Information Management and Accountability Specialist

Job title: Information Management and Accountability Specialist

Employment Category: G1

Reporting to MEAL Manager

Subordinates: NA

Unit/department: MEAL-Programme

Location: Juba, South Sudan

Authorization level: NA

The overall purpose of the role:

Under the direct supervision of the MEAL Manager, the Information Management and Accountability Specialist is responsible for strengthening information management systems, data analysis, visualization and accountability reporting processes across DRC programmes and operational areas.

The role serves as the focal point for the DRC South Sudan Activities, Indicators and Beneficiary Tracking Tool (AIPTT), ensuring proper management, updating and utilization of the system to support timely programme monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision-making. The role works closely with sector teams, MEAL Officers and field teams to strengthen staff capacity on the use of AIPTT, ensure accurate and timely data entry, and improve data quality across all projects and operational areas.

The role is also responsible for supporting the digitization and strengthening of Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) systems and accountability reporting tools in close coordination with the Accountability Officer and MEAL Manager. This includes supporting accountability data management, dashboard development, accountability reporting processes and visibility of accountability systems to strengthen accountability to affected populations and programme quality.

Responsibilities:

Information management

• Provide technical support for information management systems, including data collection, storage, analysis, visualization and reporting processes across all programme sectors and operational areas.
• Serve as the focal point for the DRC South Sudan Activities, Indicators and Beneficiary Tracking Tool (AIPTT), ensuring project activities, indicators and reporting data are properly uploaded, updated and maintained across all operational areas with valid means of verifications (MOVs).
• Lead the setup, maintenance and quality assurance of AIPTT systems for new projects in coordination with programme, MEAL and field teams.
• Work closely with sector teams, MEAL Officers and field teams to ensure timely and accurate data entry, reporting and utilization of the AIPTT system.
• Provide technical support and regular follow-up to programme and field teams to strengthen the quality, consistency and completeness of AIPTT data.
• Support the MEAL Manager during proposal development processes through provision of reporting figures, beneficiary reach data, indicator tracking information and other relevant information products.
• Lead/Support the development, review and digitalization of programme and MEAL tools in coordination with the MEAL Manager, MEAL teams and programme staff.
• Support the design, setup and quality assurance of digital data collection tools and reporting systems across projects and operational areas.
• Coordinate the digitalization of MEAL and programme tools in collaboration with MEAL and programme teams.
• Lead the integration of AIPTT with reporting and visualization platforms, including Power BI and other information management tools.
• Develop, update and maintain Power BI dashboards, visual products and reporting tools to support operational monitoring, reporting and decision-making.
• Support data cleaning, validation, consolidation and analysis processes to ensure data accuracy and quality.
• Support the preparation and submission of reporting figures, indicator updates and information products for internal and external reporting requirements.
• Lead/support the development of project-specific Q&A documents and accountability information materials in coordination with programme teams.
• Act as IM focal point for coordination platforms, clusters and reporting requests when required and in coordination with relevant teams.
• Support regular data sharing and reporting processes using agreed templates and reporting timelines.
• Conduct field visits to provide technical support and follow-up on information management systems, reporting tools and data quality processes.
• Coordinate reporting on project progress on the partner AIPTT including provision of orientation and training on the system usage.

Accountability & CFM System

• Lead the digitization, maintenance and improvement of Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) tools, Kobo systems, trackers and accountability reporting platforms.
• Work closely with the Accountability Officer and as guided by the MEAL manager to strengthen accountability reporting systems, CFM data management and feedback analysis processes.
• Support the development and maintenance of accountability dashboards, reporting tools and trend analysis products.
• Support accountability mainstreaming activities, including visibility of accountability channels, IEC materials and project information materials in coordination with programme and MEAL teams.
• Work with the MEAL manager to review and update accountability tools, SOPs, reporting templates and awareness materials.
• Support/lead the implementation of accountability and CHS-related improvement actions across operational areas.

Data Management, Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct data extraction, consolidation, analysis and visualization processes for programme monitoring, reporting and decision-making purposes as requested by the MEAL manager.
• Conduct data quality checks and support verification processes to strengthen consistency, accuracy and completeness of programme data.
• Support the analysis and presentation of beneficiary reach figures, indicator progress and operational data for reporting and programme review purposes.
• Produce information products, dashboards, graphs, maps and presentations to support programme monitoring and donor reporting.
• Support MEAL and programme teams during assessments, evaluations and reporting exercises through data management and visualization support.
• Support Area MEAL officers and programme with activities database development.

Capacity Building & Technical Support

• Provide technical support and training to MEAL, programme and field teams on information management systems, dashboards, reporting tools and data quality standards.
• Support field teams to strengthen use of standardized databases, reporting systems and digital tools across operational areas.
• Conduct regular follow-up with field teams to ensure timely and accurate submission of programme and accountability data.
• Support troubleshooting related to data systems, reporting tools and accountability platforms.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the MEAL Manager.

 Required skills, experience and competencies

• A bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science, Social Science or any other related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in information/data management systems in a humanitarian context.
• Extensive experience in managing excels files and their functionalities both offline and on google drive, in addition to writing complex excel formulas
• Experience working with large scale data management preferred.
• Excellent analytical, communication and report writing skills.
• Extensive experience in generating statistical dashboards, graphs and info graphics, and visualizing data using Microsoft Power BI and advance excel.
• Experience in systems integration, programming using API’s, XML.
• Experience in data management systems.
• Experience in providing training on IM systems and products.
• Very good computer literacy.
• INGO experience preferred.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in computer science, information technology, computer

engineering, or other relevant field.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

Full proficiency in spoken and written English is required

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

Internal

• MEAL Manager
• MEAL Specialist, MEAL Officers and field MEAL focal points
• Accountability Officer
• Head of Programme, Grants and Partnerships teams
• Technical Coordinators and Programme teams
• Project Managers and Area Offices
• DRC IM/IT teams

External

• Clusters and information management working groups
• Local partners and implementing partners
• Donors and reporting entities
• Third-party service providers and system support partners