JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE DATA MANAGER

Location: Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
Reports To: Research Coordinator
Contract Type: Full-time
Duration: One year renewable contract

Position Overview:

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, is implementing the research project titled “Evaluating Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Nutrition and Health (MNCNH) Innovation Impact in Rwanda.” The project supports the Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V, 2024–2029) and evaluates high-impact interventions including Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), Calcium Supplementation, Intravenous Iron, PPH Bundles, and Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS).

A centralized data warehouse will serve as the backbone for data integration, monitoring, and advanced analytics across all study components and participating health facilities.

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Data Manager to oversee all data management functions of the MNCNH Innovation Impact Project. The successful candidate will ensure high-quality data collection, integration, storage, validation, security, and analysis support across all study components. The role requires close collaboration with research, clinical, and technical teams to ensure data integrity and compliance with national data governance regulations.

The position will be seconded to the Ministry of Health.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the project’s Data Management Plan, including data flow diagrams, validation rules, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Manage and maintain centralized project databases, ensuring secure storage, backup systems, and disaster recovery mechanisms.
• Coordinate integration of data from multiple sources including EMRs (eBuzima, MediSoft), DHIS2, REDCap, WelTel, laboratory systems, and other digital tools.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and consistency of datasets through routine data quality assessments and validation checks.
• Design and implement automated data cleaning, reconciliation, and verification processes.
• Monitor data submission timelines and follow up with field teams and health facilities to address reporting gaps.
• Ensure compliance with Rwanda’s Data Protection and Privacy Law and Ministry of Health data governance policies.
• Maintain data access controls, user permissions, and audit trails to safeguard sensitive health information.
• Prepare analysis-ready datasets and collaborate with data scientists, statisticians, and researchers to support statistical analyses and research outputs.
• Generate routine data quality, performance, and monitoring reports for project leadership and stakeholders.
• Support development of dashboards and data visualization tools for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to field teams on digital data collection tools and reporting systems.
• Develop and maintain user guides, data dictionaries, and documentation for all project databases and systems.
• Contribute to dissemination of findings through technical reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Public Health (with strong data background), or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Data Science, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, or a related discipline is an added advantage.
• Professional certifications in database management, data governance, or health informatics are an asset.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in data management, database administration, health informatics, or research data coordination.
• Experience managing large, multi-site health or research datasets.
• Proficiency in database systems (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, or equivalent).
• Experience with digital data collection platforms such as REDCap, DHIS2, or EMR systems.
• Strong experience in data cleaning, validation, and quality assurance processes.
• Working knowledge of statistical software (R, Stata, SPSS, SAS, or Python).
• Experience supporting public health or government projects is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality assurance, and database management principles.
• Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Python or R preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to translate complex technical data concepts into clear communication for non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced research environment.
• Strong commitment to data confidentiality, ethical standards, and responsible data use.

Why Join This Project?

• Contribute to a nationally prioritized digital health and implementation research initiative.
• Play a central role in building a robust data warehouse and analytics backbone for maternal and neonatal health innovation in Rwanda.
• Work closely with national health authorities and multidisciplinary teams in a high-impact research environment.
• Support evidence-based decision-making that strengthens Rwanda’s health system.

Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit all required documents via this link by Wednesday, March 19, 2026, 23:59 CAT. Questions can be directed to hr@kfhrf.org.