IT Project Coordinator/Associate Innovations for Poverty Action

Innovations for Poverty Action seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Information Technology (IT) Coordinator/Associate for the Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Nutrition Benefits Project in Kenya. IPA’s WASH Benefits Project is a five year study to evaluate the health benefits of sanitation, hygiene, household water treatment and nutrition using a large-scale, randomized evaluation that will take place in Western Province, Kenya. Initially, the position will be based in Busia, Kenya but will require relocation within Western region by January 2012. The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand field management experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research. This position is located in Kenya, and the principal investigators are Michael Kremer and Clair Null.

The IT Coordinator/Associate work closely with academic researchers and other field staff to perform a variety tasks including, but not limited to: hardware and software support for digital data collection in the field, database architecture and maintenance, and SMS communication and surveying with study promoters and participants. The IT PA/PC may also periodically work or coordinate with the IPA-Kenya headquarters’ Internet Technology and Data personnel.

TASKS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
DIGITAL DATA COLLECTION
*Research and provide input on hardware and software options for digital data collection
*Contribute to survey programming, testing, and debugging
*Format and/or create hard disk image for hardware devices to maximize survey capabilities and efficiency
*Assist in development of manual and trainings for proper hardware usage and maintenance
*Organize and streamline the process of retrieving data from collection devices and storing in a secure database
*Provide technical support and troubleshoot any hardware or software issues arising in the course of digital data collection

DATBASE MANAGEMENT
*Set up and maintain an organized, efficient, and secure database for all pilot and project data
*Ensure proper encryption and storage procedures are followed with regard to all personal identifying data
*Help coordinate consistent database design, maintenance, and access issues with project collaborators in the United States and Bangladesh

SMS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
*Work with WASH management team to establish a reliable system for SMS communication with community promoters and respondents
*If possible, configure SMS communication system to generate automatic replies to and extract data from incoming messages

GENERAL
*Provide general technical support and troubleshooting assistance for the WASH management team
*Participate and provide input at regular team meetings
*Complete all duties in a timely manner with the utmost integrity
*Coordinate with IPAK Information Technology and Data personnel in the headquarters on IPAK guidelines and procedures that may relate to WASH Benefits IT systems and inform IPAK as needed about new IT activities

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Required
*Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
*1-2 years prior experience in an IT-related position, experience with responsibilities above strongly preferred.
*Programming experience, especially SQL and/or Python.
*Wide knowledge of common hardware and software platforms, including mobile platforms (Android, iOS) and open-source platforms (Apache, GNU/Linux).
*Fluency and excellent oral and written communication skillsin English.
*Ability to work independently and as part of a team
*Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills
*Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player

Desired
*Experience with data management (i.e. MySQL) and quality control strongly preferred.
*Experience living in a developing country is a strong plus.
*Kiswahili language skills.
*Knowledge of Stata (strongly preferred) or other data analysis software is preferred.
*Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations
*Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred.
*Master’s degree in Computer Science strongly preferred.

We are looking for a commitment period of 2 years for this position.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter, detailed CV (including daytime phone number and an email address), your scanned copy of certificates, and 3 professional references. All files should be submitted in PDF form with the file names LASTNAMEcover_letter.pdf, LASTNAME_CV.pdf, LASTNAME_certificate# (non-pdf format acceptable, replace # with 1,2,3, etc.), LASTNAME_references.pdf

Applications can be submitted in person at our Busia office, by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org, or by main to PO Box 373, Busia, 50400 Kenya. If you submit by email:
*In the subject line: Put your full name, first (given) name followed by last (family) name, including this title, “PA/PC Position – WASH Benefits Project” after your names.
*Attachments: Please attach your CV, cover letter, and a list of 3 references.
*In the email body: Copy exactly the following position line: 100455IPA/Kenya, IT Project Associate or Project Coordinator, WASH Benefits Project.
Please do not include any text besides the position line(s) in the body of the e-mail. Adding extra text will interfere with the processing of your application.