Jobs
Current vacancies to work with the Global Data Barometer team.
Data & Technology Lead
Apply online. Closing 29th April 2024
The Global Data Barometer (GDB) is a benchmarking tool built around primary data collection with country-level researchers, working primarily with localized resources, collecting the data and providing supporting evidence for every assessment. It allows for a better understanding of the foundations for healthy data ecosystems.
The GDB first edition completed in early 2022 presented a unique opportunity to implement a measurement exercise from the Global South for the Global South that provides a foundational evidence base to support a D4D Global Agenda. The results of the first edition identified critical lessons around what works and what doesn’t when it comes to effectively governing and using data, providing comparable evidence to support decision-making and policy development. Working with key thematic partners, the first edition addressed pressing development issues, such as land governance, procurement transparency, political integrity, health systems and pandemic response, and climate action. The Barometer’s findings have been used by civil society organizations, development partners, academia, and other key stakeholders to inform their strategies and advocacy efforts, fostering a concerted push for more equitable and sustainable development initiatives.
The Second Edition of the Global Data Barometer will provide a new comparative study – an update to the original benchmark that will continue to support practical initiatives to improve data governance, as well as support regional advocacy for open and inclusive data policies. This second edition will also expand our work with our key thematic partners, including the Open Government Partnership, Open Contracting, Transparency International, Open Ownership, and the Land Portal, among others.
In this context, we are looking to recruit a data and technology lead to support research and manage technical operations.
Responsibilities
The data and technology lead will divide their time between managing technical operations and research support.
Technical operations: The data and technology lead will manage the project’s technical infrastructure, solving basic technical problems themselves and managing external providers as needed. Technical responsibilities include:
- Leading the design of a new online interface to publish the second edition data, from defining key user needs and how to manage inputs to selecting a tech provider;
- Addressing emerging needs related to the current interface and other technological platforms used by the team;
- Maintaining the Barometer’s website, databases, survey tool, and other technical infrastructure, including managing software updates, backups, and permissions;
- Documenting the Barometer’s technical operations as needed.
Research: The data and technology lead will assist the Research Director to manage the second edition’s data flow, and analyze and publish data. Responsibilities include:
- Leading the Barometer’s open data strategy, as well as providing inputs for dissemination strategy for the second edition results;
- Coordinating the expert survey research and secondary data collection, including managing the full cycle of data flows from country-levels researchers to report;
- Leading the selection and production of charts and summaries for analysis, the final report, and communications with the support of the team;
- Supporting the analysis of the Barometer’s quantitative and qualitative data to provide inputs for the Research Director.
Skills and experience
- An advanced university degree or equivalent experience;
- At least 3 years experience working within international organizations, research institutes, government, or other relevant organizations;
- Excellent data management skills;
- Excellent data analysis skills;
- Experience troubleshooting basic technical operations;
- Experience designing and/or managing dashboards and other data explorer tools;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
- Ability to work remotely and efficiently with team members and stakeholders in different countries and time zones.
The individual should also be:
- Self-motivated, able to work under pressure;
- Detail-oriented;
- Collaboration-focused, possess a positive attitude and works well with others;
- Comfortable using Notion and Slack as a primary means of communication within the team.
Desirable:
- Demonstrated knowledge in the open data and/or data for development fields; knowledge on measurement, rankings and similar exercises;
- Knowledge of WordPress;
- Knowledge of survey tools;
- Experience working with cross-platform integrations;
- Experience working with APIs;
- Interest in exploring meaningful ways to visualize data.
Working arrangements
This is a remote working role. We do not envisage any travel during the initial period. This role will be arranged as a consultancy contract with our organizational partner, ILDA (based in Uruguay) and the role holder will need to invoice monthly. This contract requires an average of 25 hours/week.
The core Global Data Barometer team meets for synchronous standup meetings twice-weekly between 11am and 3pm GMT-3; we use Slack for ongoing communication.
Compensation will be set based on experience and location.
How to apply
Submit an application through our online application form by 29th April 2024 including a note explaining why you want to work with the Global Data Barometer, and a short CV.
We will shortlist applications on a rolling basis until 29th April 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.