Data Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a Data Manager to support CSL and DNPW law-enforcement and human-wildlife conflict operations by developing and maintaining robust data systems, ensuring data quality, and enabling data-driven decision-making in conservation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, coordinate, and sustain dependable data systems that underpin CSL and DNPW operations related to law enforcement and human-wildlife conflict.
• Oversee collection, transfer, cleaning, verification, and secure storage of field data, focusing especially on SMART datasets.
• Facilitate SMART patrol debriefings and collaborate closely with DNPW personnel and CSL field teams to confirm data completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.
• Review datasets to identify and resolve inconsistencies, errors, omissions, and quality issues.
• Organize and maintain databases, spreadsheets, digital archives, and implement appropriate data backup and documentation procedures.
• Manage and monitor digital data collection tools such as SMART Mobile devices, ensuring proper configuration, maintenance, and availability for field deployment.
• Keep detailed inventories and records of data-collection equipment, including SMART devices, GPS units, InReach devices, radios, and related assets.
• Ensure that sensitive law enforcement and conservation information is handled securely and confidentially in line with DNPW and CSL policies.
• Identify and propose enhancements to data systems, workflows, and quality control processes to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Analyze law enforcement and conservation datasets using Microsoft Excel, GIS, and other analytical tools to uncover trends, gaps, and priority areas requiring management attention.
• Create clear, actionable tables, charts, dashboards, maps, and data visualizations that support operational planning, management, and reporting needs.
• Maintain maps of patrol activities, wildlife sightings, incidents, interventions, and other pertinent data using platforms like QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth, or equivalents.
• Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly summaries, reports, presentations, and verified data compilations for internal, partner, and donor communications.
• Convert technical and spatial data into straightforward, practical insights suitable for DNPW officers, CSL management, and other audiences without technical backgrounds.
• Support intelligence-led law enforcement planning, resource distribution, and operational decision-making with detailed data analyses and products.
• Collaborate directly with DNPW officers and CSL field teams to enhance data collection practices, management, and utilization.
• Provide training, mentorship, and technical assistance for users of SMART, GPS, and other digital data platforms as required.
• Assist field teams with data collection, verification, and troubleshooting during operations.
• Identify gaps in data management, IT, and technical capacity and suggest practical remedies.
• Create and update user manuals, procedures, and standard operating protocols to encourage uniform data practices.
• Conduct regular visits to remote field locations to provide training, equipment maintenance, data verification, and monitoring support.
• Work jointly with the Head of Data and Technology and relevant staff from CSL and DNPW to optimize data and technology usage organisation-wide.

Qualifications and Skills

• A bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, or related disciplines.
• Proficient in advanced Microsoft Excel features such as formulae, charting, and dashboard creation.
• Good overall familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and general information technology systems.
• Hands-on experience in data management, data analysis, quality assurance, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Preferred experience with SMART, GIS, GPS, or other digital data collection technologies.
• Advantageous knowledge of QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth, and Kobo Toolbox platforms.
• Additional skills in Power BI, R, Python, SQL, or similar analytical, database, or visualization tools are considered beneficial.
• Relevant experience collaborating with government agencies, conservation organizations, or field-based operational units.
• Experience in wildlife conservation, protected area management, law enforcement, human-wildlife conflict management, or field data gathering is a plus.
• Strong report writing and presentation capabilities.
• Willingness and capacity to travel often to remote and challenging field sites.
• A valid manual driver's license and passport are advantageous.