Data Officer (1 Post) – Machinga

The Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), a research centre under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, works with the Ministry of Health, other academic institutions, local and international health agencies to address priority health problems in Malawi. The centre is looking for a self-motivated and talented individual to fill the position of Data Officer. The project mainly seeks to measure the effectiveness of the RTSS, S/S01 Malaria Vaccine in school-aged children when administered alone or in combination with an effective antimalarial drug.

Position summary

Reporting to the project lead, the Data Officer will provide data management expertise and be responsible for day-to-day data management of the program and research data. S/he will assist in designing and maintaining databases, manage the servers, produce reports, participate in data collection and manage and oversee quality assurance and control.

Duration of Contract:

The initial contract will be for one year with possibility of further extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Duties and responsibilities

These will include but not limited to:

• Implement data collection systems and tools in the field.
• Troubleshoot technical data-related challenges.
• Review and monitor all data to ensure accuracy, quality and completeness.
• Ensuring all tablets are ready for use.
• Programme electronic data collecting devices.
• Provide IT support to study team members in schools under the study
• Establish and implement quality assurance and quality control procedures for data.
• Work with the data manager to update and maintain databases in collaboration with project staff in the field.
• Oversee and manage data management files in a documented and orderly manner and maintain standard operating procedures for the study.
• Provide support for data analysis for program implementation, donor and scientific reports as well as presentations.
• Maintain effective and ongoing communication with Data Manager and Trial coordinator
• Assist in management of the servers
• Any other duties as assigned

Desired skills and experience

• At least Bachelor’s degree in statistics, computer sciences, bioinformatics or Information Systems or related field
• Experience in programming in any database language or in data management is highly desirable
• At least 1-year data management experience in similar position

Technical and professional requirements

• Capacities to work independently, in a team setting and in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals or in groups.
• Familiarity with use of some spreadsheet and statistical software packages such as EXCEL, EPI INFO, STATA, SPSS, R, Open data kit and SAS.
• Experience in data analysis and programming in a statistical software package.
• Knowledge of and proficiency of programming in a database like SQL or MySQL
• Familiarity of portable electronic data collection devices
• Ability to focus on details. This is fundamental.
• Ability to write concise, grammatically correct technical correspondence
• Excellent planning and organizing skills
• Willingness to work in a rural district.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications as applicable to staff in the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. KUHES is an equal opportunity employer.

Application procedure

Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications together with copies of relevant certificates and detailed CVs with names, contact numbers and emails of three traceable referees to:

The Registrar

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

P/Bag 360

Chichiri

Blantyre 3

[email protected] and [email protected]

Applications should be submitted not later than 15th February 2023. Those submitting via email should indicate the project name and title of the post in the subject line of the email.

Only shortlisted candidates will de acknowledged