Data Officer (1 Position)

Institute Overview

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading research organization in Africa with a strong track record in developing, testing, and validating innovations for health. Driven by a core strategic mandate for research, training, and services, the Institute's work now spans a wide spectrum, covering biomedical and ecological sciences, intervention studies, health-systems research, service delivery, and policy translation.

Position Summary

Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a qualified Data Officer who will be stationed at Bagamoyo to support the Vector Control and Product Testing Unit (VCPTU), ensuring the management of high-quality data across laboratory and field-based studies. The role involves overseeing data collection, entry, cleaning, analysis, storage, and security to support research integrity and operational efficiency. The officer will be expected to implement and maintain systems that adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, ensuring data traceability, reliability, and regulatory compliance. This position also contributes to evidence-based decision-making by supporting robust data systems, real-time monitoring, and statistical reporting across projects related to malaria vector control, insecticide resistance monitoring, and product evaluation trials. This is an internal advert; internal applicants are encouraged to apply for this role.

Responsibilities

Data Management & Quality Assurance

• Develop and maintain data management systems and databases (e.g., REDCap, ODK, SQL).
• Oversee data entry, validation, cleaning, and deduplication processes.
• Conduct regular data quality audits and implement improvement measures.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and confidentiality.

Data Collection & Tools Support

• Develop digital data collection tools (e.g., using ODK, KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO).
• Train and supervise field teams on proper data collection procedures and tool usage.
• Monitor incoming data in real-time and provide feedback to data collectors.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Perform descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using Stata, R, SPSS, or Python.
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• Generate dashboards, summaries, and analytical reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to donor reports, publications, and presentations through data support.

System & Documentation

• Maintain documentation of data workflows, metadata, codebooks, and analysis scripts.
• Support system backups, server/database maintenance, and version control.

Capacity Building & Support

• Provide ongoing support and training to project staff on data management procedures.
• Liaise with IT and M&E teams to ensure data-related needs are met.

Desired Skills

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL.
• Proficiency in data analysis packages, e.g., Python, STATA, R, MATLAB.
• Proficiency in statistical software (R is a plus).
• Familiarity with cloud-based platforms (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS).
• Strong data management and data analysis skills.
• Understanding of data protection regulations and ethical data handling practices.
• Ability to work independently, within interdisciplinary teams, and as part of a team on large research projects.
• Must have the ambition to join the MSc and PhD programs in a related field.

Qualification Required

Essential Qualifications

• Holder of a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Health Informatics, or related field.

Experience

Desired Experience

• At least 2–3 years of experience in data management or M&E, preferably in the health, research, or development sectors.
• Experience in developing mobile applications.
• Experience in publishing in international peer-reviewed journals is a plus.
• Experience in developing web-based database applications.

Preferred Language Skill

Preferred Language

• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English, with good presentation skills.

Job Opening Date: 18-Jun-2026

Job Closing Date: 21-Jun-2026