Research for development (R4D) Implementation Officer

Employer: Agricultural Impact International Pty Ltd (AgImpact) 

Closing Date: 16th Feb 2018

Description: 

AgImpact is a research for development (R4D) organization that specialises in the implementation of CommCare1 for digital data collection in both the agriculture and health sectors. CommCare is an open source mobile data collection platform that is actively used in over 60 countries, and is the most widely adopted, technically advanced, and evidence-based mobile platform for low-resource settings.

Agimpact also provides project management and technical advisory services for R4D projects, and strategically tells our partners’ stories of impact through the written word, photography and short film.

We work with universities and research entities, multilateral agencies, social enterprises, nonprofit agencies and the private sector, to improve their R4D outcomes and impact, primarily in emerging economies.

AgImpact is based in Sydney, Australia, but works globally, with a focus in Southern Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. AgImpact’s diverse team is bound together by a common purpose and values: we care about what we do and the people we work with; we do our best always and love solving problems; we learn from our mistakes and celebrate our successes; we want our work to matter.

The Role

The R4D Implementation Officer is an important member of AgImpact’s multidisciplinary, geographically dispersed team offering implementation solutions in the R4D space. This will primarily be through the delivery of CommCare implementation, training and support to project partners.

The R4D Implementation Officer will:

• Work with clients to assess their needs for planning the effective adoption of CommCare for digital data collection.

• Advise projects on how best to structure applications, modules and forms in CommCare to maximize efficient data management.

• Transform paper-based surveys into CommCare forms, working closely with projects and/or researchers to fine-tune form-building and applications. 

• Test CommCare apps prior to their release to clients, and work with clients to revise their mobile app following testing as necessary.

• Provide capacity-building to select projects in the ongoing use and management of CommCare, as required.

• Problem solve and provide solutions for clients in the application and use of CommCare as required.

• Travel for short periods throughout SE Asia, Southern Asia, Pacific and Australia, to perform ‘face to face’ training and support to clients in the adoption and use of CommCare.

• Provide ongoing programmatic support and monitoring of project activity, as required.

• Assist in the preparation and periodic review of AgImpact’s training and support materials.

• Design and build dashboards (excel, tableau, shiny) for data and field worker performance monitoring for clients.

  The conditions of employment (location, time commitment and remuneration package) are dependent on the quality of the applicant.

  Personal Requirements

  To effectively perform this position, the R4D Implementation Officer will be:

• Highly competent in computer programming, information technology and database management.

• Highly competent in the use of CommCare, including form-building, data management and application building. Note: AgImpact is prepared to invest in training for the right individual to become CommCare certified.2

• Experienced in data analysis and statistical software such as R, Stata and SPSS is desirable.

• Experienced in designing dashboards for data monitoring in excel, shiny or Tableau is desirable. Note: Training is available for the right individual.

• A background in Agriculture, International Public Health or International R4D projects.

• Genuinely enthusiastic for supporting colleagues/clients.

• Passionate about international research for development (R4D).

• Reliable, self-directed, adaptable and responsive.

• A problem-solver who is always looking for ways to add value to the people they support.

• Experienced in training groups of non-technical users on technical matters. 

• Lines of Reporting

  The R4D Implementation Officer reports to the AgImpact Director.

  The R4D Implementation Officer will be working closely with the R4D Support Lead.

  Application

  Please reply to Stuart Higgins (Director) with an up to date CV (including references) and a cover letter highlighting:

• -  what appeals to you about the role,

• -  examples of past experience and/or qualifications that demonstrate your

  skills/ability/experience against the role requirements, and

• -  examples of past experiences that demonstrate your skills or ability to

  acquire new skills. 

Contact name: Stuart Higgins

All applications should be submitted via email to: stuart@agimpact.org with cc to: chaseley@agimpact.org.