Manager, Data Systems and IT

• Own Spark's impact data: ensure all technical systems (data collection, storage and visualization) are managed to present the organization with a singular version of the truth
• Develop and maintain database structures that allow efficient and innovative analysis of their contents, ensuring data protection from security breaches and data losses
• Develop and maintain data flows between platforms and systems
• Work closely with the program design team to incorporate new platforms, systems and initiatives into the data ecosystem
• Manage, develop and retain product team members, ensuring they have clear responsibility domains, deliverables, growth opportunities and support to achieve their goals
• Ensure the security and integrity of data systems through regular backups, updates and security protocols in line with data protection regulations in the countries where Spark works
• Set up and maintain core organizational dashboards to enable data-driven decisions
• Contribute to a culture of data-driven decision-making by ensuring collected data meets program needs and is analyzed and disseminated in a format that inspires conversation
• Lead data quality assurance of monitoring data by ensuring robust data collection tool development and managing continuous data quality improvement plans with the MEL team
• Lead product-related trainings; work with the Product Officer - Engagement to evaluate user needs and system functionality
• Ensure Spark system users have constant refreshers on the systems and set up mechanisms for feedback collection and system upgrades to meet user needs
• Create manuals that aid self-training on the Spark system by users
• Lead the development and implementation of the organization's IT strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
• Lead the assessment and adoption of appropriate technology solutions, including systems integration, digitalization and process automation
• Provide strategic oversight of IT systems and ensure technology investments deliver value, efficiency and improved organizational performance
• Guide the IT Officer in the implementation, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of IT systems and solutions
• Oversee IT infrastructure, technical support services, cybersecurity, data protection and business continuity arrangements
• Establish and monitor IT policies, controls, service standards, SLAs, access management, backup and disaster recovery processes
• Manage key IT vendors and service providers and oversee software licensing, renewals, contracts and compliance
• Lead the resolution of significant IT, security, infrastructure and service-delivery issues
• Supervise a team of product and IT officers in Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and Ghana and ensure clear role separation among the officers

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning or a related discipline
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in database management systems (DBMS) such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL or PostgreSQL, with the ability to design, implement and maintain databases
• Expert knowledge of data integration techniques and tools, including ETL processes to integrate data from various sources
• Experience supporting multi-country IT teams
• Certification in networking, database and programming languages is an added advantage

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong data analysis skills using Python
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g. Python, PowerShell) for automation and data manipulation
• Understanding of data security and privacy regulations (e.g. GDPR, HIPAA) and the ability to implement data security best practices
• Expert knowledge and experience in data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, Zoho Analytics)
• Knowledge of server management and maintenance, including Windows, Linux or cloud-based environments
• Experience in GIS or a willingness to learn
• Comfortable and experienced working within distributed teams
• Willingness to travel to remote locations to develop an in-depth understanding of the work and users
• Self-starter and problem-solver, including exploring the role of big data, machine learning and AI in business strategy