9 Data Quality Assessment and Verification Consultants

Job title: Data Quality Assessment and Verification Consultant

Contract type: [Consultancy / fixed-term contract]

Contract Duration: 2 ( two) weeks

No of People required: 9

Reports To: Evaluation Coordinator

Duty station: Addis Ababa but involves field travel in different regions of the country.

About JaRco Consulting

JaRco Consulting PLC is a leading international consulting firm based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, specializing in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL). Our work focuses on key technical areas including livelihoods and economic security, WASH, health and nutrition, with cross-cutting themes of gender and capacity building in M&E. JaRco implements large-scale evaluations, baseline assessments, and data quality assurance activities across Ethiopia and throughout Africa. For more information, please visit www.jarco.info.

Why Join JaRco?

At JaRco Consulting, you will contribute to evidence-based programs that influence policy and improve lives. We offer exposure to major donors, professional growth opportunities, and a respectful, inclusive, and ethical workplace. We provide a safe and performance-driven work
environment where skills are developed, contributions are recognized
and careers are built.

Role purpose

The Data Quality Assessment and Verification Officer will lead implementation of the 2026 Program Outcomes Assessment Partner Data Quality Assessment checklist across selected implementing partners. The role will focus on reviewing partner-reported data for Work Enabling Outreach, Youth-in-Work, and Enterprise results; assessing the completeness, consistency, and usability of partner databases; reviewing consent and data protection practices; identifying data quality gaps; and documenting corrective actions required before data can be used for outcome and impact monitoring.

The role combines technical M&E judgement with hands-on partner engagement. It is not limited to data collection. It includes document review, database assessment, partner interviews, verification planning, narrative analysis, and preparation of concise partner-level findings.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and conduct partner-level data quality assessments using the approved DQA checklist and guidance.
• Review partner reporting systems and compare reported figures in Fluxx or other reporting channels against partner-held databases.
• Assess whether partner databases exist and determine whether counts are based on unique records.
• Review duplicate risks, identifier systems, completeness of demographic and intervention variables, and alignment of classifications with reporting definitions.
• Assess whether participant consent exists, whether consent covers storage and data sharing, and whether consent records are retrievable, auditable, and compliant with country data protection requirements.
• Review whether adequately consented records include contact details sufficient for later verification.
• Document structural limitations in partner databases that may affect outcome and impact monitoring.
• Conduct interviews with partner M&E and program staff to understand reporting processes, data flow, definitions, controls, and constraints.
• Assign or support the determination of overall data fitness ratings and identify corrective actions needed to bring datasets to a minimum acceptable standard.
• Prepare clean, accurate, and well-structured DQA summaries, field notes, and partner feedback.
• Escalate major data quality, safeguarding, consent, or compliance concerns promptly to the supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle all personal data in line with project protocols and applicable legal requirements.
• Support training or orientation of partner staff on recurring data quality issues where needed.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Public Health, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A master’s degree is an advantage.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, data quality review, audit, verification, or partner reporting systems.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing administrative or program databases, not only survey data.
• Experience conducting data quality assessments, data verification, routine data reviews, or partner database audits.
• Experience working with NGOs, implementing partners, donors, or multi-partner development programs.
• Experience writing concise analytical summaries and practical recommendations.

Skills and competencies

• Strong understanding of data quality dimensions including completeness, accuracy, consistency, uniqueness, timeliness, and integrity.
• Good understanding of consent requirements, responsible data handling, and data protection principles.
• Ability to review both quantitative records and qualitative explanations and identify contradictions or gaps.
• Strong interviewing and facilitation skills for discussions with partner M&E and program staff.
• Strong judgment in distinguishing minor data issues from material risks to outcome monitoring.
• High attention to detail and ability to organize evidence clearly.
• Strong written and spoken English. Knowledge of relevant local languages is an advantage.
• Ability to travel and work across multiple partner contexts.

Preferred attributes

• Prior experience with Mastercard Foundation, youth livelihoods, enterprise, education, or workforce programs.
• Experience working with Fluxx, CommCare, Kobo, DHIS2, Excel-based reporting systems, or similar partner data platforms.
• Familiarity with verification of participant lists, contact records, and consent

Safeguarding Statement

JaRco Consulting is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all people and expects all staff, consultants, and partners to share this commitment. We have a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and any form of misconduct.

All successful candidates will be required to comply with JaRco Consulting’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct and will be subject to appropriate pre-engagement checks.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

JaRco Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, disability, age, ethnicity, religion, or background. Selection is based on merit, competence, and organizational needs. We highly encourage qualified and interested women and persons with disabilities to apply for the role.