Lead: Data Management and Analysis

JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title : Lead – Data Management and Analysis

Activity : USAID Health Learning

Reporting to : Chief of Party

Coordination : USAID Health Learning Senior Management Team

Job status : Annual Contract Working hours : 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Activity length : 5 Years

Duty Station : USAID Health Learning / HERD International central office, Bhaisepati, Lalitpur with frequent field visit.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

HERD International will provide Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) support to the United States Agency for International Development Nepal (USAID/Nepal) through the USAID Health Learning. This five-year activity aims to adopt uniform and systematic monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) activities to advance broader organizational learning and development efforts. The project focuses on three main objectives: first, Strengthen USAID/Nepal’s Health Office (HO) and its implementing partners (IPs) program management and decision-making processes by providing high-quality, disaggregated data collected from surveys, research, and assessment; second, Improve USAID/Nepal’s HO, its IPs, and federal, provincial, and local governments' learning and knowledge management functions by increasing the availability of timely, high quality evidence. And third; Strengthen the MERL capacity of USAID/Nepal HO’s local partners and federal, provincial, and local governments in MERL. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Lead – Data Management and Analysis will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of data management and analysis for the USAID Health Learning activities. This includes leading the data 2 team, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data, conducting advanced data analyses, further and deep dive analysis of national survey data, providing technical writing support, and offering capacitybuilding through data analysis training. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that data insights drive project decision-making and contribute to strategic objectives. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The anticipated roles and responsibilities of Lead–Data Management and Analysis include but are not limited to the following:

Data Management & Analysis

• Lead the entire data management process, including data compilation, validation, cleaning, processing, and storage in compliance with USAID Health Learning requirements.
• Perform advanced and deep-dive analysis of health-related datasets to generate actionable insights for activity, USAID, its IPs, and other partners.
• Develop and lead the implementation both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods to interpret complex datasets, contributing to informed decision-making.
• Lead the Collaborative Learning and Adaptation (CLA) approach by integrating insights from data analysis into the project’s overall learning agenda.
• Identify emerging trends from the data and provide actionable recommendations to enhance USAID’s programming and decision-making capabilities.
• Work closely with USAID, its IPs, and relevant government bodies to ensure data collection and reporting activities support evidence-based policy-making and program improvement.
• Maintain and ensure quality data entry of implementing partners and thematic teams in MEL System, (extracting reported figures from flux and thematic reports).
• Lead design and programming of Kobo based MEL tools; monitoring checklist, data collection, recording and reporting forms and formats for partners, as guided by MERL Lead.
• Liaise with MERL Lead in USAID/Nepal data reporting process (DIS and performance narrative reports), including data collection from beneficiaries, partners, stakeholders, etc. for indicator reporting and learning documentation.
• Conducts periodic site visits and attends program and grantee events and activities to collect data for monitoring and evaluation purposes, including follow-up monitoring on previously agreed action points for quality improvement.
• Lead routine data management and documentation process.

Documentation & Reporting 

• Prepare Documents and Produce high-quality reports, including regular project status updates, research publications, and technical briefs for USAID.
• Collaborate on the preparation of scientific papers and articles for policy/technical briefs, peerreviewed journals to disseminate research findings and project results.
• Oversee the submission of accurate and timely reports, ensuring compliance with USAID reporting guidelines.

Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Support in the capacity building training and refreshers for activity staff and partners in the topics related to MERL and data management and analysis.
• Design and deliver training programs to build MERL capacity within USAID Health Learning, USAID Health IP’s its local partners, and government staffs at all levels (federal, provincial, local) with a focus on data management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Mentor and coach data analysts and research staff to enhance their technical skills in data analysis and management.

Strategic Planning & Project Implementation

• Contribute to the strategic planning and implementation of the USAID Health Learning, ensuring that MERL activities align with USAID’s broader objectives and local health system needs.
• Coordinate with USAID Health Learning Senior Management team and support to the research and knowledge management & capacity development team for implementation.
• Manage the data budget effectively and efficiently, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to support project activities.
• Work closely with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, and other key team members to ensure seamless coordination and communication between research, M&E, and program functions.
• Lead the development and execution of data-driven strategies to enhance learning, knowledge management, and decision-making processes.
• Implement robust quality assurance measures to ensure that data collection, analysis, and reporting meet the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and timeliness.
• Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and USAID’s data privacy and protection standards across all project activities.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Participate in organizational planning activities, including policy formulation, strategy development, and process improvement.
• Contribute to long-term organizational capacity building by sharing knowledge and insights derived from data with other teams and projects
• Implement organizational policies and guidelines, ensuring adherence to best practices and compliance standards.
• Liaise with external partners, stakeholders, and government agencies to ensure alignment with national health priorities and international best practices.

The above list of responsibilities is not comprehensive, and the Lead – Data Management and Analysis may be required to take on additional responsibilities, as determined by the Line Manager or other team members, to meet USAID Health Learning needs and requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree in statistics or demography or public health or economics or data science from a recognized institution/university.
• Over five years of relevant experience in big data management and expertise in research and survey design, planning, implementation, and quality assurance.
• Demonstrated experience in designing rigorous quantitative and qualitative data collection systems and methods for data analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of statistical applications, analysis, report writing; and evidence-based planning and decision making.
• Proficient skills on data management and analysis software (i.e. ODK collect, STATA, R)
• Sound understanding of Nepal’s health systems and federalism
• Experience of partner coordination and collaboration.
• Excellent team management skills in diverse working environment.
• Recognition and integration of gender and cultural considerations in project activities.
• Excellent spoken and written proficiency in both English and Nepali languages.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; thus, early submissions are strongly encouraged. If we believe that you and HERD International are a good fit, we will contact you to advance the application process. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond individually.

You can get a detailed overview of the job description by visiting our website Here