UCC Data Reporting Analyst (Ukraine Response) at Mercy Corps

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster and hardship in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within – Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps is responding to the Ukraine emergency since the escalation of armed conflict across the country in February 2022. The attacks set off a wave of displacement internally and into the countries along Ukraine’s western borders. The Ukraine response has three programmatic pillars which feature in each proposal but are not limited to: 1) Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA; where markets permit and in-kind where cash distributions are not feasible), 2) Small grants to local civil society organizations and 3) Protection information and services. Some of this work is in consortium, collaboration with local partners, or independently. Mercy Corps is also supporting local NGOs and other civil society actors currently supporting displaced populations, as well as those in Ukraine sheltering in place. In addition to working directly in Ukraine, Mercy Corps’ Ukraine Response is currently also working in Poland and Romania, and may expand work to Moldova as well. As Mercy Corps pursues its objectives in the region it will continue to assess the security situation in areas of potential operation, with an eye towards the logistics of possible programmatic interventions and positioning going forward.

The program’s goal is to meet emergency basic needs while enhancing the protection environment for internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and other conflict-affected people (CAPs) in Ukraine. This goal will be achieved through three Purposes: Purpose 1: Address basic needs of households in areas of Ukraine where markets are functioning through provision of Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA); Purpose 2: Address basic needs of households in areas of Ukraine where markets are weak through provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, and Food-Assistance; and Purpose 3: Provide access for IDPs and CAPs to critical protection information.

General Position Summary: 

The Data Reporting Analyst will lead data analysis and reporting processes based on information collected by the MEL and program teams. The Data Reporting Analyst will report directly to the MEL Director in close coordination with the UCC partners MEL and TechTeam (MIS) focal points. S/he will play a key role in improving reporting and learning processes within the MEL team and overall UCC program.

The Data Reporting Analyst will analyze and synthesize data into relevant reports. As we collect data from populations impacted by the conflict in Ukraine, you will identify hypotheses and interpret results through exploratory data analysis that provide insight and guidance to program design and implementation teams. Where appropriate, hypothesis will be integrated into our (near) real-time data analysis pipelines to provide ongoing decision support.

As a member of our UCC MEL Team, you will drive prioritization of data collection quality, integration, analysis automation and presentation to deliver data needed for decision support in a complex and changing context. You will design solutions from working with stakeholders to understand the requirements, to guiding data collection, to implementing data analysis pipelines and finally delivering visualizations through PowerBi. Working as member of humanitarian and technical team, you will have the opportunity to learn and be engaged in every aspect of UCC data activities.

Essential Job Responsibilities: 

Strategy & Vision

• Work with the UCC MEL Director in setting the vision and MIS strategy for the BHA-funded Ukraine Cash Consortium Program.
• Standardizing and harmonizing the data approaches used by UCC partners, including deduplication, monthly data submissions, SoPs, and guidelines, conducting training and orientation sessions on the harmonization of application.
• Establish and develop appropriate data and information management systems for program data and indicators and ensure appropriate data flows from consortium partners.
• Steward data sources and identify new sources that enrich our analysis and understanding.

Reporting

• Perform data processing, analysis and preparation of monitoring and assessment reports based on primary and secondary data.
• Support the MEL Advisor in drafting and finalizing UCC Monitoring reports (baseline, endline, PDM. etc), when needed.
• Report to the MEL advisor on the M&E related indicators on the Indicator Tracking Tables (ITT), including TolaData.
• Lead on analyzing, visualizing, and writing the monitoring reports, as needed.
• Lead on the development, update, and follow-up with UCC partners on the PowerBi dashboard, donor monthly reporting, and other data flows as needed.
• Lead on the development of the UCC quarterly newsletter.
• Perform Data Quality Assessments (DQA) for UCC partners, and ensure documented results and recommendation are shared with partners.

Data Processing and Analysis

• Perform data check, processing, analysis and preparation of monitoring and assessment reports based on primary and secondary data.
• Engage in the use and uptake of M&E Technology including digital data collection and automated data visualization and reporting.
• In collaboration with the UCC MEL Advisor, provide data and evidence of needs and effective programming for reporting and proposal design.
• Be the UCC main TechTeam focal point for UCC’s partners facilitate the discussions in the TechTeam group, and deliver the retrospective sessions as needed.
• Provide ongoing technical guidance and support to UCC’s TechTeam on the MIS and ICT4D systems.
• Develop and update the data dictionary and data submission templates as needed.
• Support the UCC MEL Advisor in the implementation of the Ukraine Cash Consortium pause and reflection session and provide inputs for the UCC learning agenda.
• Deliver trainings on assessment/research methods, data processing, analysis and reporting.
• Provide data check and cleaning as needed on the partners data, continuously ensure providing proper feedback on the data quality.
• Participate, contribute and/or lead on analysis and technology related initiatives such as vulnerability analysis.etc.
• Review and provide inputs on the external reports and products such as consultants, third party monitoring .etc
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where partners strive to achieve excellence and feel comfortable in their roles and in sharing their opinions on progress, improvement, and concerns.
• Develop, facilitate and present sessions and meetings regarding the reporting findings and MIS systems.

Other

• Assist in coding and/or reviewing XLS forms for data collection tools and provide trainings to partners teams as needed.
• Any other task as allocated by the UCC MEL Director

Accountability:

Reports Directly To: UCC MEL Director

Works Directly With: UCC MEL Advisor, UCC Partners MEL, Cash Teams, and AAP focal points, among others.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills 

Any skills you have gained through education, volunteer, work, or life experience that are relevant for the position will be considered. Please explain transferable skills and how they apply to this position in your cover letter or during your interview.

Required Skills & Experience:

• BA/S or equivalent in development studies, research methods, statistics, economics, social sciences, monitoring and evaluation, project management, engineering or other relevant field.
• 5 years of experience in data compilation, reporting and analytics, along with utilizing data and analytics tools.
• Highly experienced with Power BI visualization platform.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. (both spoken and written).
• Excellent English (both spoken and written).
• High degree of familiarity with digital data gathering software packages (CommCare, Kobo ToolBox, or similar),

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with theoretical and practical background in M&E and skilled in participatory qualitative and quantitative M&E methodologies and techniques for food security or/and cash assistance programs is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in M&E or Research related reporting writing is a distinct advantage.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, R, or another programming language.
• Experience with Azure or AWS data services.
• Experience with database, data lake, and data warehouse concepts.
• Experience facilitating data-focused presentations and training sessions.
• Experience working with geospatial data.
• Ability to find solutions and deliver results within a rapid, fast changing, entrepreneurial, technology-driven culture.
• Experience with data collection software and coding is a district advantage (KoBo, CommCare..etc)
• Proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian Languages

Success Factors:

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of management and analysis technologies, with strong report writing and interpretation skills, possess a personal commitment to data quality and security, and have a strong interest in using data analysis to improve programming and the lives of others.

The Data Reporting Analyst will be an analytical mind easily able to identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets while being able to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.

They will further act in an ethical manner at all times regarding the privacy and security of program participant data, communicate ethical concerns up the chain of responsibility, and ensure the concerns are resolved appropriately. They will serve as an advocate for the data technology needs of UCC teams, and will demonstrate an ability to build trust among country/program staff and balance the needs of multiple countries/programs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.