ECDE Information Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. With a dedicated team of 350 members, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, ensuring effective service delivery across various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor. The organization is actively expanding its programs into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs, adapting to the evolving context of the region. The IRC plays a significant role in Syria's NGO, donor, and coordination forums, holding key positions and engaging in advocacy efforts to respond to the new realities of the humanitarian crisis. The IRC's longstanding experience in Syria provides a robust foundation for further adaptation and expansion of its programming, with a greater emphasis on resilience and recovery initiatives. Since 2012, the IRC has also been delivering comprehensive early childhood support services through various programs, ensuring access to essential services such as early learning, psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support, and child protection, in collaboration with partners to provide educational materials and training for facilitators and caregivers.

Job Overview:
The ECDE Information Management Officer will be an integral part of the IRC’s Syria Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) program. This role involves close collaboration with the ECDE Coordinator, ECDE Managers, and the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Team to facilitate the adoption of a new ECDE information system aimed at enhancing programming in Syria. The officer will also work alongside the regional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Lead and Regional Information Management (IM) Officer to strengthen data measurement and utilization for informed programmatic decision-making. The position requires a proactive approach to data management, ensuring that data collection processes are standardized and effective, thereby supporting the overall objectives of the ECDE program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• ECDE Information System Support: Ensure consistent and standardized data collection from IRC and partner-supported ECDE centers. Conduct routine data validation, cleaning, and consolidation of ECDE data. Support the rollout and maintenance of ECDE platforms, ensuring that tools are functional and understood by users. Assist in configuring digital data collection tools, primarily on CommCare, and troubleshoot basic technical issues in collaboration with MEAL and IM teams. Maintain proper data storage and backup procedures to ensure confidentiality and integrity. Ensure quality reporting of ECDE indicators with the country response and project IPTT.
• Data Analysis and Visualization: Produce visual dashboards and trend analysis reports using Excel and data visualization tools such as Power BI. Support the generation of regular internal ECDE reports and assist in donor reporting by providing required datasets. Identify gaps or inconsistencies in data and flag issues for correction or improvement. Ensure that the visualized and analyzed data meets IRC data quality standards.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare and submit timely and quality ECDE information reports, including 4Ws and ECDE regional indicator reporting. Support partners in timely and quality data submission and reporting as per IRC and cluster requirements. Assist the Syria MEAL team in compiling ECDE annual statistics and Program Indicator Dashboard (PID). Document and archive ECDE reports and datasets securely and systematically.
• Capacity Building and Field Support: Provide training and technical support to IRC ECDE staff and partners on data collection tools, indicators, data analysis, and CommCare data collection systems for ECDE procedures. Conduct field visits to monitor ECDE implementation, ensure adherence to protocols, and provide on-the-job coaching. Support the development of user-friendly ECDE M&E/IM guidance and training materials.
• Coordination and Communication: Coordinate closely with MEAL, ECDE, and IM teams to ensure proper flow of ECDE data and technical support. Participate in monthly coordination meetings with ECDE partners to review data quality, challenges, and achievements. Share relevant data products with the ECDE Coordinator and other relevant departments to support planning and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology, engineering, or equivalent experience in Information Management or MEAL. A minimum of 3 years of experience in NGOs or INGOs is required, with at least 2 years of experience in developing and managing ECDE information systems or relevant fields preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in Information Management or MEAL within a humanitarian context, and at least 1 year of experience in training on data management tools or MEAL in a humanitarian context is preferred. Previous experience in the Syria region is advantageous but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in information technology, engineering, or a related field that provides a solid foundation in information management principles and practices. Candidates with equivalent experience in Information Management or Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) will also be considered.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in NGOs or INGOs, with a strong preference for those who have at least 2 years of experience specifically in developing and managing ECDE information systems or similar fields. Experience in Information Management or MEAL in a humanitarian context is essential, with at least 1 year of experience in training on data management tools or MEAL practices being preferred. Familiarity with the Syria region is a plus but not a strict requirement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for collaboration and reporting. Proficiency in Kurdish and Arabic is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve field visits to various ECDE centers to monitor implementation and provide support. The role does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but requires close collaboration with various teams and partners. The IRC is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with IRC policies and local standards, reflecting the organization's commitment to supporting its employees.