Senior IMO – Project Manager Malawi

Organization

iMMAP is an international nongovernmental organisation that provides information management services to humanitarian and development organizations. Through information management, we help our partners target assistance to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Our core philosophy is that better data leads to better decisions and that better decisions lead to better outcomes. iMMAP’s critical support to information value chains helps to solve operational and strategic challenges of our partners in both emergency and development contexts by enabling evidence-based decision-making for better outcomes.

Background

In Malawi, iMMAP will support a project led by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (RCO) supported by the World Food Program (WFP) aiming at strengthening coordination in information management by enhancing data producers’ capacity to collect, process, analyze and timely disseminate information to decision-makers.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), which has the mandate of coordinating emergencies in Malawi has an information management unit. The project will build on the existing institutional and human assets currently available within DoDMA and develop mechanisms and tools to strengthen the IM processes. The project will reinforce and streamline the DoDMA IM unit by ensuring a localised ownership of the workstreams proposed. The project will also involve information managers in selected districts and clusters to strengthen information collection, thereby improving the availability and accessibility of humanitarian data by leveraging the existing IM expertise of DoDMA, the UN Data Unit, INGOs Humanitarian Subcommittee and OCHA.

Through this project, iMMAP will be responsible for :

• Conducting a mapping of capacity, stakeholders and data landscape;
• Organizing a data summit aimed at improving exchange of best practices and innovative approaches using Big Data, remote sensing and artificial intelligence at the service of humanitarian responders and development actors;
• Providing mentoring and coaching to the DoDMA unit, Cluster and District Officials from Government and NGOs;
• Providing technical support to target districts and clusters to strengthen their technical skills.

For this project, iMMAP is looking for a Senior IMO who will act as the Program Manager and who will have the responsibilities and skills described below.

Responsibilities

The Senior IMO will support all goals and strategies of the iMMAP programme in its work with national partners, international partners and applicable donor agencies.

The Senior IMO will develop and maintain constant and good contacts with humanitarian partners.

• Operational
• The Senior IMO will conduct a detailed stakeholder and capacity mapping at the national level at the beginning of the project, including a full detailed data landscape to assess potential information gaps:
• Definition of the ToR and design of the mapping’s roadmap
• Conduct the mapping to identify information gaps within the DoDMA unit and over
• Write the report including the provision of specific recommendations.
• The Senior IMO (and his team) will mentor DoDMA national staff and build their capacity. This include a first assessment of IM capacities of the DoDMA IM Unit team and the design and implementation of a training and mentoring plan to strengthen their capacities on (not limited to):
• GIS and data management
• Data analysis
• Data visualization
• Geospatial analysis
• The Senior IMO will organize, together with the RCO a “Data summit” aimed at improving exchange of best practices and innovative approaches using Big Data, remote sensing and artificial intelligence at the service of humanitarian responders and development actors. This includes:
• Design the data summit based on the needs, interests and gaps identified through the mapping exercise
• Support the organization of the data summit : identify topics, panelists, participants, organization of the event (platforms, structure, etc.)
• Ensure capitalization and follow-up after the event
• The Senior IMO will ensure iMMAP team provides the necessary support to the DoDMA unit so support is provided to Clusters in identified districts for:
• Provision of IM support to coordinated multi sectoral needs assessments (survey design, data collection, harmonization of indicators and tools, data management, data analysis and data visualization);
• Provision of specific required deliverables such as spatial analysis, cartographic products, structured databases, developed software or systems if required;
• Provision of IM support for HRP monitoring;
• Review and update the Common Operational Datasets (CODs).
• Other activities depending on the needs.
• Project Management
• Oversee the overall design of the program ensuring objectives are met within the required time frame and budget. Where necessary ensure preventative and corrective action is taken.
• Develop an implementation strategy which is appropriate to the country context and strategy.
• Plan the mobilisation of resources for the implementation of program activities.
• Manage a comprehensive activity plan, including resource needs analysis, covering the time frame.
• Proactively inform iMMAP Head of Office or HQ of identified opportunities, risks and risk mitigation relevant to the program planning and implementation.
• Maintain an overview of the national and regional context with a view to the strategic development of the project both in the current identified sites and potential of future program extension and expansion.
• Support programme implementation as needed, including: developing assessments, baselines, budgets, monitoring and evaluation systems, field visits to verify data, reporting and close-out.
• Financial Management
• Ensure that budgets are spent according to donor proposals and regulations.
• Monitor the spending of designated programme funds in the pre-operational phase of the program.
• Staff Management
• Recruit the iMMAP team in Malawi
• Ensure all identification, selection and contracting related issues for the staff of the designated project are carried out in accordance with iMMAP guidelines.
• Through a consultative leadership style and a transparent and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective iMMAP project team.
• Ensure that staff receive appropriate and adequate training by providing coaching.
• Quality Management
• Ensure designated projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements.
• Regularly assess and provide feedback and recommendations on the quality of the programmes.
• Representation
• Build relationships on behalf of iMMAP with bilateral donors, international non-governmental organisations, implementation partners and other agencies relevant to the implementation of the programme.
• Represent iMMAP in relevant consultations and meetings.
• Ensure complete and timely reporting of activities to iMMAP, donor, and implementation partners.
• Assist iMMAP Head of Office or HQ with forward strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Requirements

• Education
• Graduate of an Institute or University in the field of Information Technology, Information Management or Computer Sciences.
• At least 7 years of working experience in humanitarian Information Management on-field operational level and in a multi-cultural environment.
• Experience
• In-depth knowledge of database and GIS software, and computer networks, Good knowledge of related hardware and peripheral equipment.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian information management, GIS, database management/Administration (familiarity with PHP, HTML or any other programming language), data visualization, or data analysis is required.
• Experience and knowledge in Data Science
• Experience and knowledge in establishing systems and overseeing programme start-up under limited time constraints as well as plan programme close-out.
• Knowledge of basic programme development skills such as quantitative and qualitative monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven and well-developed influencing and relationship-building skills in dealing with stakeholders at all levels.
• Understanding of data QA/QC processes for information management are essential.
• Possess advanced skills in MS-Access, MS SQL Server, Web design.
• Advanced knowledge of software engineering theory and applications would be an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of programming theory and relational database principles.
• Soft skills
• Strong analytical skills, and apt at turning abstract discussions into concrete ideas.
• Ability to develop and carry out work plans and solve problems independently.
• Ability to perform well on tight deadlines, flexible attitude.
• Ability to select, develop and lead teams.
• Ability to work based on objectives.
• Ability to coordinate with local administrators, government, NGOs working with community projects and agencies.
• Ability to work under pressure and long hours at different locations.
• Flexible and adaptable to any situation.
• Self-reliant and able to work independently.
• Programmes
• ArcGIS
• QGIS
• PHP and HTML
• GIS systems and supporting software ESRI ArcMap10.2

Guiding Principles

Personnel is expected to conduct itself in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and iMMAP’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all Countries.

iMMAP has zero-tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, human trafficking, child abuse and exploitation. Any violations of these principles and policies will be treated as serious misconduct.

iMMAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background.