Knowledge Management Specialist

Job Description

Who we are

SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is an International Non-governmental organization and a member of SOS Children’s Villages International Federation. We started our humanitarian work in Ethiopia with the opening of our first Village in Mekelle, Northern part of Ethiopia in 1974. Since then, we have expanded our programs to different regions where there are significant needs for intervention and where we believe we can work in partnership with all relevant actors to bring sustainable positive outcomes for children’s and young people. 

Today, we have grown significantly to meet the persistent challenges that confront Ethiopian children who have lost parental care and those that are at risk of losing their parental care. Working in close collaboration with international donors, local government and community-based organizations across eight program locations; we aspire that every child grows up with love, respect and security.

Want to know more about life at SOS?

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Our Commitment to Safeguarding  

At SOS Children’s Villages, safeguarding isn’t just a policy, it’s a foundational value embedded in everything we do. We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting the children, young people, adults, and communities we serve, as well as our workforce and resources.

We cultivate an environment of trust and accountability where every voice is heard and respected. All successful candidates will be expected to champion our holistic safeguarding principles, actively upholding our Child & Youth Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and regulations against sexual misconduct, fraud, and corruption.

By joining our team, you commit to integrating these vital standards into your work, ensuring the highest levels of safety, ethics, and integrity in every action and partnership.

Together, we create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected

Join Our Mission:

We are looking for a Knowledge Management Specialist who will be responsible for developing, strengthening, and institutionalizing effective knowledge management systems that foster a culture of learning and evidence-based decision-making across the organization. The role works closely with Programme Quality leadership and MEAL teams to support program adaptation, enhance program quality, and contributes to advocacy and influencing initiatives by ensuring knowledge is systematically generated, captured, documented, and shared with internal teams, partners, and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities 

Learning & Knowledge Management (40%) 

•  Generate, capture, document and share learnings from the project/ programme participants and stakeholders.
• Organize and/or facilitate learning sessions and workshops to capture lessons learned and good practices.
• With the support of MEAL manager and National MEAL team develop a comprehensive knowledge management strategy/ framework
• Ensure lessons learned are documented, integrated into project implementation and shared within the project team, National management team and with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of learning products, including case studies, briefs, and success stories.
• Support implementation of learning events, including developing operational plans, supporting content development in discussion with communication team, and facilitating participation in different events.
• Collaborate with National technical program team and communication team members to connect story collection to monitoring and evaluation, learning and evidence pieces to produce highly substantiated learning and evidence products for knowledge creation.
• Support the programme team in mapping existing data systems and compiling evidence pieces to answer high-level (strategic theme-based) learning questions and advance the program’s evidence and learning agenda.
• Support the leadership, programme team and MEAL team in preparation of high-quality donor reports and relevant publications.
• Lead the implementation of learning events, including developing operational plans, helping develop content, and facilitating participation in different events.
• Support program teams in mapping existing data systems and compelling evidence pieces to answer high-level (strategic theme-based) learning questions and advance the organization’s evidence and learning agenda.
• Oversee the regular maintenance of project MEAL information and PDP2 management using appropriate database management system and making accessible to staff and other stakeholders at field level.
• Coordinate the knowledge management and research team at programme locations and ensure good practices, success stories and case studies are compiled on quarterly basis.
• Provide feedback on quarterly captured good practices, success stories at programme location level
• Lead the success whisperer team at National level and prioritize the good practices and success stories compiled and sent by programme locations and shared with SOS departments and in SOS children’s villages federation platforms.

