The FEWS NET DST contributes to the broader FEWS NET project goal of becoming a leading repository and distributor of trusted, open-source, multi-sectoral food security data and analysis globally. In FEWS NET 8, data are considered products in themselves, tools to help achieve broad goals that are important to FEWS NET and the US Government. The DST’s acute food insecurity early warning analysis and decision support products rely on a diverse set of qualitative and quantitative data sources. These data are collected, cleaned, and analyzed routinely for incorporation into a range of regular reports and briefings and to respond to ad hoc information requests from USG and other stakeholders. Data collection, organization, and management are, therefore, essential to achieving the FEWS NET DST’s core mandate.

During the previous phases of FEWS NET, USG funded the development of a FEWS NET Data Warehouse (FDW) to manage and archive many of the various databases project staff and other stakeholders use. The FEWS NET DST collaborates with the FEWS NET Data, Learning and Communications Hub (Hub), implemented by AIR, to develop essential database design components and data (both primary and secondary) to support the buildout of various data domains, including but not limited to: commodity prices, cross-border trade flows, agricultural production, acute malnutrition, historical food insecurity classifications, food insecure population estimates, and geographic shapefiles. Additionally, the EWT utilizes a selection of mobile data collection and transmission system (MDTS) tools across its geographies to facilitate the collection and management of select primary data.

The FEWS NET DST Regional Data Coordinator, working under the supervision of the Data Management Advisor and in coordination with the field-based Data Management Senior Specialist, provides support to ongoing data management activities across the team’s sectors (e.g., Food Security Decision Support, Conflict, Markets and Trade, Livelihoods, Nutrition). This includes support for FEWS NET DST data management and engagement within FEWS NET and external audiences in relation to FEWS NET data management. While the Data Management Advisor leads and provides strategic oversight for the FEWS NET DST Data sector, the field-based DMSS may serve as a resource for the Regional Data Coordinator in identification and implementation of sectoral priorities.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the Regional Data Coordinator include but are not limited to:

Assisting in the identification of country and regional-level primary and secondary data collection activities subject to FEWS NET and USG data documentation, storage, and transfer requirements
Assisting with the formatting of datasets collected or acquired by the DST for upload into the FDW, in accordance with guidance from the Hub
Ensuring data are processed, cleaned, and archived in a timely fashion, in line with Hub, DST and client requests. Undertaking this responsibility will include working closely with country and regional offices and sector specialists to ensure timely completion of data entry and processing tasks.
Extracting data from unstructured source documents, such as PDFs and Excel sheets
Geo-coding extracted data and uploading it into the FDW
Tracking and resolving data upload issues with the Hub; creating and, as relevant, responding to helpdesk tickets using Jira system
Identifying data irregularities and inconsistencies in source documents and processed datasets and proposing and implementing approved solutions
Supporting and assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the DST’s new and/or existing applications and initiatives to leverage MDTS processes and tools
Supporting and assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the DST’s new and/or existing applications and initiatives to manage, analyze, and visualize data for both regular and ad hoc reporting and decision support efforts
Providing in-person and remote recurring and ad hoc capacity strengthening to DS staff on FDW processes and tools, including uploading files, data extraction, and the use of related offline tools
Providing in-person and remote recurring and ad hoc capacity strengthening to DST staff on MDTS processes and tools
Assisting in the management and supervision of subcontractor task orders associated with DST data processing, as requested
Assisting in the management and coordination of in-country FEWS NET and/or multi-partner enumerator networks and food security monitoring networks
Supporting ongoing and future initiatives related to data collection and survey tools, the production of high-quality visual analyses, and data visualization tools (including interactive data monitoring products and tools).
Providing support to other data processing/data management tasks across the project, as needed
At the discretion of the supervisor, this position may be expected to manage a limited number of staff
Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including professional experience with GIS platforms, data science, data curation, mobile data collection technologies, and data and information collection networks.
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant field such as computer science or related information systems field required, Masters degree preferred.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required; Competency in French, Spanish, Arabic, and/or additional languages of regional relevance are desired
Technical skills and knowledge in Python programming language is an advantage
Demonstrated previous experience with statistical tools to perform analyses, such as Excel, PowerBI, or Tableau is required.
Previous experience with mobile data collection tools (e.g., ODK, Magpi, KOBO), methods, and management is required
Additional skills with databases, scripting, and use of cloud services are desired
Demonstrated previous experience using large socioeconomic datasets for analyses is desired
Familiarity with Agile framework and software development methods and processes is desired
Excellent research skills and ability to focus on details is required
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing is required
Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and capacity strengthening to adult learners is required
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multicultural team across numerous geographies is required
In-depth knowledge of local/regional food security context, stakeholders and dynamics is required.
Permanent, unrestricted work authorization in one of the relevant countries below (see Location and Reporting) is required.

Please send your resume/CV