Data Quality and Monitoring Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS promotes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its talent acquisition procedures reflect this commitment. CRS prioritizes hiring candidates from the countries and regions in which it operates, ensuring that its workforce is representative of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Data Quality and Monitoring Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and quality of data collected for various projects. This position involves reviewing mobile user reports to assess performance and ensuring that data entry meets the established requirements set by the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) teams. The specialist will support the establishment and integration of databases that document project activities aimed at achieving program objectives. This includes collaborating with key MEAL personnel to design reports and visualizations that facilitate secure monitoring of project indicators. The role also encompasses maintaining the digital data collection platform, CommCare, and ensuring that backups of information are conducted according to agency standards. The specialist will contribute to the design of data collection tools and provide technical assistance to partners, ensuring adherence to MEAL quality standards. Field visits will be conducted to verify data consistency and quality, and the specialist will prepare statistical reports to aid in decision-making processes. Overall, this position is integral to promoting evidence-based decision-making and enhancing the learning agenda with project partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review the quality of data and mobile user reports to verify performance.
• Ensure data entry complies with requirements as per MEAL team designs.
• Assist in establishing, configuring, and integrating databases for documenting project activities.
• Collaborate with MEAL staff to design secure reports and visualizations for monitoring actions and indicators.
• Maintain the CommCare digital data collection platform and connected databases.
• Ensure backups of information and verification media with project partners.
• Contribute to the design and development of field data collection tools using mobile devices.
• Provide technical assistance to partners and specialists according to user manuals and MEAL quality standards.
• Conduct field visits to ensure data quality and verify consistency. 1
• Prepare statistical and analytical reports based on information system data. 1
• Promote methodologies that enable managers to analyze information for decision-making. 1
• Support the development of reflection spaces for progress and evidence-based decision-making. 1
• Assist in creating user manuals for applications for CRS and partner institutions. 1
• Document success stories and lessons learned for decision-making inputs. 1
• Ensure effective development of the learning agenda with project partners. 1
• Contribute to the implementation of accountability mechanisms and technical guides for data collection.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, systems engineering, programming, or related fields.
• Desired certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert or equivalent, Microsoft SharePoint for Foundations or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in providing data visualization and advisory support, preferably with Microsoft Power BI.
• Experience in designing, validating, and building digital data collection forms on platforms like CommCare.
• Proven experience in database design programming and advanced use of data collection platforms.
• Knowledge of relevant technology and data management tools.
• Basic programming knowledge applicable to iOS and Android operating systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI, Visual Basic, SQL, Access; desirable knowledge in SPSS, SQL Server, Java.
• Experience in using applications for creating data flow diagrams, such as Microsoft Visio. 1
• Valid driver's license for a four-wheel vehicle.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree is required, with a specialization in fields such as monitoring and evaluation, statistics, systems engineering, programming, or related disciplines. Additional certifications in relevant software and data management tools are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in data management, monitoring, and evaluation, particularly in providing advisory support and data visualization. Experience with digital data collection platforms and database design is essential, along with a proven track record of implementing technology solutions in data management.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, given the location and nature of the work. Proficiency in English is a plus, as it may facilitate communication with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve field visits to ensure data quality. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.