Project summary

The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), under the U.S. Department of State-funded Controlling HIV Epidemic Program (CHEP), supports the Government of Zambia in achieving and sustaining HIV epidemic control in line with national and global targets, including the 95-95-95 goals.

The CHEP project focuses on strengthening HIV prevention, care, and treatment services through a person-centered approach, while enhancing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and Global Health Security (GHS) outcomes. The project operates in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) at national, provincial, district, and levels to ensure sustainability, country ownership, and transition readiness.

Job summary

Reports to SI Manager. The incumbent will be part of the Strategic Information Department and will support the design, implementation, and management of strategic information systems for the CHEP project, including technical support systems, data infrastructure, system administration, SmartCare Pro support, data analytics, and reporting. The incumbent will ensure the availability and functionality of systems infrastructure, high-quality data, timely and accurate reporting, and the effective use of data to inform program decision-making. The role will also provide oversight to Technical Support Officers and related staff, while strengthening data systems, supporting software development and deployment, and building technical capacity across supported.

Main Duties

• Leads in the design and development and automation of data collection tools, technical systems, and electronic reporting platforms, including recommending appropriate electronic tools based on program needs.
• Oversees data extraction from multiple data sources, ensure proper data versioning, integrity, and secure storage of extracted datasets for programmatic and research purposes.
• Leads software development support, systems automation, maintenance, and enhancement of electronic systems in use, including DHIS2, SmartCare Pro and related health information systems.
• Conducts and supervises data analysis, including descriptive analysis, dashboard development, data visualizations, and routine performance monitoring to support program performance reviews and decision-making.
• Develops dashboards and reporting tools with clear visualizations for indicators, program performance, technical support metrics, and research activities.
• Works closely with M&E teams and the analysis unit to develop data analysis plans and ensure timely, accurate, and complete reporting in line with program and donor requirements.
• Supervises Technical Support Officers and other assigned SI staff in technical support operations, data systems support, reporting activities, and implementation of data quality improvement initiatives.
• Provides oversight for deployment, maintenance, and support of IT infrastructure, approved software, local area networks, and data systems in collaboration with the ICT department.
• Ensures all support requests, technical incidents, backups, and system maintenance activities are documented, monitored, and resolved within agreed timelines and according to organizational standards.
• Oversees SmartCare Pro deployment, system administration, troubleshooting, user support, synchronization monitoring, and escalation of technical issues affecting service delivery.
• Ensures appropriate management of data backups, business continuity systems, backup logs, and information security processes for all supported technical and data systems.
• Provides technical assistance and capacity building to internal and external stakeholders on data management systems, technical support processes, software applications, and reporting tools.
• Trains and mentors Technical Support Officers and other staff in M&E, data management, systems administration, software development, SmartCare Pro support, and data analysis activities.
• Actively participates in research activities including data support for publications, research idea formulation, systems improvements, and development of analytical tools.
• Supports strategic planning, administrative functions, and departmental coordination to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of strategic information and technical support systems.
• Maintains oversight of IT assets, software inventories, licenses, and technical resources to ensure accountability and proper utilization across supported sites.
• Works independently, provide leadership to teams with diverse skillsets, and perform any other duties as assigned in support of departmental and program objectives.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Epidemiology, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• Experience in technical systems support, data systems management, software development support, and strategic information systems administration.
• Experience managing staff with varied technical skillsets and providing mentorship in data systems and technical support functions.
• Experience supporting electronic health information systems such as SmartCare Pro, DHIS2, REDCap, ODK, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in at least one advanced statistical analysis package such as R, STATA, or SAS.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of software development tools, systems automation, and data processing workflows.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C#, or similar).
• Experience with database management systems such as MS SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, with the ability to write advanced SQL queries across relational databases.
• Familiarity with Donor Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) frameworks and indicators.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and team management skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, and apply sound judgement in execution of duties.

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Priority will be given to candidates who stay in the town where we have vacancies.