The Alliance for a Green
Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is a not - for - profit organization formed
in 2006 to work with African governments, farmers, donors, NGOs and
the private sector to reduce hunger and poverty in Africa through
agricultural development targeted at resource poor farmers.
AGRA has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and an office in Accra, Ghana.AGRA is seeking to recruit a highly competent and experienced individual to fill the following position.Data Management AssistantThis position will be based in Nairobi and will report to a Program Coordinator, Program for Africa’s Seed Systems (PASS).Job DescriptionScope: The
Program for Africa’s Seed Systems (PASS) is a five-year, $150 million
initiative aimed at increasing smallholder farmers’ crop yields through
the development and supply of seed of improved crop varieties.PASS is implemented via four sub-programs which fund:1) post-graduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) training in plant breeding and/or seed technology;2) breeding programs capable of generating higher-yielding, well-adapted crop varieties;3) the creation and strengthening of private, independent seed enterprises; and,4)
the training and networking of village-level agro-dealers who market
certified seed and fertilizers to smallholder farmers. PASS began
operations in March, 2007.PASS has been gathering detailed data
from over 220 grants on seed production, breeding activities,
demonstrations, field days, seed and fertilizer sold, and students
enrolled and graduated etc.A database has also been developed for this purpose, and is just becoming operational.PASS,
coming toward the end of its first phase of five years, is at a
critical stage where accurate data is required to show progress and
justify further funding. Data will also be used to establish gaps and
potential linkages as PASS moves to its second phase. The need for
collection of accurate, full and timely data cannot be overemphasized.Responsibilities:Data Management: The
incumbent will be responsible for collection, organization, cleaning,
entry and processing from grantees according to plans approved by the
program director, program coordinator, and AGRA’s M&E unit.This
will include ensuring grantees have the requisite data sheets,
preliminary grantee training on data recording, sending reminders on due
dates, confirming data accuracy with grantees and program officers,
recording data and dates of data received, generating monthly desktop,
quarterly and annual reports.The incumbent will likewise be
responsible for uploading data into the PASS database and maintaining
the overall functioning and updating of the database in consultation
with AGRA IT unit.Analysis and Data Presentation: The
incumbent will be responsible for generating individual reports,
tables, and figures from the collected data as required by PASS and AGRA
staff or other partners such as donors.In addition to
collection and management of data for the database, the incumbent will
be responsible for facts and figures which are currently maintained
separately by PASS program staff which are not compatible with the
database at the moment.These include but are not limited to:
post-graduate student information, training course participants, crop
release traits and release data, contacts of seed affiliates, master
tables and sub-tables for seed production, and tracking disbursement of
loans by seed company funds.This will be centrally maintained by
the incumbent and constantly updated, and late incorporated in the
larger MIS database being developed. Once developed, overall
responsibility for updating this new database will form part of the
responsibilities.The incumbent will work closely with AGRA IT
department, and other providers to ensure that the database is always
functional, and raise any arising issues immediately.Follow up on reports: One-third
of PASS grantees are required to submit reports quarterly, while the
rest report half-yearly. All grantee payments are dependent on receipt
and approval of the reports. The incumbent will work with the respective
program assistants and the PASS program coordinator to ensure timely
grantee reporting, approvals and disbursements.Travel grants:
PASS makes approximately 20 travel grants that need to be generated,
approved, paid out and accounted for. This will be handled by the
incumbent.GIFTS entries: The incumbent will be expected to update grant and grantee records as need arises.Meeting assistance: The incumbent will be required to assist in arranging program meetings as required.Backstop support to Program Officers and any other related duties.Qualifications: First degree from a recognized university in computer systems, or related field.Experience: 2 years’ working with databases including direct data entry, sorting, cleaning and generation of reports.Special Attributes: Thorough, accurate, attention to detail, ability to work under minimal supervision, ability to work under tight deadlines.Reporting: This
position reports to the Program Coordinator PASS, and has secondary
reporting to the M&E Program Officer assigned to the PASS program.Applicants
should submit their applications with a detailed CV, stating their
current position, remuneration, e-mail and telephone contacts, quoting
reference number DMA/09-11 on both the application letter and envelope.To be considered your application must be received by 7 October, 2011 addressed to:The DirectorExecutive Selection DivisionDeloitte Consulting LimitedDeloitte Place, Waiyaki Way Muthangari, WestlandsP O Box 40092 00100, Nairobi, Kenyaor by email: agra@deloitte.co.keTel: +254 20 423 0000Fax: +254 20 444 8966