Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

NOTE:  All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed
below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

·       
The
applicants for the United States US Embassy Project Management Specialist
(Malaria Data Management) job opportunity should hold a Master’s degree in
applied quantitative discipline such as statistics, economics, computer
science, epidemiology, or health informatics from a recognized institution.

·       
Five (5)
years of professional experience applying data visualization, data analysis,
and/or business intelligence to inform decision making.

·       
Must
have strong knowledge of data wrangling, analysis and visualization practices.

·       
Demonstrated
ability to securely and efficiently manage large, disparate datasets, and
problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive
environment are required.

·       
Skills
in working effectively with health personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds,
negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, writing,
administration, and management are necessary, as well as the ability to
navigate and manage politically sensitive issues.

·       
Proven
ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely – orally and in writing –
in English.

·       
Demonstrated
ability to communicate highly technical information to both subject matter
expert and non-expert audiences.

·       
In-depth
professional-level knowledge of strategic information, surveillance, monitoring
and evaluation principles, concepts and practices, especially as they relate to
managing public health and malaria programs in Uganda.

·       
Must
pose expert quantitative and analytical skills, an ability to develop
monitoring and evaluation protocols, devise measurable indicators and set
appropriate and achievable targets to measure performance outcomes.

·       
Demonstrated
competency in data management systems and data analysis applications such as MS
Access, SPSS, STATA, and Spectrum.

·       
Must be
able to proactively and independently locate reference materials and data,
research and analyze quantitative and qualitative data and present
interpretation of said resources in concise and appropriate written reports.

·       
Thorough
knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire a USAID programming policies,
regulations, procedures and status of projects assigned.

·       
Experience
in a management capacity, political analysis, and program reporting and
monitoring, and strong interpersonal and team-building skills.

·       
Ability
to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and
institutions is essential.

·       
Familiarity
with a wide range of issues, such as program evaluation, public health,
community development and economic policy.

·       
Ability
to prepare clear, substantive reports and briefing papers in English, in a
timely manner, and develop a thorough understanding of USAID and
host-government policies and procedures.

·       
Flexibility
and ability to react to changing systems with sound analyses, and the ability
to work under pressure.

·       
Ability
to work in a team environment and with a broad range of collaborators.

·       
Demonstrated
ability to take direction to iteratively define and implement solutions as
requirements are being identified and finalized.

·       
Ability
to work independently, to manage several activities at once and work under
pressure to meet deadlines.

·       
Language
Proficiency: Level IV (fluent)
English proficiency, speaking and writing, is required.

Competencies:

Data Management
Analysis and Visualization Skills:

·       
Strong
portfolio of static and dynamic visualization, from simple graphics to complex
stories, based on data visualization theory and techniques and built using
leading tools (such as at least of the following Excel, Tableau, Power BI, R,
D3.js, Adobe Illustrator, DHIS2, or similar).

·       
Data
analytics and visualization proficiency will be tested.

·       
Experience
facilitating data analysis projects through concept, iterative design and
execution, delivery and on-going support.

·       
Basic
understanding of principles related to change management, data governance, and
systems architecture.

·       
Ability
to conduct introductory training on data analysis, and visualization, and use.

Teamwork,
Self-Drive and Interpersonal Skills:

·       
Excellent
communication and interpersonal skills are critical to this position.

·       
Proven
ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely – orally and in writing –
in English. Demonstrated ability to communicate highly technical information to
both subject matter expert and non-expert audiences

·       
Excellent
written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc
reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.

·       
Ability
to work in a team environment and with a broad range of collaborators. Ability
to work both independently and in a team environment to test and define data
requirements and use cases is a must.

·       
Proven
ability to work in a dynamic and agile environment with changing requirements
and priorities Demonstrated ability to take direction to iteratively define and
implement solutions as requirements are being identified and finalized.

·       
Ability
to work independently, to manage several activities at once and work under
pressure to meet deadlines.

·       
Management
and organizational skills to work with numerous teams, identifying priority
actions and taking initiative if follow-through is needed.

How to Apply:

All those interested
in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their applications and
strictly adhere to the following:

·       
A typed
and hand signed (around Section 6 – Declaration) DS-174 Employment Application
for Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (Click Here; Version
Exp. 06/2022). Offerors are required to complete sections 1 through 6. (Make
sure to use additional Work Experience pages (Section 4), if needed, to provide
complete work history).

·       
Cover
letter (addressed to the USAID Supervisory Executive Officer) clearly
indicating the position for which you are applying and describing how you meet
the minimum requirements.

·       
Complete
curriculum vitae/resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, the
resume must include:

o   Paid and non-paid experience, job title,
dates held (month/year). Please specify unpaid or part time work. Any
experience that does not include dates (month/year) will not be counted towards
meeting the solicitation requirements. (NOTE: Resume and DS-174 work experience
should match.)

o   Specific duties performed that fully detail
the level and complexity of the work.

o   Education and any other qualifications
including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job- related
honors, awards or accomplishments.

o   Name and contact information (phone and
email) of three (3) professional references. At least one of the references
must be a prior or current direct supervisor.

·       
Supplemental
[separate] document specifically addressing each QRF as outlined in the
solicitation.

·       
Copies
of Academic Transcripts

·       
Offers
should be in a standard file type such as Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe
Acrobat (.pdf). All should be in one document which should not exceed 10MB.

·       
Submitted
offers and documents become the property of USAID and will not be returned.

Submit Application
To:

Human Resources
Office

By email at
KampalaHR@state.gov

NB: Your
application will be reviewed if you have fulfilled all the requirements including
submission of standard file types such as Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe
Acrobat (.pdf) in a single attachment (No Zipped files, Links or Multiple
Attachments) and should not exceed 10MB. Please clearly indicate the position
number and title you are applying for on the DS-174 form.

Deadline: 9^th June 2020

The US Mission in
Kampala provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in
employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national
origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual
orientation.  The Department of State also strives to achieve equal
employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity
enhancement programs.

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