Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has 44 active projects in 31 countries and total revenues of approximately $176 million.

MIS Specialist, Dhaka
 
ACDI/VOCA is currently looking for MIS Specialist, based in Dhaka Office, for the USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Rice and Diversified Crops Activity (RDC). The activity is a five-year primary mechanism to support productivity and market systems development under USAID/Bangladesh’s FTF strategy, with the objective of improved food security through systemic changes that increase rural incomes and via increased incomes, including women’s income, and incentivized crop diversification to improved nutrition. USAID/Bangladesh’s RDC activity will foster growth and reduce poverty through improving the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of rice and other selected crops in the FTF Zone of Influence (ZOI) to the benefit of large numbers of men and women and their families in rural households, farms, and market systems.

Position Summary:

Management Information System (MIS) Specialist will be responsible for ensuring development/customization and operation of an efficient web based data collection tools, analytical dashboard development and information management. S/he will directly involve in formulation, directing, and participating in the design, development, implementation and maintenance of central LEAF (Learning Evaluation & Analysis Platform) based MIS. S/he will work closely with TL-MEL to advise senior management on scope of innovations to improve information automation, standards, procedures and development of best fit IT-based solution. S/he will be responsible for integration of different program operations for maintaining automation of information supply chain, overseeing staff development requirements to ensure data integrity and data management. MIS Specialist will identify hardware requirements; setup and installation of appropriate software and oversee the information process flows in correct order. S/he will be responsible to link the country system with the corporate MIS system.
Also, s/he will be responsible to customize GIS based software features into mobile-web application, develop and maintain mobile based data management tools integrated with GIS system, update and manage attribute data, assist spatial analysis, collect GPS coordinates, produce GIS outputs etc. S/he will act as a focal person to represent MIS requirements to all program components.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Design, plan, implement and maintain Database operation (40%)

  • Ensures compliance with data quality standards and maintains a fully auditable data trail for all M&E indicator figures that are reported.
  • Leads the design and integration of additional tools and applications into the project MIS framework as requested by management and technical staff.
  • Determines local operating instructions and user guidelines on data capture, validation and entry into the Database.
  • Generates data visualization and analysis using business intelligence applications (data modelling, visualization and mapping) to support reporting requirements and real-time monitoring of implementation.
  • Monitors staff responsible for data collection and ensures timely entry into the Database.
  • Ensures that all M&E data is fully uploaded, integrated and traceable through the Database, including baseline survey data, routine registration and output monitoring, annual outcome surveys and end-of-project impact surveys.

2. Manages data analysis and business intelligence for the project (30%)

  • Builds data queries and data connections to maximize visibility, accessibility and aggregation of raw project data.
  • Models data to create dynamic visual dashboards, including charts with drill-down capacity, maps, matrices, key performance indicators (KPIs) and data filters.
  • Provides visual reports and analyses for project communications materials, reports and presentations.

3. Responsible for MIS/Database technical support and troubleshooting for the project (15%)

  • Provides technical and troubleshooting support to all Database users at project level.
  • Works with project IT Specialists to ensure MIS users have maximum accessibility, including up-to-date maintenance on laptops, all necessary software and sufficient Internet connectivity.
  • Advises IT and project managers on alternative means to augment connectivity for MIS users in areas where it is less reliable, such as procurement and provision of dongles or smartphones with WiFi hotspot capacity.
  • Provides feedback to global Systems and Technology team on best practices and recommendations for improvement in MIS functionality and data management procedures.

4. Leads the work of assigned group data-entry support staff (10%)

  • Allocates and coordinates the flow of work of data-entry staff.
  • Trains and guides data-entry staff.
  • Advises project managers on requirements and timing for additional data-entry support.
  • Checks data entry for accuracy and timeliness, and data is provided and analyzed in time to meet reporting schedules.

5. Undertakes all other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required:

  • Master’s in computer science/ MIS (Database)/ Statistics/Agri business/Population Science or relevant subjects
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience with web-based database development, management and analysis responsibilities preferably in international development projects, particularly USAID-funded projects.
  • Experiences on working with mobile devices and windows based mobile applications development.
  • Prior experience with USAID projects, procedures, policies and reporting are preferring.
  • Strong supporting capabilities to develop efficient and effective data collection tools related to baseline, mid-term and final evaluation surveys;
  • Working with MEL team and effective use of MEL related data are preferring. 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, strong negotiation, diplomacy and team work skills.
  • Fluency in English and Bangla required.

Desired:

  • Advanced knowledge on designing, development, administration, and security of large scale database systems in SQL or Oracle, knowledge on various software/applications especially MS Access, VB, Power BI, SharePoint, Ego-Web, NodeXL, C#.net, ASP.Net.
  • Sound knowledge on database backup and maintenance and basic knowledge on database replication and synchronization setup along with performance monitoring techniques are expected.
  • Program performance monitoring skills based on indicators as set at the results framework and expertise in data validation tools and techniques for NGO programs will be an added advantage.
  • Demonstrated abilities in data collection, analysis and reporting using computer-based packages and databases.
  • Training facilitation skills is mandatory. Presenting critical/technical phenomenon in a more familiar word, especially for the non-technical audience, is the key for this position.
  • Preferred knowledge on environmental software installation (OS, SQL Server, Net Framework etc), maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Data analysis skills using SPSS/STATA/R, Excel is highly required.
  • Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and/or independently under stress/pressure.

Interested applicants are requested to apply on or before August 18th, 2018. Please email your CV along a Cover letter to jobs@acdivocardc.org . Please mention the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified women and minorities candidates. ACDI/VOCA will never solicit a payment from any applicant.