Data Management Associate Intern

Missions principales

VVOB – education for development We are an international non-profit organization with more than four decades of expertise in enhancing the quality of education systems across Africa, Asia, and South America through strategic collaboration with ministries of education and their affiliated institutions. The position requires a Data Management Intern to be based in our Lusaka office. In this role, the Data Management Intern will assist in the design, implementation, oversight, and upkeep of data systems critical to program monitoring, reporting, research initiatives, and informed decision-making. Key Responsibilities: Data Systems and Database Management involves overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases and data systems to ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and security. This role requires expertise in database technologies, such as SQL, NoSQL, and cloud-based solutions, along with proficiency in data modeling, performance tuning, and backup/recovery procedures. Responsibilities include managing database infrastructure, optimizing query performance, ensuring data integrity, and implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive information. Additionally, the position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to support data-driven decision-making and aligning database solutions with organizational goals. Develop, implement, and oversee relational databases to facilitate efficient data management and reporting for program requirements. Design and maintain comprehensive data architectures, including schemas, tables, and relational models, alongside optimized queries and detailed documentation to ensure seamless data storage, retrieval, and analytical capabilities. Provide assistance with database administration tasks, such as performing data backups, ensuring data security, managing user access controls, and conducting routine database maintenance. Maintain databases in an organized, accurate, and up-to-date state, ensuring they consistently reflect program indicators and satisfy all reporting obligations. Employ SQL to gather, process, validate, and aggregate data sourced from diverse origins. Digital Data Collection Tools Design, develop, and oversee electronic data collection solutions leveraging platforms like KoboToolbox, Survey CTO, OK, or comparable tools, ensuring efficient and accurate data management. Design and implement forms incorporating skip logic, validation rules, calculations, constraints, repeat groups, and quality assurance measures. The position involves assisting with the testing, deployment, troubleshooting, and updating of digital data collection tools. Provide training and ongoing assistance to field teams, enumerators, and program staff to ensure proficient utilization of digital data collection applications. Real-time assessment of incoming fieldwork data is required, with immediate reporting of any quality concerns to ensure data integrity throughout the collection process. Data Validation and Quality Control This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of datasets through meticulous cleansing, validation, and verification processes. The position involves identifying and correcting errors, removing duplicates, standardizing formats, and validating data integrity to meet organizational standards. Additionally, the role requires adherence to established quality assurance protocols, documentation of findings, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance data reliability and usability. Perform regular data cleaning, validation, deduplication, consistency verification, and reconciliation procedures across datasets. Create automated data quality validation procedures with Excel, Power Query, SQL, and other suitable applications. Analyze datasets to pinpoint missing information, inaccuracies, discrepancies, and anomalies, collaborating with program teams to address and rectify these issues. Leverage advanced Excel functionalities, including sophisticated functions, formulas, pivot tables, Power Query, macros, and other programming capabilities to facilitate the development of meticulously prepared datasets, which will be utilized for analysis, reporting, evaluation, and donor submissions. Responsibilities include updating and managing data dictionaries, codebooks, metadata, and documentation pertaining to data processing procedures. Dashboards and Data Visualization Provide assistance to the MEAL team in designing, sustaining, and refreshing interactive dashboards through Power BI and supplementary visualization platforms. Employ data transformation, modeling, and analysis using Power Query and DAX to generate dashboards and reports. Assist program teams in analyzing and leveraging dashboard outputs to facilitate informed decision-making. Data Governance and Documentation Develop and enforce data management standards, protocols, and quality assurance procedures to ensure consistency and reliability. Ensure adherence to organizational policies governing data protection, confidentiality, and ethical data handling standards. Responsible for ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation of databases, data collection tools, datasets, dashboards, and reporting templates. Facilitate the implementation of effective data management strategies throughout all program teams. Desired Qualifications and Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics/Statistics, Information Systems, or a related quantitative field is required, alongside strong computing proficiency. Fluent in English. Accomplished in the design, development, and management of relational databases. Demonstrates strong SQL skills, including the ability to query, extract, transform, and analyze data effectively. Requires proficiency in Power BI, encompassing data modeling, dashboard creation, visualization techniques, and report generation. Proficient in leveraging Power Query to perform comprehensive data cleaning, transformation, and automation tasks. Proficient in utilizing digital data collection platforms like KoboToolbox, Survey CTO, OK, or comparable systems, with expertise in designing forms incorporating skip logic, constraints, calculations, validation rules, and repeat groups. Proficient in compiling, integrating, sanitizing, examining, and systematically recording extensive datasets. Proficient in data quality assurance methodologies, data protection protocols, confidentiality measures, and ethical data utilization principles. Proficient in DAX for Power BI and Power Pivot data modeling is required. Proficiency in programming languages commonly utilized in statistical and data analysis software, such as Python, R, State, or SAS, is required. Proficient in utilizing cloud-based databases, data warehouses, or data platforms is required. Possesses a solid understanding of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) frameworks and methodologies. Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy in all tasks. Proficient in organizing tasks and maintaining meticulous documentation. Proven capability to collaborate effectively within a team environment. Demonstrated enthusiasm for continuous learning, commitment to assisting field teams, and capability to resolve data collection issues. Maintaining robust and efficient relational databases is essential. Sophisticated digital solutions for gathering data with precision and reliability are essential. We ensure datasets are meticulously cleaned, verified for accuracy, and thoroughly documented to maintain high standards of quality and usability. Develop and maintain dynamic Power BI dashboards and streamlined automated reporting solutions. Data quality assurance reports and issue logs are generated to document and track discrepancies, ensuring adherence to established standards and facilitating resolution of identified issues. Revised: Revamped data dictionaries, codebooks, and data management documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness. The Data Management Intern will collaborate with the MEAL and Research teams, as well as other relevant staff, to ensure smooth office operations. This role requires a collaborative, participative, and hands-on approach to effectively contribute to daily tasks and projects. The Data Management Intern will operate under the supervision of the MEAL and Research Manager or an authorized delegate, collaborating closely with the MEAL and Research team as well as other pertinent staff members. In doing so, the intern will function as an integral component of the MEAL and Research team. How to Apply Are you ready to embrace this opportunity? Apply for the position by 31 July 2026 through the application portal at https://jobs.vvob.org/en/data-management-intern. Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will receive a response. As this role is based nationally, it is exclusively available to candidates who are Zambian nationals.