Information Technology and Database Specialist John Snow Health Zambia Limited

The USAID Controlling HIV Epidemic for Key and Underserved Populations (CHEKUP II) Activity was awarded on September 13, 2022, with implementation through September 6, 2027.  USAID CHEKUP II is implemented by John Snow Health Zambia (JSH) in partnership with JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) and Media 365. The Activity aims to support the Ministry of Health in mitigating against and attaining HIV epidemic control by increasing equitable access to, and use of person-centered, community-driven, and high-quality HIV prevention services for key and underserved (priority) populations. USAID CHEKUP II Activity operates in seven districts with the highest HIV-burden in Zambia. These include: Chirundu, Lusaka, Kabwe, Kapiri-Mposhi, Kasama, Chipata, and Nakonde.

The Activity aims to address the needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and those most at risk of acquiring HIV and contribute to HIV mitigation and epidemic control. USAID CHEKUP II seeks to improve the health outcomes of priority and key populations by preventing new HIV infections and ensuring that all infected are identified, diagnosed, linked to treatment and virally suppressed. USAID CHEKUP II Activity seeks dynamic and highly experienced candidates to fill the following vacant position.

Summary of the Position:

Position: Information Technology and Database Specialist

Location: Lusaka

Duration: Full-Time position

Reports to: Advisor SI, Secondary by IT Systems Manager

Role’s Purpose:

The Information Technology and Database Specialist will be responsible for development and adaption of data systems, as well as maintenance of database by planning, monitoring and improving performance for the USAID CHEK UP II. S/he will support setting up LAN for new offices and troubleshooting system and network problems.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development and adaptation of data systems, procedures and policies for data management.
• Maintain all program databases – clearly define associated data management plans and ensure their adherence by all SI and program staff.
• Take part in software development work, systems automation and systems maintenance as may be deemed fit by the electronic systems in use.
• Conduct user acceptance testing and develop training manuals for users of the various data systems.
• Installing and configuring computer hardware operating systems and applications.
• Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.
• Talking staff through a series of actions, either face-to-face or over the telephone, to help set up systems or resolve issues.
• Setting up LAN for new offices and troubleshooting system and network problems and diagnosing and solving hardware or software faults.
• Replacing computer parts as required.
• Providing support, including procedural documentation and relevant reports.
• Following diagrams and written instructions to repair a fault or set up a system.
• Supporting the roll-out of new software/applications.
• Support development of the DHIS2 system, updates, to comply with project requirements.
• Train and mentor other staff in M&E, Data Management, Software Development and Analysis activities on data management tasks.
• Develop specifications for data capture and input; monitors input to ensure consistency, quality, and integrity of data.
• Develop dashboards, with clear visualizations such as indicator dashboards, program performance and other project management related dashboards.
• Conduct data extractions on various data sources – ensure clear versions of data extracted over time.
• Provide Technical Assistance and capacity building to system users at different levels in the organization.
• Setting up new users’ accounts and profiles and dealing with password issues.
• Conducting electrical safety checks on computer equipment.

 Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or any relevant field with a minimum of 5 years working experience.
• Experience in supporting local area networks, setting up and maintaining computer hardware, computer user support.
• Able to communicate well in spoken and written English.
• Ability to use MS Office Suite applications, Windows 7/8/10/11, Windows Server 2016, 2019 & 2022.
• Able to prioritize and manage many open cases at one time.
• Familiar with at least one advanced statistical package – R, STATA, SAS, etc.
• Expert knowledge of Java, Javascript, web technologies (HTML/CSS, LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), PostgreSQL and Javascript frameworkst.
• Must poses excellent MS excel skills.
• Conversant with software development tools, their use, systems automation, and processes.
• Should be familiar with at least one programming language e.g., C#, Python, Java, etc.
• Familiar with at least one database management tool like MS SQL Server, MySQL, etc. Able to write advanced SQL on various RDBMSes.
• Demonstrated work experience in data management—including advanced knowledge of DHIS2 and SMARTCARE— and management information systems.
• Demonstrated experience with DHIS2 and other Health Management Information Systems and electronic medical records system.