Director, Data and Information Systems

Overview

The Director will provide strategic and technical leadership for projects in Uganda . They will supervise specialist staff in information systems, M&E and data analytics; translate programmatic requirements into clear system and analytical requirements; and provide sufficient technical oversight to ensure that the resulting architecture and tools are robust, practical and fit for purpose.

 Responsibilities

Data Architecture and Dashboard for Performance Management (40% LOE)

• Lead the design and operationalization of an integrated data and information architecture supporting the activity’s risk assessment, milestone verification, and performance-management functions.
• Lead the functional design of an integrated performance management dashboard for Government of Uganda, U.S. Government and project users, providing accessible and decision-relevant information on entity risk profiles, assessment and verification progress, findings, data quality, risk-mitigation actions and performance.
• Translate programmatic and technical requirements into clear system requirements, data structures, workflows, business rules and analytical specifications, working with the Information Systems Manager, MEL Manager and other technical specialists to turn these requirements into practical tools and systems.
• Lead the activity’s approach to accessing and using data from relevant Government of Uganda systems—including IFMIS, HMIS/DHIS2, human-resource information systems and other financial and administrative systems—determining what information is required, how it should be structured and linked, and how it can be reliably incorporated into the activity’s data environment.
• Establish appropriate standards and processes for data governance, documentation, access, security, interoperability and quality, ensuring that the activity maintains reliable and appropriately controlled information while working across multiple government and project data sources.
• Lead the development of verification template/tools for secondary and primary verification data.
• Develop verification schedule.
• Ensure that all relevant entities receive automated notifications, acknowledge receipt, and prepare the required source documents in advance of onsite verification.
• Lead the planning and execution of periodic data quality assessments.

Data Analytics (30% LOE)

• Work with technical leads to translate risk assessment, verification and DQA approaches into practical indicators, analytical rules, risk flags and other decision-support tools.
• Lead the use and triangulation of data from different sources to identify emerging risks, unusual patterns, discrepancies and areas requiring further assessment or verification.
• Identify opportunities to standardize and automate routine analysis and checks, making assessment and verification more efficient and better targeted over time.

Government Engagement and Team Leadership (20% LOE)

• Work with Government of Uganda counterparts to strengthen the use of existing government data and systems and ensure that new tools build on, rather than unnecessarily duplicate, existing systems.
• Ensure that data systems and tools are designed so that Ugandan institutions can progressively own, operate and sustain them.
• Lead and supervise the PFM Data Analytics Manager, MEL Manager and Information Systems Manager, ensuring the three functions work together as an integrated team.
• Contribute to the growth of ThinkWell’s data and information systems portfolio by identifying emerging opportunities, cultivating strategic relationships, and shaping technically strong proposals and new areas of work.
• Other duties as assigned.

We are:

ThinkWell core values are our fundamental organizational guiding principles.  They define our corporate culture, influence our behavior at work and help us achieve our mission.  Our values are:

Think big

Influence the conversation

Empower others

Be exceptional

Always question

Relate authentically

Evolve by learning

You are:

ThinkWell core competencies are foundational skills and behaviors that align with our values and are expected of all employees.

 An entrepreneurial, results-oriented ‘do-er’ with a willingness to take risk, think big and challenge conventional wisdom.

 A curious person, seeing connections between different areas.

A change maker who reaches independent judgement with an open mind, influences the conversation, and seeks innovation.

Able to help create an empowering environment in which everyone feels free to take initiative, be accountable and fail intelligently (learn from mistakes).

A collaborative colleague who engages constructively with people from different cultures, orientations, and perspectives and maintains positive relations in a virtual world.

Principally motivated by a growth mindset, meaning the pursuit of knowledge, experience, and self-improvement.  You always question and continuously learn.

Authentic, honest, direct, self-aware, and open to giving and receiving feedback. 

Requirements

• Masters Degree in public health, data science, or relevant field with 10+ years of experience;
• Extensive experience in analyzing complex  data  from multiple databases and presenting it in a simplified format.
• Capacity to deliver results in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience in managing highly performing teams.
• Project monitoring and evaluation in the area of technical specialization.  
• Strong writing skills, with experience in developing high quality documents with minimal supervision and publishing in peer reviewed journal. 
• A senior leader, able to rally staff around ThinkWell’s mission and priorities;
• A thoughtful systems thinker with grounded, pragmatic understanding of the complexities of our work;
• Recognized as a leader in the area of technical specialty; strong national and international, professional network in the field 
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with external strategic partners, donors, and stakeholders;
• New business development, proposal writing and fundraising experience;
• Substantive, relevant work experience in health systems with a development agency, NGO or government.  Adept at communicating technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Prior work experience linked to FP, MNCH or reproductive health preferred;
• Demonstrated interest and ability in growing staff, mentoring and coaching junior professionals;
• Full fluency in English and Kiswahili;
• Outstanding cross-cultural communication skills, including the ability to relate respectfully with staff at all levels, ages, genders, nationalities and orientations as well as across work areas;
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%