Position:

Assistant Technical Officer, Database Management

Supervisor:

Senior Technical Officer, Strategic Information

Location:

FHI 360 Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria

Project Summary:

The Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project is a global health initiative funded by United States Department of State (DOS) for the period of 2019–2027. The project delivers high-quality technical support at the community, health facility, district, regional and national levels, and builds relationships with relevant partners working to address integrated health programs and global health security issues. Our ability to respond quickly to program, technical and procurement needs leverages on our deep bench of country-based clinical, program, and community experts. Initially focused on achieving and sustaining HIV epidemic control, EpiC was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to support countries in preparedness, response, and health system strengthening, including oxygen systems.

In Nigeria, EpiC is supporting the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH/SW) to strengthen the national Oxygen Ecosystem. Our contributions include optimizing pulse oximetry, expanding access to medical oxygen through LOX infrastructure, enhancing healthcare worker capacity on oxygen data management, and supporting the development of a national Quality Assurance and Compliance (QAQC) guideline for oxygen equipment.

The project received additional funding to build a more effective, resilient, and responsive primary healthcare system that can respond and address the persistent and severe public-health challenges, especially in Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent health (MNCH), Malaria, and Nutrition.

In addition, EpiC Nigeria has recently received Global Health Security (GHS) funding to strengthen global, regional, and local public health systems, building on broad experience and existing capabilities that align with GHS priorities and National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS) and US Government goals to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and strengthen health systems for Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Senior Technical Officer, Strategic Information, the Assistant Technical Officer – Database Management will support the day-to-day operations of data processing and management for the project. The role will contribute to the planning, maintenance, optimization, and continuous development of FHI 360’s EpiC databases, with a particular focus on DHIS2-based systems.

The position supports a database management approach grounded in the following principles: (i) ensuring data consistency and integrity across systems; (ii) maintaining clearly defined data structures and metadata; (iii) enabling secure, concurrent user access to data in formats that meet diverse user needs; and (iv) ensuring robust data security, backup, and recovery mechanisms so that all data remain retrievable in the event of system failure or emergency. Database applications supported by this role span web-based, desktop, and mobile platforms.

In addition, the Assistant Technical Officer will support the design and production of spatial and analytical products, including maps, dashboards, digital datasets, reports, and visualizations, to facilitate data analysis, interpretation, and use for program planning and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support routine data management operations, including handling data records, responding to data queries, and assisting with data cleaning, validation, and processing activities.
• Ensure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of health and program data by adhering to organizational data protection policies, access controls, and approved data governance procedures.
• Monitor compliance with data confidentiality and security standards, escalating potential risks or breaches in line with established protocols.
• Assist with the management and maintenance of hardware and software systems used for data collection, storage, and analysis, including troubleshooting basic technical issues.
• Support the preparation of analytical outputs, project results, and technical summaries for presentations, reports, and knowledge products.
• Contribute to the development, updating, and maintenance of user guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other technical documentation to support consistent database use and data processing.
• Develop and maintain standardized programming scripts, data dictionaries, and documentation procedures to support data quality, reproducibility, and system sustainability.
• Provide hands-on technical assistance to staff on database use, data entry, and reporting workflows, including responding to user support requests.
• Ensure the quality, completeness, and timeliness of data feeds and processing pipelines, identifying and resolving routine data flow or system issues.
• Support capacity-building activities by training staff and partners on data processing tasks, database use, and basic data quality principles.
• Identify GIS and spatial analysis requirements and support the development of maps, spatial datasets, and visual products to inform program planning and decision-making.
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and objectives of the role.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

• Strong technical proficiency in database and analytics systems, including MS SQL Server administration, DHIS2, and Windows-based systems administration.
• Demonstrated software and technical skills in relational database design and data analysis, including SQL querying and MS Access/Excel-based programming.
• Knowledge of database programming and data analysis concepts, theories, practices, and methodologies, including data integrity, structure, and retrieval.
• Excellent quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically assess data, identify errors or inconsistencies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas, functions, lookups, and other advanced features for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and synthesize data and prepare clear, accurate reports, dashboards, and analytical outputs for decision-making.
• Experience conducting spatial analysis of moderate complexity, with the ability to present results clearly through maps, reports, dashboards, or oral presentations.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to perform quality, detail-oriented work in data management and reporting processes.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to plan and prioritize work under tight deadlines, work on own initiative, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Strong understanding of digital and tech-enabled health information systems, particularly DHIS2, and familiarity with emerging AI-enabled tools that strengthen Strategic Information systems.
• Ability to work on problems of diverse scope, requiring analysis of multiple data sources, identification of key factors, and application of appropriate analytical techniques.
• Cultural competence and contextual awareness, with sensitivity to cultural differences and Nigeria’s diverse sociocultural settings.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• B.Sc/BA degree in Computer Science, Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Information Management or a related field with 2 years of relevant experience in data collection, database management or information systems supporting health programs.
• Strong background in District health information systems (DHIS2), including data entry, management, reporting, and basic system administration.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) or government agency, preferably within public health, development, or health systems strengthening programs.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 10%

Disclaimer: Note the Compensation Band that appears on the job description is associated with those jobs assigned to the US Salary Structure and employees that are paid from US payroll.

The Compensation Band for all national local employees aligns to the Compensation Structure based on the Country location of the job.

Safeguarding:

FHI 360 is committed to provide a safe environment for all employees, beneficiaries and anyone contracted by FHI 360. This Includes taking measures to protecting vulnerable people from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by either FHI 360 employees or associated personnel. FHI 360 abides by child safeguarding principles. FHI 360’s Safeguarding Policies apply and flow out to all FHI 360 staff, board members, volunteers, and partner staff (subcontractors, consultants, vendors, and sub-recipients), regardless of the funding mechanism or amount of contract, agreement, or purchase order.