The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is seeking a highly motivated individual for a newly created position as Head of Research Data Management Services. The successful candidate will lead the development of an institutional Research Data Management Services unit (RDMS) that supports advanced data acquisition, data storage, data management, data integration, and other computing and information-processing services. Housed within the Communications and Knowledge Management Division (CKM), the RDMS unit provides guidance and support to the two CGIAR research programs led by IFPRI-Policies, Institutions, and Markets and Agriculture for Nutrition and Health-as well as the Institute’s research divisions/programs/offices.
The position is a one-year, fixed-term, exempt, renewable appointment based at IFPRI’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
– Create the framework and identify the tools necessary for an institutional Research Data Management Services unit that supports researcher productivity and competitiveness and helps researchers prepare data-management plans for all proposals that produce research.
– Develop an institutional Research Data Management and Data Sharing policy that is compliant with CGIAR and international policies and standards.
– Help develop project and program data-management plans-in collaboration with the CGIAR research programs, IFPRI research divisions/programs/offices, Computer Services unit, and Knowledge Management unit (KM) within CKM.
– Use information-management best practices to harmonize data-collection processes and sources, database support, and storage engineering.
– Ensure the timely transfer of datasets from researchers to the KM unit for the public use of datasets and collaboration with other data consortiums.
– Develop and deliver research data-management training to IFPRI staff to increase awareness of research data-management requirements, best practices, benefits, and RDMS support.
– Hire, manage, and supervise future RDMS staff.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
– Master’s degree in Statistics, Computer Sciences, Information Science, or Social Science.
– Minimum of ten years of proven experience in database administration and data analysis, with a minimum of three years of data-collection experience.
– In-depth knowledge of and experience with data management and statistical analysis software, including Software-as-a-Service (Saas) platforms.
– Knowledge of advanced cyber infrastructure software technologies.
– Strong computer programming experience with an emphasis on designing complex, distributed database systems based on web-based architecture.
– Experience with assessment design and data management, with significant experience at the household level, with knowledge of different data-collection methodologies.
– Experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing large surveys in developing-country contexts.
– Experience in the management of large projects and multi-institutional collaborations.
– Experience in managing, training, and supporting staff.
– Proven ability to undertake activities through a participatory, inclusive, and consultative process; demonstrated ability to interact professionally with a diverse employee population and with all levels of staff and management.
– Fluency in written and spoken English; excellent English-language writing skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
– A PhD in Statistics, Computer Sciences, Information Science, or Social Science.
– Proficiency in another language is desirable; command of French or Spanish would be an asset.
– Knowledge of geographical information systems and experience managing geospatial datasets.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Go to http://www.ifpri.org. Click on “Careers” and “Other” to link you to Position #14-185- Head of Research Data Management Services, CKM. Please complete on-line application, including a complete curriculum vitae and a detailed letter of interest. Also complete section providing 3 references.
FURTHER INFORMATION: For more information on IFPRI, please visit our website at http://www.ifpri.org. EOE.