Monitoring and Database Management Associate

Position Summary

The Monitoring and Database Management Associate is responsible for supporting all types data management systems and ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and security of program monitoring data. The associate will work closely with the Monitoring and Reporting-Manager and Research Evaluation and Learning-Manager and field teams to maintain data pipelines, build monitoring tools, and support real-time reporting for program decision-making. This role is key to maintaining high data quality standards and ensuring that digital MERL systems operate effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Data Management and Monitoring Systems

• Maintain and update databases (Digital MERL Dashboard and others) for ongoing program monitoring, evaluation, research, reporting and learning activities.
• Support the design and implementation of digital data collection, analysis and reporting systems using tools such as KoboToolbox or ODK.
• Ensure data cleaning, validation, and consistency before integration into reporting systems as well as in the digital MERL
• Create automated data flows and dashboards in collaboration with the Monitoring and Reporting Manager and program team.
• Conduct monitoring visits to the field
• Manage monitoring activities of Monitoring officers at the field

Reporting and Analysis Support

• Support in generating standardized reports, donor reports (quarterly strategic reports) other reports for external stakeholders,
• Support in designing and preparing monitoring reports (strategic) – on-demand, weekly, monthly for internal management and donor informing.
• Provide regular and ad hoc data analysis support to program, research, evaluation and learning teams.
• Support visualization of data using tools such as Power BI or Tableau.

Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Work with field MERL officers to troubleshoot data collection tools and ensure smooth data flows.
• Support in conducting basic training for project and field staff on data entry, management, and system use.
• Lead integration of field monitoring data into central MERL systems.
• Support research, learning and knowledge management activities with validated data

System Maintenance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure secure storage and proper backup of data on shared servers or cloud platforms.
• Develop and apply quality control procedures for all data processes.
• Document database structure, data dictionaries, and SOPs for internal reference.

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Information Systems, or Social science (with proven M&E and Data analysis skills).
• At least 5 years of experience in a M&E and data management role, preferably in development or financial inclusion programs.
• Proficiency in using relevant AI tools
• Experience of working with cloud-based data storage and dashboarding tools.
• Understanding of development program indicators and donor reporting standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in managing databases, digital data collection platforms, and analysis tools and using relevant AI tools
• Knowledge of SQL, Excel, and one or more data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Familiarity with MERL systems and reporting frameworks.
• Attention to detail, project management and strong organizational skills.
• Collaborative, agile, and user-centered approach
• Ability to coordinate across teams and meet data quality requirements under tight deadlines.
• Strong documentation skills and ability to write technical SOPs.
• Willingness to travel to the field locations at least 25% in a month.