Job Vacancies at Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI)

Background of the Project

• Africa (HCD+) is a platform funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and will have the capability to serve as an African voice for advocacy, accountability and transparency on HCD.
• It will seek to accelerate political commitments, decision-making and funding for key priorities towards realising SDGs #1-6 in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to incubate regional advocacy and technical assistance hub on Human Capital Development towards increasing African Government's commitment, funding, and accountability to HCD. The platform, through increased HCD advocacy, focuses on three pillars: (i) Health and Nutrition; (ii) Education, skills and labour participation; (iii) Entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and digital economy.
• Also, HCD sits across multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in many African governments.
• Hence, no organisation holds an integrated vision for HCD. An HCD-focused institution can further help the HCD agenda on the continent.
• It will focus on four missions: (i) Create transparency on the HCD performance across the continent; (ii) Advocate with heads of state and decision-makers to make HCD a priority; (iii) Ensure effective coordination and collaboration with stakeholders and decision-makers; (iv) Selectively drive the implementation of flagship programs in education, health and economic inclusion.
• The programme has since commenced its activities in Abuja.

Summary of the Role

• The primary objective of the Data Science Specialist is to extract data from multiple sources, using machine learning tools to organize, process, clean, validate and analyze the data for information purposes.  In addition; The position will report to the Program Manager.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Provide balanced analytical research by turning raw data into valuable insights that help to drive actions and strategies.
• Interprets and analyses data from multiple sources to develop imaginative solutions to problems.
• Conduct analyses, formulate insights, and summarize and synthesize findings for presentation to the line of business management.
• Develop timely, innovative, and objective analysis, which leads to fact-based solutions for strategic business issues.
• Maintain an understanding of general business trends and requirements support area, and understand the link between analysis and project impact.
• Hands-on experience in planning, developing and managing predictive and prescriptive analytics projects/solutions.
• Develop processes and tools to monitor and analyze model performance and data accuracy.
• Assess the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data-gathering techniques.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Statistics or a related field. 
• 4 - 6 years of working experience as a data scientist or business data analyst.
• Experience working in Francophone Countries is required.
• Maintain knowledge in statistics, mathematics and/or comparable quantitative area of expertise.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with reporting packages (Business Objects etc.), databases (SQL etc.), programming (XML, JavaScript, or ETL frameworks) and using statistical packages for analysing datasets (Excel, SPSS, SAS etc.).
• Technical expertise in data models, database design development, data mining and segmentation techniques.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organise, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings.
• Proficient in office automation tools (e.g. Microsoft Office, etc.).
• Excellent written, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

Language:

• Fluency in English language is required. Knowledge of the French language is required.
• Experience working in Francophone countries is compulsory.

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Background of the Project

• Africa (HCD+) is a platform funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and will have the capability to serve as an African voice for advocacy, accountability and transparency on HCD.
• It will seek to accelerate political commitments, decision-making and funding for key priorities towards realising SDGs #1-6 in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to incubate regional advocacy and technical assistance hub on Human Capital Development towards increasing African Government's commitment, funding, and accountability to HCD.
• The platform, through increased HCD advocacy, focuses on three pillars: (i) Health and Nutrition; (ii) Education, skills and labour participation; (iii) Entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and digital economy.
• Also, HCD sits across multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in many African governments. Hence, no organisation holds an integrated vision for HCD. An HCD-focused institution can further help the HCD agenda on the continent.
• It will focus on four missions: (i) Create transparency on the HCD performance across the continent; (ii) Advocate with heads of state and decision-makers to make HCD a priority; (iii) Ensure effective coordination and collaboration with stakeholders and decision-makers; (iv) Selectively drive the implementation of flagship programs in education, health and economic inclusion.
• The programme has since commenced its activities in Abuja.

Summary of the Role

• The Programme Manage will report to the Executive Director.
• S/he provides administrative, financial, contractual, and management oversight for a portfolio of projects.
• S/he will work directly with project and technical leads to ensure projects achieve quality programming and development outcomes.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Accountable for managing project financial and contractual performance targets and leading monthly project financial reviews, technical deliverables, and troubleshooting any issues.
• Works with designated Technical Lead to ensure that technical activities and deliverables are high quality and implemented per the contract scope of work and approved work plan.
• Proactively identifies and analyzes risk areas and advises the relevant stakeholders on preventative measures.
• Served as the primary point of contact for operational and financial matters related to project implementation.
• Manages resource needs for performance and encourages collaboration within the broader organization.
• Responsible for project outcomes by providing the necessary support for target teams to succeed.
• Participates and provides support to project field teams during strategic planning sessions.
• Develop proposal and terms of reference as the need arises
• Manage budget realignments, contract modifications, and subcontract modifications.
• Participates in research, pre-positioning and/or proposal management for opportunities.
• Managing project budgets and advising on options to keep the budget on track
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, master budget etc.
• Produce reports to suit relevant stages of the projects.

Requirements & Specifications 

• Interested candidates should have a minimum of the First Degree in any Social Science discipline especially in Economics, Data Science, Statistics and Business.
• 8 - 10 years of progressive work experience in program management capacity.
• A Master’s Degree or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience leading and producing competitive proposals.
• Demonstrable experience in the management of program complete life cycle
• Excellent project planning, management, and monitoring & evaluation skills.
• Demonstrable business acumen and global agility, including an in-depth understanding of financial and budget planning. 
• An excellent communicator with brilliant leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and IT skills, including strong reporting/presentation skills and familiarity with a wide range of IT applications.
• Outstanding interpersonal, highly motivated and driven with a passion for delivering to the client.
• Build the capacity of the place teams to deliver on programme deliverables, reporting, and financial management.
• Experience of closely working with government departments at local and state levels is highly desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English and French language is required.
• Experience working in Francophone countries is compulsory.