Technical Assistant – Systems Development at FHI 360

The Technical Assistant-Systems Development will be part of the M&E team at HIV Service Delivery Support Activity – Rift Valley and will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. Under guidance of the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, he/she will lead the design and maintenance of a comprehensive information resource for programs and reporting of complex information. Provide advice on software and hardware needs. He/she will participate in other activities related to HMIS, research, targeted evaluation, surveillance surveys and monitoring and evaluation as well as provide assistance and training to system users.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Database Design and Development:
  • Develop new and/or adapt existing computerized performance reporting systems, including enhanced user interfaces and compatibility across reporting systems using Java, Access, Visual Basic and SQ in response to meet project information needs
  • Install developed applications, writes application manuals, and trains users. Provides ongoing maintenance and support to users of database applications.
  • Provides assistance to staff in database design based on technical knowledge of field. Provides adequate documentation of database applications.
  • Perform needs assessment and works with Technical staff at project and implementing partner level to determine feasibility of development of new databases and enhancements or modifications to existing databases
  • Develops and ensures adherence to data management policies e.g. USG to ensure the security and confidentiality project data.
  • Monitors staff compliance with confidentiality policies to assure that security standards are met.
• Maintains project databases for routine data, reporting data quality and service quality assessments.
  • Monitors and optimizes database design, content, structure and other management issues. Performs backup and recovery of all databases. Takes appropriate measures to ensure the security of the data.
  • Recommends hardware and software upgrades to the database server as needed.
• Hardware and Software:
  • Assists in the management of hardware and software as related to the operations of the databases, including system development and maintenance, recommends purchase of new hardware and software maintenance of records and reports relating to database operations and data/project archives.  Provide leadership in the use of major health and medical related software.
  • Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Project Director

REQUIREMENTS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES

• Experience in database development, management information systems and health informatics
• Experience in developing mobile applications
• Experience using online and new technologies for knowledge sharing and collaboration a plus.
• Demonstrated experience assessing users’ data needs and designing user-friendly IT solutions to promote strategic decision-making throughout the project life cycle.
• Experience in training users on databases
• High level competency in Java web programming and MySQL databases.
• Keen to maintain data security and data quality systems
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Tact and diplomacy in dealing with implementing partners

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS STANDARDS:

• Degree in Computer Science, Health informatics, Mathematics or a related field with at least 2 years’ hands on experience OR Advanced Diploma in Software design or related areas with 5 years’ experience
• Professional experience in database development, web-based reporting systems, management information systems, health informatics, GIS tools, information storage and security, data quality assurance, mobile/SMS technologies, and other relevant technologies.
• Proven programming skills using either Visual Basic, Java, MySQL, SQL, Dreamweaver and JavaDb
• Computer proficiency in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, including advanced skills in at least two of the following programs: SPSS, Excel, Epi Info, Stata, and Ms Access.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through informal and formal trainings.
• This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.