IDEA Technical Support Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars: (i) Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition; (ii) Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats and crisis; (iii) Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection

FAO Zimbabwe is in the process of deploying the Identification, Delivery and Empowerment Applications (IDEA), a Management Information System (MIS) for beneficiary registration, data analysis and disbursement of cash, voucher and in-kind assistance to beneficiaries in various regions as per its mandate. The incumbent will support the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project, ZEFPP (UTF/ZIM/038/ZIM) and Nourish and Thrive (OSRO/ZIM/044/FRA) projects.

Reporting Lines

The IDEA technical support specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, and direct supervision of the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project, ZEFPP (UTF/ZIM/038/ZIM) and Nourish and Thrive (OSRO/ZIM/044/FRA) Project Coordinators in close collaboration with the Country Programme Resilience Pillar 2 Lead, and under the technical  guidance of the OER Cash, Voucher, and MIS Unit in headquarters. 

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for supporting end users in the use of the IDEA platform for beneficiary registration, data analysis and disbursement of cash, voucher and in-kind assistance, and other systems as may be introduced from time to time by FAO Zimbabwe in its day-to-day operations.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the OER IDEA Unit during the setup, development, and operation of the IDEA ecosystem’ tools and apps.
•    Configure the mobile devices for data collection with KoboCollect and IDEA mobile applications, including integration of biometrics and NFC technology, for registration and distribution activities.
•    Develop and deploy data collection forms with the KoboToolbox platform.
•    Take note of bugs occurring within the IDEA mobile applications for supporting beneficiary registration and assistance delivery as reported by the users that utilize these applications on a case-by-case basis and escalate to the relevant development team. 
•    Conduct training for both FAO Zimbabwe and Implementing Partner staff utilizing the above-mentioned tools during project implementation.
•    Conduct training for Implementing Partner data clerks that utilize FAO Zimbabwe tools for beneficiary registrations when required.
•    Support the preparation of documents, presentations, and videos to complement training and ease on-boarding of new system users (both for implementing Partners and for FAO Staff).
•    Provide remote and in-person technical support to Implementing Partners (i.e.: NGOs, Government staff), suppliers, and Financial Service Providers when they encounter challenges while using the system during projects implementation, including missions to project intervention areas.
•    Provide technical support to FAO staff and partners as they utilize the system and associated applications.
•    Extract collected data in relevant formats to present to relevant stakeholders for analysis and upload to IDEA to facilitate aid disbursement.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
  
•    Advanced (Master) degree or University (Bachelor) degree in software engineering, computer science, Information systems or related fields with a solid foundation in application development or maintenance.
•    For advanced degrees, at least two (2) years of relevant work experience in cash or e-voucher programmes and/or development and implementation of management information systems. 
•    For university degrees, at least four (4) years of relevant work experience in cash or e-voucher programmes and/or development and implementation of management information systems. 
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English 
•    National of Zimbabwe. 

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Previous experience working in an environment involving the provision of remote technical assistance is a strong advantage.
•    Experience with KoboToolbox and other mobile data collection platforms.
•    Ability to perform data analyses and intermediate data-related tasks. 
•    Excellent documentation skills.
•    Experience using multi-wallet NFC cards is an added advantage.
•    Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Exchange) etc;
•    Ability to use accounting software and other information systems and databases to insert data, make inquiries, retrieve/define ad hoc reports and analyses and edit results in an appropriate format.
•    A systematic, well-structured and efficient approach to work assignments. Analytical ability, accuracy, and consistency. Ability to exercise diligence and care in dealing with records, expenditures and sensitive data. 
•    The incumbent must possess a cooperative spirit, flexibility and openness to work in an international environment, including tact and courtesy and a strong capacity for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. 
•    Working knowledge of  local languages (Shona and Ndebele) is an asset 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION