Data Platforms Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that provides aid and support to those affected by conflict and disaster. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to helping people survive and rebuild their lives, focusing on health, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment. The IRC is committed to high-impact results and continuous improvement, ensuring that their programs are effective and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

Job Overview:
The Data Platforms Manager will play a crucial role in the IT-Data team, focusing on the administration, governance, and optimization of enterprise data platforms utilized across the IRC. This includes platforms such as Databricks, Unity Catalog, and Power BI. The manager will ensure that these data platforms are secure, well-governed, and aligned with the standards and processes set by the Data Team. The role requires a proactive approach to managing data governance, ensuring compliance with internal policies, and facilitating effective communication and collaboration among various stakeholders within the organization. The Data Platforms Manager will also be responsible for training data owners and stewards on new guidelines and processes, thereby enhancing the overall data management capabilities of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Platforms Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: administering and managing configurations across various data platforms, implementing and maintaining role-based access controls (RBAC), managing platform auditing and compliance, supporting enterprise data cataloging processes, and handling support tickets related to licensing and access issues. The manager will also document and maintain privileged roles across data platforms, align configurations with internal compliance requirements, develop monitoring tools for usage and audit logs, and collaborate closely with Data Team leads, Data Engineering teams, and Business Analysts to ensure effective platform governance. Additionally, the manager will support data owners in implementing proper data control and classification processes, maintain clear documentation and workflows, evaluate enhancements to data platforms, and monitor the performance of platforms like Power BI.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Management, or a related field. They should have at least 2 years of experience administering data platforms such as Power BI and Databricks/Unity Catalog, along with 5 years of experience in key data functions like Data Engineering and Data Analytics. A strong understanding of data classification, protection, tagging, and cataloging is essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, and experience in the non-profit and international humanitarian aid sectors is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Management, or a closely related field. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex data systems and technologies, which is critical for the effective management of data platforms.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of experience specifically in administering data platforms such as Power BI and Databricks/Unity Catalog. Additionally, they should have at least 5 years of experience in key data functions, which may include roles in Data Engineering or Data Analytics. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the intricacies of data management and governance within the organization.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the IRC and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and may require the Data Platforms Manager to collaborate with team members located in the United States. It is important for the manager to maintain a minimum of 3 hours of overlapping work time with the New York time zone to facilitate effective communication and collaboration. The working environment is described as a standard office setting, and the role may involve travel as required. The IRC emphasizes adherence to its values and principles, which include integrity, service, and accountability, and enforces policies related to beneficiary protection, child safeguarding, and workplace conduct.