Data Specialist

Introducing BDO

BDO LLP the award-winning UK member firm of the BDO international network, the world’s fifth largest accountancy and advisory organisation, with more than 111,300 staff operating from 1,800 offices in 164 countries. BDO was founded in 1903 and has been in business for 120 years.

Within BDO LLP sits the International Institutions and Donor Assurance (IIDA) group, which works closely with global clients such as the World Bank, FCDO, UN agencies, the European Commission, Foundations and other Development Agencies. Here we have a strong track record of providing technical assistance and consultancy services in many developing and fragile and conflict-affected countries around the globe. This includes a portfolio of large and complex third-party monitoring (TPM) projects and evaluation services, in addition to assurance services, including financial and systems audits, certifications, internal control assessments, and technical assistance to international institutions.

Scope of Work

BDO is presently looking to expand its pool of experts suitable for Data Specialist roles. This pool will be used to resource existing and pipeline TPM contracts. TPM activities will be varied, capturing contextual developments, implementation progress, adherence to quality standards, and program effectiveness across diverse international development and humanitarian portfolios of work. The TPM Specialist will play a core role in ensuring that the data is collected, processed, stored, and protected efficiently and to the highest possible standard of accuracy, reliability, and consistency. Full-time and part-time positions are available, contingent upon award. This position is remote.

Terms of Reference

• Manage mobile data collection platform usage (users, form deployment, etc.)
• Code data collection tools on mobile data collection platforms to minimize data collection errors and ensure ease of use for enumerators.
• Support in the development of sampling frameworks and execute sample selection in accordance with the defined approach.
• Contribute to the development of data processing and quality assurance workflows and associated guidance documents.
• Ensure that data is collected and stored in line with relevant data protection and security policies and that team members are well-informed of relevant standards.
• Contribute to the training of enumerators where needed.
• Ensure that all data is revised and cleaned, and that all revisions are recorded.
• In conjunction with the TPM Specialists, develop data analysis plan and develop scripts in R or Python to automate data analysis processes.

Your Experience and Expertise

• Degree in Data Science, Information Management, Software Development, or other relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of R, STATA, Python or equivalent statistical software.
• Advanced knowledge of mobile data collection platforms (ie. Kobo, SurveyCTO).
• Excellent research and analytical skills required, including a sound understanding of sampling frameworks and their application, an ability to analyse large data sets, as well as conduct temporal or spatial trend analysis.
• Knowledge of QGIS or ArcGIS an advantage.
• Experience working in working in emergency response, international development, stabilization, peacebuilding, or a related sector preferred.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and management skills and ability to multitask with tight deadlines.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required; proficiency in Arabic, an Afghan local language, or Ukrainian is preferred.