Vacancies at Save the Children

The ESA Region is at the forefront of real time information and data management through the exploration and piloting of technologically innovative concepts across the different countries and has piloted and advised different global systems. We have a secured project looking at food security data analytics through the Jameel Foundation with an observatory being established in Nairobi in 2022. There is also another plan in the pipeline for a complementary data management project to take off.

East Africa has typically been the centre of gravity for humanitarian need in the world and projections suggest that it will remain so as the impacts of climate, conflict and Covid become apparent. Save the Children needs to modernize our approaches to humanitarian responses. Improvements to the operational and programmatic data analysis and usage will be a critical component in helping Country Offices across ESA navigating a future model of aid that is appropriate to them.

The IM Specialist will be responsible for integrating internal and external application data systems at a regional level, and devising technological architectures that help Country Offices improve their own data usage. We need a visionary expert who can understand the current challenges and provide innovative solutions. The role will ensure that the proposed solutions align with the organisation’s strategy, mission and vision.

In order to be successful, you will bring/have:

Essential

• Computing degree – MSCS, MSIT or equivalent experience
• 5 years proven experience of designing technical systems applications to globally renowned humanitarian and development organisations in multiple complex and conflict related contexts.
• Extensive prior understanding of Save the Children’s internal and external global structures.
• Experience managing, synthesizing and analysing emergency response data for 100M+ USD emergency responses.
• A proven ability to work on an enterprise level system based on the Microsoft stack (Windows Server, .NET, SQL Server, IIS)
• Hands-on technical skills in the Microsoft BI stack, web development and C#.
• Extensive experience in: Frameworks for Enterprise Applications (ideally React / Redux), Node.js, Webpack, Babel and JS Test Frameworks (Enzyme, Mocha, Karma) CI, CD development environment, ideally with TeamCity and Octopus
• MS SharePoint development, customizing, workflows, Web Parts and Support Skills
• Knowledge of SQL Server BI and ETL processes (SSAS, SSRS, SSIS), T-SQL language skills, Scripting skills
• Experience with GIS data entry, manipulation, and presentation, as well as a familiarity with web-based interfaces in addition to thorough knowledge of ArcGIS and database management
• Ability to explain complex technical and non-technical information in a succinct and compelling manner to all levels of seniority
• Experience of solving complex business and technical issues through trouble shooting and analysis, defining a clear way forward and ensuring buy in
• Demonstrable ability to write high quality requirements / user stories
• Ability to create compelling business cases with accurate cost and effort estimations
• Experience with UX/UI design including wireframe and rapid prototype development
• In depth understanding of various software development methodologies (e.g. Agile, Waterfall)
• Extensive knowledge of fundamental analysis methodologies/tools, including UML, use cases, process, and information flows
• Application testing and planning skills
• Ability to establish, implement, and enforce appropriate MIS-GIS standards to meet business requirements
• Commitment to Save the Children values

Desired

• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Experience working in East and Southern Africa.
• Experience of exposure to the non-for-profit sector and/or developing countries
• Prior experience working for HQ level and Field level offices within the same organisation

go to method of application »

The Humanitarian Information and Communications Manager (HIC Manager) will play a pivotal role is helping the ESARO and COs narrate this change through both a macro level story of aid sector reform as well as the specific emergency responses. The HIC Manager will oversee the regular and timely dissemination of humanitarian related issues in the region. This includes, but is not limited to: Regional analysis and foresight products highlighting particular trends, or emergent issues, emergency response updates through coordination with CO info comms leads, innovation and creative solutions to communication challenges. The role will have a variety of audiences that it will be required to cater for, including but not limited to, internal leadership, SC Movement at large, Country Offices, Peer agencies and networks, donors and governments.

During large and complex emergency responses, the role will backstop COs and their response teams and support them in ensuring key deliverables are provided such as communications packs, key messages, situation reports, dashboards, briefings, fact sheets and other information and communications products as required.

As well as overseeing more than 20 active emergency responses spanning 14 countries with a humanitarian portfolio circa $200m, the Region is pursuing a progressive change agenda which aims to re-identify how humanitarian action is perceived and delivered in ESA. Whilst budgets are stable or incrementally growing, the scale of humanitarian need is outstripping this exponentially, not only in ESA but across the world. The humanitarian architectures and normative behaviours based around the Global North providing support to the Global South are being eroded, civil society space is shrinking across the region and an anti-western sentiment is growing. To ensure SC can deliver against its strategy for 2022 – 24 it is imperative that we recognise this need to change, especially within our approaches to humanitarian action. This function would be a primary function to interpret, disseminate and influence change across the internal organisation and select external entities on the regional Humanitarian Unit’s vision, ambition and progress. The progressive nature of the Humanitarian Unit ensures a high level of influence on the future relevance so the presentation is of critical importance.

In order to be successful, you will bring/have:

Essential

•  Education to an Advanced degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent field experience
• Proven experience of developing and managing the production of communications materials for INGOs or other similar organisations in emergencies and in humanitarian crises for a minimum of seven years.
• Can produce accurate, clear and consistent information and communication outputs relating to both programme support and humanitarian situation – including key messages, Q&A’s and factsheets, case studies, press releases, media statements, briefs amongst others
• Evidence of excellent English verbal and written communication skills for a wide range of different audiences including donors, journalists and the ‘general public’. Ability to strategically target a wide range of audiences is essential.
• Deep understanding of the East and Southern Africa context, specifically the countries in the Horn of Africa, and South Sudan and Uganda, and particularly relating to international NGO work
• Excellent relationship building skills in order to work across all Country Offices and various Members
• The ability to support the communications team in high-pressure situations, with changing deadlines and priorities, and in a complex humanitarian situation; 
• Understanding of how to manage strategic media engagement in politically sensitive environments essential.
• Experience in leading information and communication flows between emergency responses and a variety of internal and external stakeholders;
• Proven ability to work with communities and partners to gather case studies, testimonies and information on the humanitarian situation and on programmes.
• Excellent IT skills, especially in Microsoft Word, technical aptitude in MS Office.
• Excellent understanding of communication and information needs across fundraising, media and campaigning activities, as well donor and member requirements and standards;
• Experience in capacity building and managing humanitarian communications teams;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.  Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy;
• An initiative-taking, proactive, inspiring attitude with the ability to manage and prioritise an unpredictable workload and solve problems quickly with limited support;
• Ability to fact check, proofread, edit and draft materials;
• The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult working circumstances.
• Commitment and interest in Save the Children's mission, vision and values. In particular, a good understanding of Save the Children mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support

Desired

•  Prior experience working in ESA contexts
• Photo editing and graphic design skills. Experience with design and audio-visual software is an advantage;
• Experience of delivering training, presentations and other capacity building activities to varied audiences