Research and Data Analyst

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.
The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Program Overview:
The USAID/Zambia Mission is anticipating funding a US$8 million Large Scale Food Fortification Activity (LSFFA) in Zambia. The anticipated five-year Activity is an Associate Award under the global USAID Advancing Food Fortification Opportunities to Reinforce Diets (USAID AFFORD) Leader with Associates program. LSFFA is expected to increase the coverage of fortified foods to cost-effectively improve the quality of diets and contribute to safely reducing micronutrient inadequacies among populations in Zambia. Interventions will be prioritized in the Feed the Future (FtF) Zone of Influence (ZOI), with the goal of ensuring LSFF is provided at a national level.
USAID/Zambia’s strategic objective for LSFFA is to reduce micronutrient deficiencies safely and sustainably, particularly for women and children, through the large-scale food fortification of staple foods and condiments. The objective will be achieved by:
● Strengthening the enabling environment and regulatory monitoring and enforcement of LSFFA.
● Expanding and sustaining the private sector’s compliance with national fortification standards.
● Improving national commitment, leadership and resources garnered and mobilized to support universal LSFFA.
 
Job Summary:
TechnoServe is seeking a Research and Data Analyst for the anticipated five year LSSFA Activity. As a Research and Data Analyst, you will support the establishment and strengthening of data systems for food fortification in Zambia, oversee or lead implementation research activities, support data analysis, and advise project team members on visualizing and using data. In addition, this position will support monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities for the LSFFA project.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

1. Research and learning
   ● Plan and implement project research, including implementation research and research to respond to the project learning agenda/learning questions.
   ● Support the project collaborating, learning and adapting plans, including pause and reflect sessions to support project learning and adaptation.
2. Data systems
   ● Lead and/or support project LSFF assessments of the data ecosystem
   ● Provide support to strengthen national and/or regional large-scale food fortification data systems.
   ● Establish surveillance systems to monitor food fortification
3. Data analysis and use
   ● Work closely with the Engagement Manager to ensure that research and learning is translated into actionable policy and program recommendations, and disseminated to stakeholders
   ● Support the project in data collection, analysis, synthesis and creative visualization for effective use, such as developing a national data dashboard
   ● Support the project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager in developing monitoring and data collection tools, dashboards, and other data products.
   ● Conduct ongoing data management for the project including data verification and other quality assurances.
   ● Ensure effective data utilization across the project, in collaboration with the MEL Manager
4. Training and capacity strengthening
   ● Train, supervise, and coordinate research consultants and data collection staff as needed
   ● Strengthen the capacity of government staff and other stakeholders in a range of aspects related to the data system for fortification, including data collection, analysis, and use of data and sustainable management of LSFF data systems.

Basic Qualifications:
● Bachelor's Degree in data analytics, data science, computer science, statistics, nutrition, public health, or relevant field of study and 5+ years of relevant experience OR Master's Degree and 3+ years’ relevant experience.
● Demonstrated ability to lead the design and guide the implementation and use of monitoring systems, databases, and data collection, analysis, and visualization tools.
● Knowledge of and experience with USAID, specifically Feed the Future, donor reporting requirements preferred
● Experience developing research protocols and conducting implementation research studies, literature reviews, and needs assessments.
● Experience providing training, including in the design, facilitation and delivery of participatory training and training-of-trainer workshops for adult learners.
● Experience in quantitative data analysis and statistical analyses using, e.g., R, Stata, or SAS.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● Detail-oriented, analytical thinker with the ability to identify and proactively solve problems.
● Strong management, planning, and organization skills.
● Strong written and oral communication skills.
● Ability to produce clear and concise reports.
● Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a range of internal and external colleagues including senior and junior staff, partners, and donors across diverse cultures.

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.
We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.
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