Spark Microgrants works with rural villages facing poverty through its Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP). Communities plan together, elect leadership committees, set up village savings accounts and launch projects of their choice. Spark is active in 500+ villages in 6 countries and trains partner organizations and governments to scale the model.
The Manager, Data Systems & IT will own Spark's data and the information in it. The role designs data collection platforms, databases and dashboards. All of this must follow data governance policies in every country where Spark operates and protect data against cyber attacks.
Responsibilities:
- Ownership of impact data: manage data collection, storage and visualization systems so the organization has one version of the truth. Build and maintain database structures and data flows between platforms. Ensure security and integrity through backups, updates and security protocols that follow data protection regulations in each country.
- Data-driven decisions: set up and maintain core organizational dashboards. Lead data quality assurance of monitoring data and continuous quality improvement, working with the MEL team.
- Product training: evaluate user needs, run refresher trainings, set up feedback mechanisms and write self-training manuals.
- IT strategy: lead development and implementation of the IT strategy and roadmap. Assess and adopt technology solutions including systems integration, digitalization and automation. Guide the IT Officer.
- Infrastructure security and governance: oversee IT infrastructure, technical support, cybersecurity, data protection and business continuity. Establish IT policies, SLAs, access management and disaster recovery. Manage vendors and software licensing.
- Staff management: supervise product and IT officers in Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and Ghana.
Requirements:
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning or a related field (a bachelor's degree in these fields is also listed). Certification in networking, databases or programming is an advantage.
- At least 7 years' experience with database management systems such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL or PostgreSQL.
- Expert knowledge of data integration and ETL.
- Experience supporting multi-country IT teams and working across cultures.
- Python data analysis and scripting (Python, PowerShell) for automation.
- Understanding of data security and privacy regulations (GDPR, HIPAA).
- Server management (Windows, Linux or cloud).
- Expert knowledge of data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Zoho Analytics).
- GIS experience or willingness to learn.
- Experience working in distributed teams and willingness to travel to remote locations.
Location: Kampala, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda, with about 10% regional travel. There is a six-month probation period, and a commitment of at least 3 years is expected.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online at https://sparkmicrogrants.bamboohr.com/careers/180. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and Spark reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time. Preferred start date: as soon as possible.