Data Technician

Position Overview

The Data Technician role focuses on supporting the comprehensive management of health and program data across Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) supported healthcare facilities and community initiatives in Neno District, Malawi. Reporting directly to the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and secondarily to the M&E Manager, this full-time position entails a 40-hour workweek. The technician ensures data integrity, timely processing, and consistency across multiple platforms including electronic medical records (EMR), DHIS2, CommCare, and other digital or paper-based data systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting both routine and program-specific data using authorized electronic and traditional paper formats.
• Enter data promptly and accurately into designated digital databases and systems.
• Handle transcription, translation, coding, and summarizing of health and operational data as required.
• Ensure data completeness, correctness, and uniformity before submission and reporting.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive patient and organizational data aligned with organizational policies.
• Organize, store, and archive original source documents and data records systematically.
• Perform routine data cleaning, verification, validation, and quality checks across digital and paper records.
• Compare data across various sources such as paper registers, EMR, DHIS2, and other reporting platforms to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to investigate and correct data inconsistencies, duplicate entries, and reporting faults.
• Document repeated data quality challenges and propose corrective measures to supervisors and related officers.
• Participate in data quality assurance initiatives, audits, and promote adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Support preparation and submission of routine and special reports from diverse health information systems.
• Generate analytical reports and dashboards to aid program oversight, performance tracking, and management decisions.
• Ensure program data alignment across multiple systems including HIV, TB, NCD, RMNCAH datasets in EMR, DHIS2, operational databases, and paper records.
• Monitor data transmission and reporting schedules to guarantee compliance with organizational and national standards.
• Support data extraction and management from approved databases and maintain digital health system functionalities.
• Track patient data outcomes; support follow-up and retention alongside clinical teams.
• Assist with integrated screening programs and collaborate with various health service teams to improve data workflow and reporting.
• Configure and manage digital tools such as CommCare for field data collection and monitoring.
• Offer on-site mentorship and technical assistance to HMIS clerks and facility personnel on data and reporting processes.
• Conduct orientation and refresher training on data tools, systems, and standards.
• Engage with Ministry of Health teams to enhance data accuracy and use at facility and district levels.
• Travel regularly to health facilities for report verification, source document review, and data quality improvement support.
• Assist with data collection exercises, surveys, research-related tasks, and implementation of digital/mobile health projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and Attributes

• Expertise in managing, validating, analyzing, and interpreting multi-source health data.
• Knowledge of digital health platforms including EMR, DHIS2, OpenMRS, CommCare, SurveyCTO, ODK, and similar technologies.
• Proficient in identifying and resolving data quality issues ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Skilled in database software and query tools such as SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or analogs.
• Capability to compile reports, maintain data documentation, and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Meticulous attention to detail with dedication to accuracy and thorough data handling.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical management of sensitive information.
• Ability to function well within multidisciplinary teams fostering collaboration and positive relationships.
• Accountability with proactive initiative towards continuous improvement.
• Flexibility and resilience to perform effectively in resource-limited and dynamic field environments.
• Service-oriented approach to support high-quality healthcare through reliable data management.
• Proficient problem-solving skills for investigating discrepancies and implementing corrective measures.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and proficient use of Word and PowerPoint.
• Competence in conducting data verification and monitoring reporting adherence.
• Effective communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Experience mentoring and training staff on data systems and processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computing, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Systems, Informatics, or related disciplines.
• At least 2 years of practical experience working with data management systems, databases, or health information systems.
• Proficiency in database query languages including SQL, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.
• Exposure to Ministry of Health digital health and reporting systems is an advantage.
• Strong computer literacy with emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with health informatics, digital and mobile health technologies is beneficial.
• Experience with electronic data collection platforms like OpenMRS, DHIS2, CommCare, SurveyCTO, or ODK is preferred.
• A demonstrated track record of maintaining outstanding data quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Experience within health programs, monitoring and evaluation, research, or health care environments is favorable.

Additional Information

• Regular travel to healthcare facilities and communities within supported districts is required.
• The role involves flexibility including supporting field activities, meeting reporting deadlines, and undertaking special projects.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality, data integrity, and ethical standards.
• Interest in advancing digital health and information system strengthening to aid data-driven healthcare improvements.
• Opportunity to impact healthcare quality and patient outcomes by providing dependable and timely health information.

Safeguarding and Recruitment Notes

The organization prioritizes safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse. Hiring is contingent upon successful background verification. No fees are charged throughout the recruitment process; any request for payments should be reported. The position requires applicants to be based in Malawi.