Celebrating twelve years of innovative and collaborative work, Athena Infonomics has established itself as a data-driven global consultancy that leverages social science research, data science, and technology to provide user-centric, context-specific solutions and advice to decision makers. Our multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team of 70+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, DC and London exemplify extensive experience in designing and applying research methods to co-design and co-produce useful research that is inclusive and relevant. Athena Infonomics has a strong presence in Ethiopia, implementing activities focused on strengthening institutional capacities to deliver safe, equitable, and sustainable water and sanitation services.
Ethiopia is experiencing a high rate of urban population growth. The urban population has increased by 6.2 percent annually since 2011, meaning that nearly 1 million people are added to the urban population every year. Consequently, Ethiopian cities have been struggling to reach and maintain a basic level of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for its growing citizenry. Cities are becoming increasingly polluted, affecting quality of life, and jeopardizing economic growth and stability.
The purpose of the five-year USAID-funded Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (UWASH) Activity is to support accelerated access to safe, adequate, inclusive, and resilient WASH services targeting urban and peri-urban areas. This will be achieved through four complementary objectives:
• Enable and professionalize WASH service providers
• Foster Markets for Pro-Poor and Inclusive WASH Services
• Strengthen WASH planning, budgeting and service delivery oversight
• Strengthen accountability among urban WASH sector actors
Athena Infonomics will be a part of the UWASH team, led by Chemonics, with major subcontractor Population Services International (PSI) and complemented by JG Afrika. Under UWASH, Athena Infonomics will focus on strengthening the data ecosystem to improve WASH services across all regions, cities and peri-urban areas of implementation.
The Data Analytics Specialist will be primarily responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to ensure its quality and accuracy, while processing it and presenting it patterns and trends to be used by decision-makers. The Data Analytics Specialist will serve on the Evidence, Accountability, and Governance Team and report to the Data Systems Manager.
• Support activities such as baseline assessments, standardizing data sets, performance reporting alignment, capacity building efforts, and reviewing existing datasets and planning tools to compile existing WASH sector performance data.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Ensure regular, robust impact monitoring to generate regional- and national-level dialogue in support of national pro-poor policies and strategies, consolidating gains and allowing adoption and scaling.
• Using statistical and analytical tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Stata, R, Nvivo, SPSS), relational databases, and information management systems to interpret data sets.
• Identify, analyze, and communicate trends, patterns, and predictions using relevant data, paying particular attention to trends and patterns that could be valuable for decision-makers.
• Utilize and ensure adoption of established glossaries, profiling, scanning, processes for curating data, templates, performance data standards, best practices, and standard operating procedures for WASH systems.
• Identify weaknesses and plans for strengthening the data ecosystem.
• Collaborate, consult, and build the capacity of a diverse range of stakeholders, including donor agencies, implementing partners and government officials at all levels.
• Understand requirements and support implementation of data systems while remaining compliant with USAID and Athena Infonomics policies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or equivalent, with a strong background in sanitation, public policy, and/or governance preferred
• At least 3 years of data analysis experience in methodologies and processes for managing large scale databases; USAID experience is an advantage
• Ability to analyze existing tools and databases and provide software solution recommendations
• Strong knowledge of systems, networking software, hardware, networking protocols and database languages such as SQL, R, or Python; Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets; data visualization software such as Tableau, "software as a service" (SaaS) to help gather, measure, organize, and analyze data
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience working with Ethiopian stakeholders, including donor agencies, CSOs, and municipalities of different levels
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English; fluency in Afaan Oromo is an advantage
Additional Requirements
• This position requires the successful completion of relevant due diligence checks (including references), and client approval
• The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described
• Only candidates who have required work authorization(s) in Ethiopia will be considered
The Data Analytics Specialist will work in Adama/Bishoftu, Ethiopia with travel to other parts of Ethiopia as needed.
The Data Analytics Specialist will serve through the end of the contract, unless terminated in accordance with Athena Infonomics policy and Ethiopian law.
Interested applicants can send their CV and a cover letter to career@athenainfonomics.com. Please state in your cover letter your current location, expected salary and availability to start. Please mention “Application for Ethiopia UWASH Data Analytics Specialist 2023” in the subject line.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.
At Athena, we function in an outcomes-based work environment with flexible hours and a high level of autonomy. Professional development and thought leadership are key elements of our business model: we support our team members' professional growth through on-the-job training, and we encourage the cultivation of our colleagues’ personal brands through participation in panels, events, publications, and other thought-leadership opportunities. We embrace a transparent, open work environment with meaningful leadership pathways for those with inventive ideas and initiatives.
Athena Infonomics is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.