Database System Manager

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), is an international non-profit research organization. Based in New Haven, CT, with offices in New York, NY, Washington, D.C. and worldwide, IPA works with development partners and academic researchers to create and evaluate approaches to solving development problems, to communicate “what works” in development and to scale up successful projects in a variety of fields, including health, education, microfinance, governance and agriculture.

Project Summary:

Currently in the third year of a five-year study, WASH Benefits is collecting rigorous evidence on the health impacts of improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices, alongside improved nutrition in rural Kenya. Low-cost technologies and behavior change communications strategies are being implemented to promote drinking water treatment, good sanitation practices, handwashing with soap and improved nutrition. This study is located in Western Kenya, and the principal investigators (PIs) are Clair Null and Michael Kremer.

Responsibilities:

The Database Management System Coordinator/Manager will work closely with senior project management and staff to support and supervise a variety of tasks across two offices (Kakamega and Bungoma) including, but not limited to:

• Design, develop and implement a relational database system for the project:
  • Study current project data and data management systems
  • Work with WASH-B management to define scope and requirements for the database system, and contribute to planning of timeframe with milestones and deliverables
  • Research and select technology and platform for database system
  • Design database structure, diagrams and user interface
    
     
• Implement the new database system:
  • Set up server, database schema, create tables and structures
  • Develop database queries
  • Consolidate and convert project and survey data to the new database format
  • Perform data normalization and validity testing
  • Deploy new system and make available to WASH-B users to access data
  • Respond to feedback on initial use and iteratively improve system

• Develop documentation and training for use and maintenance of the database system:
  • Provide organized and step-by-step system documentation (including technical and normal user manual)
  • Conduct training to technical users of the system: training on uploading new data, adding new models, and on-going maintenance of the system
  • Conduct training to normal users of the system: training on accessing data in different formats

• Implement systems to manage data related to evaluation, laboratory, and implementation aspects of the project (both hardware and software), including:
  • Ensuring smooth and timely data flow between various project activities according to SOPs
  • Tracking progress toward enrollment and follow-up targets in order to notify  Directors of deviations from plans
  • Assisting with programming
  • Preparing summary statistics and other analyses for regular process documentation, fidelity assessment reports, IRB compliance, and other initiatives as delegated by the Research Manager
• Keep project management appraised of all key developments related to data management (across evaluation, laboratory, and implementation aspects of the study), including provision of written reports
• Provide mentorship to all staff involved in data collection activities, including contributing to trainings and providing occasional field supervision
• Closely coordinate with Data Collection, Lab and Implementation personnel 

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a quantitative social science, engineering, computer science, information technology/systems or related field
• Minimum of two years of experience in quantitative data management, preferably with large (many observations and many variables) and/or complex datasets (many inter-related variables)
• Working knowledge of at least 1 programming language, e.g. Java; experience with relational database and server administration (Postgres preferred)
• GIS data management skills (desired)
• Experience working in developing countries (particularly sub-Saharan Africa)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English; Kiswahili proficiency is a plus
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, enjoys working with data
• Excellent management, critical thinking and interpersonal skills
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player

Application Instructions:

Please follow the application instructions below.  Any applications or CVs submitted outside this process will not be considered.  Note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

1) Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. Please select the position(s) you are interested in applying for on the 'Submit Application' page. Include two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts. We will consider your application even if you are unable to obtain reference letters before the deadline, but please be advised that we will be requiring them should you be invited for an interview.

Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.  

IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org or via phone at 1-203-772-2216.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the Database System Manager. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org.

** Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manager.