Data Manager/ Software Developer

It’s a complicated process, but Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is uniquely positioned to guide it. Using our strong technical expertise and years of experience in the field, our strong relationships with the Zambian government, and our ability to leverage funding from multiple international donors, we are uniquely positioned to identify and address health problems in the country and the African region. The CIDRZ approach is effective. We conduct intensive needs assessments to understand the ongoing challenges for the local health systems. We engage relevant partners to design and implement realistic solutions. We monitor our progress towards improved health outcomes, both at the individual and population level. The interplay between each step is critical and the result is a continuous loop that allows us to take past experiences to inform future decisions. Through this process, we have steadily expanded access to care and improved healthcare quality across a range of services. In addition, because our sole focus is on Zambia, we have a nuanced understanding of health systems on the ground and are able to nimbly respond to priorities identified by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health.

Data Manager/ Software Developer- Ref: DM/PC/07/11/17 – Lusaka

Responsibilities

The Data Manager is responsible for designing the PCC study databases for the quantitative and qualitative components of the study, managing electronic data entry and contributing to quality control efforts

Based in Lusaka province; reports to the Study Coordinator and Head of Data Processing

Design, test and manage the study databases for the quantitative and qualitative components of the PCC study

Create the electronic questionnaires (Data Entry Forms)

Create and manage the project data dictionary

Develop data extraction tools/ dashboard for close study monitoring. Develop and adhere to study data management plan

Ensure that data is backed up at all stages of the data collection process.

Develop data quality reports and generate weekly queries to ensure that the study data are cleaned regularly

Assist with qualitative data entry, data management and analysis

Work with the Head of Data Processing and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Data Supervisors to ensure the quality of study data

Respond to ad hoc information requests from CIDRZ and MOH; channel requests from other parties through the MOH

As requested, provide monthly (minimum) updates to PCC study team and study partners such as health facilities, MOH

Monitor testing of new software versions; ensure central list of bugs and updates is maintained and that new software versions are not released into the field until critical bugs are corrected

Liaise with co-investigators and study staff member including CIDRZ & UCSF Analyst to run data queries and update data to support analysis

Support procurement of data-related items

Liaise with ICT Department and partners (e.g. consultants and mobile network providers) around data use, security and management needs

Support study sampling, SmartCare data extraction and updates. Support CIDRZ Data Analysis Department with skills and competency development, SOP creation and other contributions as requested

Qualifications

Degree in Computer Science or a related field

Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Good understanding of SQL – have experience with MySQL or MS SQL Server

Experience working with health information is an added advantage

Experience in any of the the following programming language: Java, Python, C#. Able to work with minimal supervision

Experience with statistical analysis tools like R/STATA/SAS

Ability to meet tight deadlines

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Three (3) years’ experience in data management

Experience with STATA/R/SAS

How to apply

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply; however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please send application letter quoting the reference number above, relevant academic and professional certificates, and detailed CV with day-time telephone number(s) to:

The CIDRZ Human Resources Director,

PO Box 34681,

Lusaka.