Field Operations Coordinator at eHealth Systems Africa

Summary

• The Field Operations Coordinator leads planning, organizing, coordinating and execution of data collection activities throughout the lifecycle of the project. 
• S/he is also responsible for providing technical expertise and supervision of day-to-day activities of data collection staff hired for the project.
• S/he provides budgetary and operational recommendations to the State Coordinator and Project Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, the Coordinator, Field Operations will perform the following responsibilities which may include but are not limited to:

• Leads the detailed planning and execution of data collection activities in designated states.
• Provides technical expertise to support the Project Manager and State Coordinator in the development of operational plans to support field activities
• Coordinates all data collection staff and data collection activities carried out across Local Government Areas (LGAs) and wards in designated states
• Supports in the configuration of mobile data collection tools (ODK) and mobile base maps on mobile phones and tablets. Troubleshoots mobile phones, tablets and other data collection devices during field activities
• Supports the State Coordinator in gathering baseline data through liaison with government staff and stakeholders at LGA and ward levels
• Works closely with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts to ensure data quality standards are met for all data collection activities, and to provide input into development of field planning maps and guides
• Works closely with government, stakeholders and partners across states to support the hiring and training of data collectors.
• Reports any issues/risks to the Project Manager and State Coordinator on a daily basis
• Conducts tests, interviews and provides training to data collectors across states.
• Coordinates Training of Trainers (ToT) activities across states throughout field activities
• Coordinates sensitization meetings at all local levels (LGA, ward and settlement)
• Ensures periodic of synchronization of field data
• Ensures compliance with laws and regulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Geography, Cartography, Business Administration or related field. A Master’s degree in management, business administration, project management would be an added advantage
• 2 years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in conducting surveys operation and management, including at least two years experience in a system/program supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems
• Experience in training and deploying data collection teams
• Ability to plan, organize and manage the programs and activities of a field team in operation  and implementation data collection and field surveys
• Ability to translate technical concepts and terminology in terms understandable state government officials and agency heads
• Ability to make decisions based on factual data and to evaluate progress or success of computerized projects and systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with user agencies, administrative officials and employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written communication skills, including technical writing skills.
• Certifications and Licenses
• GISP certification or RICS Chartered Geomatics certification desirable

Personal Characteristics:

• Adaptability: Demonstrates a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
• Behaves Ethically: Understands ethical behavior and business practices, and ensures that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
• Builds Relationships: Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicates Effectively: Speaks, listens and writes in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develops new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities
• Focuses on Partner/Client Needs: Anticipates, understands, and responds to the needs of internal and external clients and partners to meet or exceed their expectations within the organisational parameters
• Fosters Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organisational effectiveness.
• Leads: Positively influences others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization
• Makes Decisions: Assesses situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and makes clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organizes: Sets priorities, develops a work schedule, monitors progress towards goals, and tracks details, data, information and activities
• Plans: Determines strategies to move the organization forward, sets goals, creates and implements actions plans, and evaluates the process and results.
• Solves Problems: Assesses problem situations to identify causes, gathers and processes relevant information, generates possible solutions, and makes recommendations and/or resolves the problem
• Thinks Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organisation

Computer Skills:

• Working knowledge of project management tools, e.g. Atlassian Jira, Redbooth, etc. will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of  open Source GIS (QGIS, PostGIS and Geoserver), data transformation tools (FME Desktop, Kettle and python) and Commercial GIS (ArcInfo, ArcView, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox), ArcSDE, ArcGIS Server will be an added advantage.
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suite

Language Ability:

• English is the spoken and written language
• Ability to read, analyse, proof and edit documents, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or government regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from executive and senior managers, employees, the general public and clients/partners

Math Ability:

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can become louder at times due to group discussions or activities. eHealth Africa is a tobacco-free environment.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee is frequently required to sit and use a computer and/or reach with hands and arms.

Above All:
We believe strongly in our mission and our core values and our teams are most successful when they do also.

• Impact & Quality: We work on solving big problems. We believe in the power of technology to make a transformational difference in health systems, and we know that when we do high-quality work, we have the opportunity to change lives in the communities we impact.
• Innovative Problem Solving: We maintain a worldview driven by possibilities, not limitations. We build smart systems that will sustain beyond our tenures. We challenge prevailing assumptions, respect the urgency of the environments we operate in, and take smart risks to search for the best solution.
• Passion: We care intensely about what we do, and about whom we do it with. We inspire others with our tenacity and commitment to our communities and each other.
• Honesty: We are honest with our communities, our partners, our donors, and ourselves. We communicate with candor, respect, and humility. We are quick to admit our own mistakes, and work to correct them with openness & expediency.
• Growth & Learning: We embrace curiosity. We pursue and promote continuous learning, share our skills and knowledge, and actively work to make ourselves and those around us better.
• Ownership: We work to become part of the fabric of the communities in which we work. We value our seat at the table and invest in the places we call home.