The USAID Uganda Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R) Activity provides technical assistance to communities, the government of Uganda, and the private sector, to conserve and manage biodiversity in target ecosystems for lasting environmental and economic sustainability and increased community and household resilience. The Activity works closely with key government agencies including Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the National Forest Authority (NFA) in four target landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park area, Murchison Falls National Park area, Budongo Central Forest Reserve and Lake Mburo National Park area.

Job Summary:

The MERLA/Data Analytic Specialist leads project efforts to manage and analyze data for output/outcome measurement and learning activities. The specialist ensures the establishment and implementation of an efficient system to monitor progress, impacts, and successes of project activities and performance at all levels. Lead data analytics for outcome measurement and learning activities, converting program data into actionable metrics and visuals for evidence-based programming. S/he leads project data collection, reporting and ensures functional M&E system at field level, including with the Sub-partners. The MERLA specialist will support the MERLA manager to ensure data quality checks and quality assurance of reported data. The position holder will support MERLA Manager and work closely with the different Sector Specialists to routinely track and monitor implementation of project activities.

Responsibilities

Essential roles:

• Lead data analytics for outcome measurement and learning activities, converting program data into actionable metrics and visuals for evidence-based programming.
• Employ statistical analysis, data mining methods, and visualization tools to generate practical insights from datasets encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Generate reports, visual aids, and presentations that effectively communicate findings and recommendations to the USAID B4R team and relevant stakeholders.
• Work alongside the MERLA Manager to co-create data collection tools and techniques (i.e., templates and forms) that adhere to standard operating procedures and ethical standards.
• Develops dynamic, cost-effective systems and clear data flow protocols for data collection (including data quality checks), transmission, analysis, communication, and action.
• Ensures the implementation of an effective and efficient system to monitor progress, impacts, and successes of B4R activities and performance at all levels.
• Assists MERLA Manager with participatory annual work planning sessions, annual “pause-and-reflect” sessions, and implementation of the Activity’s Learning Agenda.
• Provides guidance to the B4R Activity team, including sub-awardees and SIF recipients, on tools, frameworks, and data collection methods to guide data collection, management, and analysis in a consistent, standardized, and disciplined manner.
• Supports MERLA Manager in grant monitoring and capacity building of Sub-awardees in monitoring and evaluation systems, reporting and data management.
• Lead all planned surveys, including economic baselines for SIF Sub-awardees and other M&E data collection.
• Design and maintain a robust beneficiary tracking and profiling system (MS Excel or Access) for all SIF Sub-awardees.
• Compiles input received from B4R staff, sub-awardees, and SIF recipients for quarterly and annual reports and works with the MERLA Manager and Chief of Party to ensure timely submission of all reports.
• Lead GIS data collection and analysis, and profiling project activity information on GIS maps.
• Ensures appropriate disaggregation of Activity data to understand risks and benefits for actions based on demographics (e.g., youth, gender, and by critical landscape)
• Captures early successes and lessons learned to adapt Activity management, approach, and drive scale-up.
• Generates timely and useful information for individual and organizational learning among Activity stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education & Experience

• Master’s degree and 2 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Demographics, Statistics, Population studies , Mathematics, Computer Science/IT, or related field or bachelor’s degree in above or related field and 3-5 years of experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in GIS with hands-on experience creating spatial maps.
• At least 4 years of experience implementing M&E systems for international donor-funded projects.
• At least 2 years’ experience with USAID-funded project M&E.
• Familiarity and experience with indicators relevant to biodiversity and/or Feed the Future preferred.
• Ability to articulate (and apply) Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast paced and complex environment.
• Data analysis and databases: Stata, GIS analysis, Power BI, Kobo Collect/ODK
• Willingness to conduct short-term missions throughout the region
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Willingness to conduct short-term missions throughout the region
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail and accuracy