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Job Title:  Data Systems and Health Informatics Officer  

Organisation: Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH)

Project Name: Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Survey (UPHIA)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About the Company:

The Ministry of Health (MoH), Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S CDC) will be implementing the 2024 Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2024) survey. The survey will assess the prevalence of key Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related health indicators such as incidence, prevalence, viral load suppression, and risk behaviors in a nationally representative sample, and describe uptake of key HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. The survey will also assess the prevalence of raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity, and describe facilitators of and barriers to viral load suppression among people living with HIV on ART in two selected regions.

To support this activity, MakSPH seeks to hire highly qualified personnel for the following temporary positions for a period of 12 months, renewable:

Job Title:       Data Systems and Health Informatics Officer

Reports To:    Lead Statistician

Location:        Kampala, Uganda

Job Summary:   The Data Systems and Health Informatics officer will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2024-2025). The incumbent will oversee all aspects of data management, systems development, and IT infrastructure support. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience and skills in the areas they manage, with an extensive understanding of specific technologies and systems such as SQL scripting, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, and the UPHIA study data system, which includes applications for real-time data monitoring, household monitoring, field team management, laboratory sample tracking, quality and proficiency testing, real-time dashboarding, and linkage-to-care tracking.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Data Systems

• Manage the data systems team responsible for developing and maintaining the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) software using CSPro and other components of the study data system.
• Ensure the proper design, implementation, and maintenance of databases and data management systems, including systems for real-time data monitoring, household monitoring, field team management, and more.
• Monitor the data systems to ensure they meet the needs of the UPHIA study, implementing updates and improvements as necessary.

IT Infrastructure Support

• Lead the configuration of servers and always ensure their functionality.
• Oversee IT support functions, ensuring the optimal operation and security of servers, both on-premises and cloud, mobile devices, and other IT tools.
• Establish and maintain processes for effective IT crisis management, including development and implementation of Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plans.
• Develop and implement strategies for managing the hundreds of mobile devices used by the field teams, utilizing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions.
• Conduct regular Information Security training sessions for the IT and Infrastructure Support team to ensure adherence to best security practices and protocols.

Data Management

• Implement and oversee rigorous data quality assurance and quality control processes.
• Develop and manage data protocols to ensure the privacy and security of research participants.
• Oversee mapping and listing processes, ensuring effective geographic data management and the production of key control data files, such as Enumeration Area (EA) and household selections and locations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent updates to stakeholders regarding all aspects of data and IT operations.
• Manage cross-functional teams and foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Conduct training sessions for data management and data systems personnel, providing support and knowledge enhancement opportunities.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor, Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data engineering, data management, or a related field, preferably in public health or social science research.
• Proven experience in managing large and complex databases, with expertise in using data management software such as SAS, Stata, R, Python, SQL, and CSPro.

Requirements:

• Understand key survey metrics, such as response rates, and utilize this information to drive study procedures and goals.
• Extensive experience with mapping and listing procedures, including geographic data management and the production of key control data files.
• Experience with a suite of tools and applications for managing and monitoring field data collection activities, including systems for real-time data monitoring, household monitoring, field team management, laboratory sample tracking, quality and proficiency testing, real-time dashboarding, and linkage-to-care tracking.
• Experience in managing IT support services and a deep understanding of IT infrastructure, including on-premises and cloud computing, servers, network systems, and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management and communication.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with the ability to transform data into actionable insights.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to supervise and guide team members effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages would be an asset.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Knowledge of and experience with HIV/AIDS-related studies.

How to Apply:

Interested persons should submit their signed application letter, updated curriculum vitae and academic documents stating at least two referees as ONE PDF DOCUMENT to recruitment@musph.ac.ug The application should be addressed to the Dean, School of Public Health, Makerere University and the position applied for should be the email reference. Please provide a reliable 24-hour phone contact.

Deadline: 23d August 2024 by 5:00pm

NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

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