 Evaluation & Review Meetings/Workshops (25%) 

• Support in developing draft TORs and coordinating baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluation of the project in collaboration with Location MEAL coordinator, national MEAL team and external evaluators
• Ensure knowledge/learning extraction from evaluations, assessments and research findings and recommendations are incorporated into project implementations.
• Assist the national MEAL team in the preparation of MEAL events, internal evaluations, need assessments and research reports and presents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in technical bid analysis in reviewing evaluations, assessments and research reports and provide feedback and comments for the consultants
• Compile and consolidate learnings during organizational self-review, review workshop and reflection sessions.
• Analyze, synthesize, document and disseminate innovations and new research findings including maintaining a database of evaluation findings and responses
• Lead the review meetings and capturing lessons learned among project staff, partners and stakeholders including the targeted communities and programme participants/beneficiaries of the project.
• Prepare lessons learned from evaluations and programmes/projects and present to senior management on quarterly basis
• Oversee quarterly based knowledge management platforms (FS and AC knowledge management platforms) management at programme locations level

Data Management (25%)

•  Coordinate with project staff to ensure timely collection of data, support the implementation of robust data collection tools, report preparation and submission.
• Conduct field visits and data validation exercises to assess project progress and data accuracy.
• Utilize digital data collection tools, when possible, to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Support data management processes, through regular audits and reviews, including data cleaning, analysis, and storage.
• Support data quality assessments based on data quality dimensions (validity, reliability, precision, completeness, timeliness and confidentiality) and ensure that MEAL data is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational standards.
• Work closely with the MEAL Specialist to ensure the quality of data generated (both offline data and data in PDB2 system) for decision-making.
• Assist the MEAL manager, MEAL specialist, national MEAL coordinators and location MEAL coordinators in the design and development of electronic data management tools (Kobo toolbox and SPSS) for field data collection.
• Work closely with the MEAL Specialist and MEAL coordinators to ensure that all data quality, cleaning, and modification issues are properly resolved
• Support the MEAL specialist to identify user requirements for the enhancement of the PDB2 and ProDiGi application and data analysis and reporting.
• Compile and submit weekly monthly and quarterly PDB2 data quality, cleaning, and modification reports based on data quality criteria and submit to the national MEAL Manager.
• Conduct action research to identify the factors that affect real-time data entry, data quality, and information use practices at the programme location level particularly in PDB2 data management.
• Actively participate in the documentation of experiences, lessons learned, case studies, and other technical documents related to digital data, ProDIGI and PDB2 application and power Bi dashboard reports.

Capacity Building (5%)

• Train Project staff on the use and benefits of the knowledge management system, data quality, and information use and how to create, capture and document and share knowledge and learnings

• Monitor and assist MEAL coordinators, officers and partners in the data cleaning and data modification process to ensure the quality of key MEAL data, Key performance indicators (KPI) and customised indicators data.

  Safeguarding (5%) 

• Protect the privacy and dignity of project participants by following ethical and safeguarding principles in all data collection activities, knowledge creation, capturing, documentation and sharing, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and at-risk adults.
• Obtain informed consent from all participants, ensuring they understand their rights and can choose to withdraw at any time.
• Maintain confidentiality by securely managing sensitive data, both physical and digital, in line with organizational data protection policies.
• Anonymize and store data to prevent exposure of participant identities, especially when working with sensitive information related to abuse, exploitation, or neglect.
• Design knowledge management tools that incorporate safeguarding, gender and inclusion checks to ensure projects do not unintentionally expose individuals to harm.
• Monitor and report safeguarding risks identified during project activities and evaluations, flagging any areas where participants may be vulnerable to harm.
• Educate project teams and community members on safeguarding principles during MEAL-related trainings and workshops.
• Collaborate with safeguarding officers and program staff to investigate, document, and address safeguarding incidents effectively.
• Work with project teams to assess potential safeguarding risks related to knowledge management, evaluation, and learning activities.
• Mitigate identified risks by adjusting data collection methods, revising field protocols, or implementing additional protective measures as necessary.
• Stay updated on best practices and ethical standards in safeguarding through regular training.
• Ensure that MEAL team members and data collectors understand and commit to the organization’s safeguarding policies, providing support and oversight where needed.
• Responsible for showing their behavior and all relationships are based on the Sexual Misconduct Regulation, and Child Protection Policy Anti-Fraud and Anti-corruption guidelines and in line with the Code of Conduct and that they adhere to it in every situation.
• Be vigilant about any possible form of abuse/harm, neglect, harassment, or exploitation against children, youth and adults in personal and professional lives.
• Report any safeguarding incident or concern within 24 hours to the Incident Management Team focal person or concerned party through the defined channels for reporting the allegation.

