Head of Data & Analytics - Repost at Jacaranda Health

Job Summary

The Research Design & Evaluation (RD&E) team is the heart of Jacaranda Health, providing evidence for product design, implementation, scale and expansion of Jacaranda’s programming. The Data and Analytics (D&A) department is housed within the division of RD&E and forms the backbone upon which its programs are established. We pride ourselves on being data and technically adept, working with cutting edge technology to drive high value solutions for maternal health. The department is responsible for delivering high quality data, complex visualizations, and leading data inquiries, all which support the organization's mission. The team creates data stories which are internalized by all  departments of Jacaranda Health, as well as external stakeholders, from the Ministry of Health, National, County and Sub County governments, academic institutions, and others.

The Head of Department will develop and lead a departmental strategy that supports the mission and growth of Jacaranda Health by providing information that advances programing. He/She will have the opportunity to lead a rapidly growing team that supports the implementation, assessment, and scale of Jacaranda’s package of tech-centered health solutions. The role is self-directed, and  will be responsible for working closely with multiple teams, providing data that informs machine learning and AI enabled mobile platforms, directs program implementation, supports the design and analysis of robust research projects, and communicates across stakeholders. The Head of Department will provide a wide range of advanced statistical expertise, guidance, and support to the organization and will  lead the department to collect, analyze, and interpret Jacaranda Health data across multiple platforms towards answering questions of impact, implementation success, and product design. 

Main Responsibilities 

Develop a data and analytics strategy that supports Jacaranda’s mission

• Assess the organizational needs and build a robust and ambitious strategy for the next 3-5 years
• Develop and execute a roadmap to deliver on the strategy
• Collaborate with all other departments within Jacaranda to support the organization to make  programmatic decisions based on data
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for teams, internal and external 

Create and answer data questions that support program delivery 

• Develop and implement an analysis plan to assess the organization’s theory of change
• Assess programmatic outcomes and health outcomes 
• Apply high quality statistical models that can help in decision making for improvement of programs
• Ensure data is used to focus organizational efforts on our end users 

Ensure consistent, high quality data that serves as a critical resource for the organization

• Develop efficient data collection and  management procedures
• Identify and propose improvements to data management procedures to maximize efficiency and quality
• Ensure data practices are in line with global and local ethical standards

Develop and implement effective data communication strategies

• Assess data communication barriers internally and externally and develop a plan to address them
• Ensure data is used for decision making by all Jacaranda Health staff and by external partners, including the Ministry of Health and other government stakeholders
• Create interactive and cutting edge data visualizations and dashboards Lead in documenting, disseminating, and promoting the utilization of generated knowledge (lessons, successes, challenges) garnered from internal program assessments

Support RD&E-led product design and research 

• Use data to inform research design and lead complex analysis strategies for research projects such as randomized control trials and implementation research
• Support product design through data gathering and analysis 

Lead a high caliber D&A team 

• Hire high-caliber talent that supports the D&A strategy
• Mentor and coach D&A team members to deliver high-quality data outputs
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Masters degree in Data Science, Statistics, Informatics, Information Systems or similar. 
• At least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• 3  years should be in a managerial position, leading and mentoring data teams.
• Proficiency in STATA, SPSS, SAS or R
• Knowledge of information  databases; SQL and Non-Relational Databases 
• Proficiency in MS Office and G-Suite
• Ability to apply a range of advanced statistical techniques in support of scientific research studies and/or experiments.
• Ability to process data and format and generate insightful and engaging dashboards and reports.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Research design and analysis, including sampling
• Experience networking and building relationships with partners, government, and research institutions in the public and private sectors
• A self-motivated team leader
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work with different people across different levels of experience
• Flexibility and willingness to learn
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities 
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to solve problems 
• Ability to find effective and efficient ways to accomplish goal