Database Administrator / GIS Officer Job in Nairobi Kenya

Pact is an International NGO with an office in Kenya among several other offices across the world, which enables systematic solutions that allow those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy and take part in the benefits that nature provides.

Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems and transforming markets into a force for development.

PEACE III is a five-year project (2014-2019), funded by USAID and implemented by Pact.

The aim of PEACE III is to support EA regional and US government goals in improving stability along EA’s border regions by strengthening the horizontal and vertical linkages within and between local, national and regional conflict management actors.

PEACE III will work with local implementing partners to build capacity of community peace leaders and organizations while strengthening inter-personal and inter-communal collaboration at all levels

Pact is seeking to recruit dynamic, qualified and experienced individuals to fill the following position:

Position Title: Database Administrator / GIS Officer

Supervisor: Finance and Administration Manager

Supervises: IT Administrator

Location: Nairobi

1 Year Contract

Job Summary: The incumbent will standardize and coordinate the entry of data and mining of information, as well as maintain database integrity primarily in the Pact database which requires a good working knowledge of relational databases (SQL), and basic programming skills.

In addition, he/she will provide primary desktop and software-related technical support for problem resolutions.

He/she will supervise and support the IT Administrator with server administration, user account maintenance, network security, system documentation, and help-desk support functions; and participate in planning for future upgrades and technology enhancements.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Database Administrator will primarily focus on the standardization and coordination of programs data entry and mining of information, as well as maintain database integrity.

As primary point of contact for all database functions, the Database Administrator will be responsible for the following:
Primary point of contact for all database functions:
  • Oversee the data entry process and assist with data entry and be responsible for all data entry and updates
  • Recommend and implement guidelines for data entry in coordination with key program staff
  • Develop and produce accurate and timely routine and special reports, and data retrievals for staff as needed, and will be the point person for managing custom reporting requests

Manage database software maintenance:
  • Act as primary contact with system support group (systems developer, IT Administrator and MERL team) to troubleshoot any technical issues
  • Provide in-house expertise and technical support to end-users on database and software-related issues
  • Evaluate need for and recommend system upgrades
  • Coordinate and test modifications to the system

Oversight of database integrity:
  • Oversee day-to-day integrity of database and database procedures, which may include: conducting weekly and monthly audits of data to confirm use of accurate entry processes; identifying and eliminating duplicate records; and maintaining users security settings
  • Compare and verify accuracy of data with source documents (quarterly reports, performance monitoring matrix, MCAs and OCAs, site visit reports, joint reviews etc.) for consistency
  • Report errors in accuracy/integrity/availability of source data to relevant program and MERL staff for verification
  • Conduct all global changes and/or data imports to maintain data, and periodically eliminate obsolete query, export and report parameter settings
  • Institute schedule for regular end-user updates and training:
  • Ensure proper training for all new and current users
  • Update users by email and during program meetings on key modifications to the system
  • Mentor IT Administrator on GIS system

Skills and Qualifications

The minimum required academic and professional skills for the jobholder to perform successfully in their job include:
  • University Degree in IT related field e.g. Computer Science and Information Systems or any other related field.
  • University Degree in GIS is an added advantage
  • Professional/Additional Qualifications: Applicants with Professional Certifications such as MCITP, CCNA, Linux +/LPI and Oracle database applications are highly desirable.
  • At least four years relevant working experience including relational database experience on a variety of programs
  • UNIX Administration knowledge, knowledge of Microsoft IIS and Apache is preferred, knowledge of Microsoft Windows 2008R2/2012 server.
  • Experience in website maintenance Experience in network administration, advanced knowledge of database management (Oracle, MySQL etc.)
  • Highly organized, with superior problem resolution and analytical skills
  • Adept at supporting Windows 7, Office 2010, computer hardware and peripherals
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Sufficient formal and/or informal training experience in Database Management Systems (DBMS) administration and maintenance, database design, analysis, an management; extensive experience as a database manager or database administrator.

Knowledge of:
  • Administration and maintenance of Database management information systems;
  • Administration and maintenance of geographic information system systems
  • Server hardware and software technologies (including Unix and Windows based servers);
  • Standard computer hardware and software;
  • Basic principles of computer system analysis,
  • Principles of organization and project management;
  • Internet technology including Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), PHP;
  • Procedures for using SQL; database design concepts;
  • Data communications and networked systems; database integration on the Web;
  • Fundamentals of page layout, design, and graphic illustration;
  • MySQL, Microsoft SQL, Access, or other relational database systems.
  • GIS system of reporting

Competencies
  • Communicate effectively in both oral and written form;
  • Interact with users and office staff in non-technical clear terms;
  • Assist staff with difficult technical tasks, including the creation of specialized reports and exhibits using Crystal Reports;
  • Work independently and as a team member;
  • Set priorities and organize work to meet strict deadlines;
  • Make decisions on a variety of complex matters;
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work; Research and evaluate computer applications and database server hardware and software;
  • Manage hardware/software configurations including set-up, maintenance, and back-up;
  • Ability to adapt to changes in technology;
  • Be self-driven and able to deliver results with minimum supervision

Application Process

We encourage interested applicants to submit their applications to the attention of Pact HR Office in Kenya via the following email address: kenyahr@pactworld.org clearly indicating in the subject field of your email Database Administrator/GIS Officer by 23rd, July 2014.

All applicants should submit their application with a detailed CV in MS Word (.doc) version, which should include names and contacts of 3 referees.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


Pact is a fair and equal opportunity employer.