Associate, Information Systems

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a global nonprofit organization with an approach distinctive in international development - we exclusively scale interventions that are backed bystrong evidence and can be delivered with exceptional cost-effectiveness. Our programs have grown since our founding in 2013 to reach over 515 million people globally with our interventions. We deliver high impact for every dollar spent, as recognized by GiveWell, The Life You Can Save, and Charity Navigator.

We do development differently. We take a data-driven approach to identifying, scaling, and continuously improving programs which deliver immense impact, ensuring these solutions measurably improve the lives of millions. Our Deworm the World Initiative has helped governments in Africa and Asia deliver over 1.8 billion childhood deworming treatments, improving health, education, and incomes. Dispensers for Safe Water provides sustained safe water access to over 10 million people in rural Africa, preventing childhood illness and deaths. 

We drive innovation: Our Accelerator builds the next generation of exceptional programs, taking an approach most similar to a venture capital model. We are ruthless in exiting programs which do not meet our criteria; those that advance deliver outsized impact for millions of people. 

We need great people. Our success to date is due to the collective work of our amazing staff. To achieve our ambitious goals, we are looking for people who share our passion for evidence, cost-effectiveness, and scale. We seek individuals who take an entrepreneurial approach, enjoy tackling hard problems, and have a bias to action and results. If our vision and approach excite you as much as it does us, we invite you to join us.

Job Purpose

The Associate, Information Systems will be responsible for technical support of key Information Systems which drive Evidence Action operations and expansion. The Associate will primarily focus on delivering solutions and supporting information for Evidence Action’s Deworm the World (DtW) and Safe Water Now initiatives ensuring high availability and accessibility of critical operational services for teams in the ESA and WCA sub-regions. The Associate will have an instrumental secondary role in applying cross-program support to the Equal Vitamin Access initiative in Malawi and other emerging incubator programs across Africa regions through alternative platforms and technical implementations that aim to streamline workflows and deliver important data indicators. In addition, the Associate will provide support to the Associate Manager, Information Systems and the broader Data Analytics team on any and all requests delivered.

Key Responsibilities

Front-End Web Development (20% - 30%)

• Use of open-source Cascading Style Sheets frameworks and CSS extensions to overhaul existing UI interfaces, as well as develop new layouts, reusable assets, and pre-designed components to deliver a design language that meets Evidence Action's updated branding and communication guidelines.
• Employ front-end frameworks to build modern and responsive web applications that expedite development - with a focus on modularity and consistency across all platforms.

Back-End Web Development (30% - 40%)

• Support delivery of scalable and robust web applications through use of open-source frameworks that enhance development productivity and improve software security on all our running and upcoming/planned projects.
• Database administration of existing SQL repositories including implementing updates that reflect changing application requirements while upholding data security.

End-user support (20%-30%)

• Provide timely response to field team end user requests on technical web and information systems challenges reported across the ESA and WCA sub-regions.
• Be the lead with regular end user trainings, preparing of technical demos, presentations, and documentations; as well as provide on ground ad hoc response during application launches and pilot runs.

Cloud Services Support (10% - 20%)

• Provide oversight to MLE's cloud computing architecture including deploying and maintaining cloud-based solutions.
• Support the data and analytics team with technical assistance during scheduled data uploads and archival endeavors.

District Health Information System (DHIS2) support (5%-10%)

• Support development and maintenance of DHIS2 application(s) used by programs within the East and Southern Africa sub-region implemented as the central platform for project planning, reporting, analysis, and dissemination of information with internal and external stakeholders.

• The applicant should at least hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems or any related field from a recognized university.
• 3+ years of working experience developing and maintaining robust and scalable web applications in a fast paced environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of core Object Oriented principles and design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of database design and development using relational database management systems including MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Demonstrated knowledge of front-end web frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue.
• Demonstrated knowledge of back-end web frameworks such as Express, Laravel and Django.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Git for file version control.
• Demonstrated knowledge of server management and deployment in relevant AWS cloud environments.
• Good knowledge of Linux is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of DHIS2 development and maintenance would be an added advantage.
• Provide a link to your Github repository of previous and current projects and include a link to your online portfolio.

In addition, this position requires a candidate to:

• Support other members of the IS team in specific tasks as assigned. 
• Have a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and policy in the development field.
• Be enthusiastic to develop personally and professionally as part of a growing global team.
• Possess a strong attention to detail and a genuine love of working with data and information systems.
• Be strongly self-motivated and have the ability to work independently.
• Have the ability and willingness to travel to field offices when the need arise.

• Private Health Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid Time Off