MIS Specialist

MIS Specialist

No. of Vacancy: 1
Location: Kathmandu
Department: MER Department

Background

Guided by the remarkable legacy of its co-founder, Helen Keller, Helen Keller Intl partners with communities striving to overcome long-standing cycles of poverty. By delivering the essential building blocks of good health, sound nutrition, and clear vision, we help millions of people create lasting change in their own lives. Working in 20 countries – across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States – and together with a global community of supporters, we are ensuring every person has the opportunity – as Helen did – to reach their true potential.

USAID Integrated Nutrition’s primary goal is to improve the nutrition status of women, adolescents, and children in Nepal’s underserved and marginalized communities. The activity will tackle direct and underlying determinants of malnutrition in Nepal while strengthening the national and local enabling environment to implement multisectoral nutrition programs through four synergistic intermediate results. Achievement of the purpose will be measured by improvements in indicators of nutrition status among women of reproductive age, adolescents, and children. Helen Keller Intl implements USAID Integrated Nutrition in partnership with FHI 360, Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), Nepali Technical Assistance Group (NTAG) and Kaboom Social Impact Pvt. Ltd. and through local partners in over 400 municipalities, across seven provinces, where the burden and prevalence of malnutrition is high.

Position Overview

The Senior MIS Specialist works closely with the Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead to design and implement a management information system (MIS) that facilitates decision-making by providing timely and usable information and data to USAID Integrated Nutrition senior management team, thematic managers, consortium partners and PNGOs. The Senior MIS Specialist will serve as the focal point for developing and maintaining the MIS for Integrated Nutrition.

Functional Relationships

Under the direct supervision of the MEL Lead, the Senior MIS Specialist is responsible for implementing the management information system (MIS) and developing tracking systems for monitoring activities across sectors and geographic areas. This role demands high-quality skills in data management and information systems, as well as strong abilities in coordination, networking, representation, and communication.

Direct Line Supervision: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead

Collaboration with:

• Internal: All Staffs, IR Leads, Deputy Chief of Party (Programs), Chief of Party
• External: USAID, Governmental and non-governmental agencies at the province, district, and local levels, program partners, and stakeholders

Description

Specific Responsibilities

• Collaborate with thematic leads, MEL team, and partners to analyze and define data requirements.
• Develop and regularly update a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) protocol that integrates data flows, decision-maker needs, and reporting specifications.
• Coordinate for developing and refining mobile data collection software, dashboard, and project database systems, ensuring they are tailored to sector-specific data needs.
• Provide training and ongoing support to field staff, MEL representatives, thematic leads and managers, and partners on the use of mobile and web-based technologies, such as DHIS-2 and ODK, ensuring that users are proficient in data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Oversee the implementation of mobile data collection tools and the maintenance of the project’s DHIS system and related applications, ensuring smooth data flows from frontline workers to the central system, with a focus on data accuracy and timeliness.
• Collaborate with partners and the MEL team to establish processes for data analysis and visualization, including the creation of custom reports and dashboards within DHIS-2, enabling real-time insights into program performance.
• Regularly download relevant data from the government’s HMIS and customize it on the DHIS-2 dashboard to fulfill the program’s reporting and decision-making requirements.
• Generate reports regularly using the MIS system and assist the MEL Lead in ensuring timely and accurate reporting of the project achievements.
• Collaborate with IT unit to establish and maintain data security protocols for the MIS, ensuring timely data backups.
• Regularly review and analyze monitoring data to identify trends and opportunities for program refinement, working closely with MEL team, thematic leads and field teams to translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Manage project takeover of the MIS system from consultants, ensuring proper functioning of project management applications and resolving any operational issues by collaborating with relevant units.
• Coordinate with local IT units, senior management team, regional, and headquarters teams to manage infrastructure and ensure timely information delivery at all levels.
• Represent Helen Keller Intl and its values at national and sub-national levels, collaborating with other development organizations to reduce duplication and promote shared learning.

Required Qualifications/Competencies

• Education: A minimum Bachelor’s degree in information technology (BIM, BSCIT, BCA, BEIT etc.).
• Experience: Five years of demonstrated experience working with databases (Microsoft SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL), Application Programming Interface (API) and Management Information Systems (MIS).
• Proficient in computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, Access, SPSS, PowerPoint, GIS, and Power BI.
• Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English and Nepali languages.
• Effective communication skills with diverse groups, including exceptional listening abilities, balanced problem-solving approaches, and the capability to foster trust and confidence.
• Strong skills in time management, personal organization, team building, and coordination.
• Commitment to upholding high professional ethical standards.

Source: Kantipur Dainik, 26 October, 2024