Data Specialist

Scope:

This position will play a key role in our commitment to using data for decision-making. The Data Specialist will be critical to ensuring that EWS-KT is able to collect quality, accurate, and meaningful data from different projects and countries; measure targets and stated outcomes and impacts; improve interventions; add value to partners and donor-funded work; and leverage data to make strong decisions that will improve farmer training programming and lead to better outcomes for farming communities. This position will model and enforce data integrity and trust, fully engage with the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) team, and contribute to our vision for developing resilient, market-oriented farming systems for smallholders globally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compile, validate, and clean quantitative and qualitative data from all EWS-KT programs across countries.
• Conduct regular data quality assurance checks and ensure adherence to data governance, privacy, and international compliance standards (e.g., GDPR General Data Protection Regulation in European Union law).
• Structure and manage datasets to allow for disaggregation by gender, age, and location to support equity-focused analysis.
• Develop standardized data workflows and documentation (e.g., data dictionaries, metadata, version control).
• Support automation of data pipelines and integration across digital systems including KT App and CMS.
• Analyze agricultural and program data to generate actionable insights for program design, monitoring, and reporting.
• Produce data summaries, briefs, and visualization dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Looker Studio, Tableau) tailored to internal and external stakeholders.
• Apply data storytelling methods to communicate complex findings in clear, accessible formats.
• Identify data gaps or inconsistencies and recommend process improvements to enhance completeness and accuracy.
• Support predictive analysis and early warning systems to inform proactive program adjustments.
• Train field and MEL staff on digital data collection tools, data quality standards, and data visualization techniques.
• Conduct functionality tests of the KT App and CMS, both new and existing features, and coordinate with the KT App/CMS developer to troubleshoot and enhance real-time data integration.
• Work closely with the MEL Manager to translate data findings into learning and adaptive management recommendations.
• Ensure data outputs meet donor and partner reporting standards and support MEL Officers in report preparation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, agricultural economics, agronomy, agricultural science, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of hands-on experience in data analysis, preferably in agriculture, development, or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of statistics and data analysis methods, including data cleaning, validation, and interpretation.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, R, Python, and similar platforms.
• Experience with digital survey tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, Google Forms) and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Looker Studio [Google Data Studio], Tableau).
• Skilled in organizing and validating data into detailed tables and reports.
• Ability to review documents and reports for clarity and completeness.
• Good understanding of MEL frameworks, survey design, and donor/partner reporting requirements (practical experience preferred, but foundational knowledge is essential).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of additional languages is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural, global team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Interest or background in agricultural production systems and markets in developing countries is an asset.