Our Ideal Candidate?

Let’s find out if we’re a match. The next step in our process depends on how your background closely align with the below criteria’s.

Essential Requirements (Must-Have):

• Education: MA/MSC in statistics, economics, demography, development economics or a related field
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in knowledge management in an NGO environment
• Strong data analysis and visualization skills
• Proven ability to train and mentor staff on knowledge capture, sharing, and retrieval practices.
• Demonstrated experience creating lessons-learned documents, case studies, and evidence briefs for donor reporting and internal learning.

 Role specific Competencies

• Knowledge of emergency response project management and MEAL principles in humanitarian settings.
• Tacit vs. explicit knowledge concepts
• Capturing, documenting, and codifying organizational knowledge and best practices
• Organizational learning and knowledge transfer theories
• Analysing knowledge gaps, information flow, and improvement opportunities
• Planning and managing knowledge management initiatives and projects
• Collaboration across functions and ability to build trust
• Independent work while handling sensitive information responsibly
• Influencing others and fostering a learning culture
• Strong skills in data collection, analysis, and management; familiarity with digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox) preferred.
• Ability to conduct field visits and work in challenging environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, or similar). SKILLS, ABIITS

Desired Assets (Nice-to-Have): 

•  Knowledge Management Foundations: Solid understanding of knowledge management principles, models, and frameworks, including the knowledge lifecycle (creation, capture, storage, sharing, and application).
• Business and Organizational Knowledge: Strong grasp of organizational structures, business processes, and workflows, along with change management principles.
• Information and Content Management: Knowledge of document and records management practices and information lifecycle management.
• Digital and Technology Expertise: Familiarity with knowledge management systems (KMS), SharePoint, intranets, and document repositories, as well as basic data governance, information security, and privacy concepts.
• Research and Analytical Knowledge: Understanding of research methodologies, information analysis, and basic data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge Capture and Codification Skills: Experience conducting interviews, lessons-learned sessions, and after-action reviews; documenting best practices, SOPs, and institutional knowledge; and converting tacit knowledge into structured, usable content.
• Communication and Facilitation Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to facilitate workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and communities of practice (CoPs).
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify knowledge gaps and improvement opportunities and to design knowledge solutions aligned with business needs.
• Organizational and Project Management Skills: Capability to plan, coordinate, and manage knowledge management initiatives and projects.
• Technical and Digital Proficiency: Effective use of KM platforms and collaboration tools.
•  Change and Engagement Skills: Proven ability to drive adoption of KM tools and practices and to influence behaviour and organizational culture change.
• Behavioural and Interpersonal Abilities: Strong collaboration skills across departments, ability to build trust and encourage knowledge sharing, and capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strategic and Leadership Capabilities: Ability to align knowledge management initiatives with organizational strategy and to foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

SOS Lead and Core Competencies 

Lead Competency 

• Role model: Act as a role model for the organization, living our values and inspiring and learning from others
• Collaboration: Remove barriers to participation, share decision making and build partnerships
• Empowerment: Promote inclusion and equitable sharing of power
• Strategic Thinking: Live the values and mission, setting realistic goals and translating them into actionable plans

Core Competency 

• Kindness: Act with empathy towards everyone he/she works with.
• Continuous Learning: Make an effort to learn, understand and grow as a person, admitting your own mistakes.
• Inclusiveness: In any actions show respect and care for others.
• Initiative: speak up when things are not right, do not hesitate to act, and adapt to change when necessary.
• Results Orientation: look for solutions and focus on desired results.

How to Apply

 Does This Sound Like You?

To apply, please submit your updated resume via: >> SOS Children’s Villages Application portal (ICIMS)

We actively champion diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage women to step forward and apply. As part of our unwavering commitment to holistic safeguarding protecting children, youth, adults, and assets our selection process emphasizes value alignment and includes thorough background checks for all potential hires.

SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer, providing fair consideration to all applicant regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or class.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.