Monitoring and Evaluation IT Specialist

**The duties and responsibilities of the Research and Learning Specialist will include, but not limited to**:

- Research and recommend changes to improve M&E systems and tools, and determine requirements related to such changes
- Contribute to drafting of policies for effective data management from data collection, through data storage, and into analytics reporting
- Continuously review, develop, and oversee of Programme Data Management System and IT tools.
- Liaise with IT specialists and service providers to ensure alignment of systems and tools with Programme requirements.
- Act as the main point of contact between NACOSA and various IT services providers for data management system related issues
- Understand the competencies of the system tools the data required to meet the business users’ requirements.
- Assist to draft terms of reference for data systems requirements, and support procurement process (matching service delivery options with resource requirements)
- Contribute to processes, procedures, and governance to manage the IT service providers.
- Ensure maintenance of security protocols and analytics.
- Support broader M&E team to continuously review and strengthen data flow for program/s ensuring it is documented and shared with all relevant staff.
- Liaise with all stakeholders regarding maintaining quality, validity and reliability of data and system
- Support data analysis, when necessary, to determine root cause of data challenges in the system.
- Ensure the correctness of the scripts (typically python, SQL, and JavaScript) used by IT service providers to extract, manipulate, and present data.
- Support and ensure data governance processes are followed (for example, access to system is restricted).

**Required qualifications, skills and experience**

***Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Data Science or relevant field
- Minimum of 2 years proven experience in IT and data management
- Experience in data management processes, experience in the social development sector is preferred.
- Experience with SQL, Python, and JavaScript is preferred
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
- Experience managing, consolidating, analysing, and reporting on large datasets.
- Experience with donor M&E reporting requirements (USAID, Global Fund) is advantageous
- Familiarity with South Africa’s health management information system and other national M&E systems**Personal Competencies**
- Demonstrated experience with data analysis software
- Definite inclination to keep abreast of technical developments in the HIV, AIDS and TB fields.
- Strong technical skills regarding evaluations and research with the ability to support colleagues using this expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer
- Strong planning, time management and project management skills
- Analytical thinker who is able to interpret quantitative and qualitative data to share relevant insights for programming and grant performance.
- Experience in working and communicating across all levels, including effective interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, high stress environment
- Results-oriented, professional, accountable and proactive. Must be able to work with little supervision and take ownership of the grants
- Proficiency in English and excellent written and report writing skills
- Valid drivers’ license and willingness to travel within South Africa.

**Applications closing date: 31 October 2024**

**_ PLEASE NOTE:_**

**_ As part of our hiring process, NACOSA will inquire during reference checks for information about job applicants’ reference persons regarding any finding of sexual exploitation, abuse, and/or harassment as well as any other forms of misconduct._