Data Manager - Wildlife Conservation & Law Enforcement

About the role

A Data Manager is needed in Mfuwe, Zambia, to develop, maintain and coordinate reliable data systems supporting CSL and DNPW law-enforcement and human-wildlife conflict (HWC) operations. The role covers data collection, quality assurance, analysis, mapping and reporting, and supports field teams and capacity building.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate the collection, transfer, cleaning, verification and secure storage of field data, with particular responsibility for SMART datasets; conduct SMART patrol debriefs and review datasets for errors and missing information.
• Maintain organized databases, spreadsheets and digital records, and manage and monitor SMART mobile devices and other data-collection platforms.
• Keep accurate records and inventories of data-collection equipment such as GPS units, InReach devices and radios.
• Analyze law-enforcement and conservation data with Excel, GIS and other tools, and produce tables, charts, dashboards, maps and visualizations for planning and reporting.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly data summaries and reports for internal, partner and donor use, and translate technical data into clear information for non-technical audiences.
• Work with DNPW officers and CSL field teams, providing training, guidance and troubleshooting, and developing user guides, data-collection procedures and SOPs.
• Make regular field visits to remote areas for training, equipment maintenance, data verification and monitoring, and collaborate with the Head of Data and Technology.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science or a related field.
• Practical experience in data management, analysis, quality assurance and M&E.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills, and willingness to travel regularly to remote field locations.
• Experience with government agencies, conservation organizations or field-based teams is desirable; wildlife conservation, protected-area management or law-enforcement experience is an advantage.

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel, including formulas, charts and dashboards.
• Microsoft Office and general IT systems.
• SMART, GIS, GPS and digital data-collection systems highly desirable.
• QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth and Kobo Toolbox are an advantage; Power BI, R, Python, SQL or similar tools are also an advantage.
• A valid manual driver's license and passport are an advantage.