Manager, Data Systems & IT

• Job TitleManager, Data Systems & IT
• OrganisationSpark MicroGrants
• DepartmentImpact
• LocationKampala, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda (~10% travel)
• Experience7+ years in database management
• CommitmentAt least 3 years; 6-month probation
• DeadlineRolling

Spark MicroGrants believes in a world where everyone lives with dignity and determines their own positive future. It has worked in 1,000+ villages in 6 countries and pioneered a community-driven development model in sub-Saharan Africa.

Its model combines facilitated village meetings with a small discretionary grant to catalyse local action, and it works with NGO and government partners, including the World Bank, to scale the approach.

The Manager, Data Systems & IT turns Spark’s programme data into decisions, owning collection tools, databases, dashboards and the wider IT estate across four countries.

Impact Data Ownership

• Manage data collection, storage and visualisation systems as a single version of the truth.
• Develop and maintain database structures and data flows, protected against breaches and loss.
• Bring new platforms into the data ecosystem with the program design team.
• Ensure security and integrity through backups, updates and data protection protocols.

Data-Driven Decisions and Training

• Set up and maintain core organisational dashboards.
• Lead data quality assurance of monitoring data with the MEL team.
• Evaluate user needs, run refreshers and create self-training manuals for Spark systems.

IT Strategy, Security and Team

• Lead the IT strategy and roadmap, including systems integration, digitalisation and automation.
• Oversee infrastructure, cybersecurity, SLAs, access management, backup and disaster recovery.
• Manage IT vendors, licensing and contracts.
• Supervise product and IT officers in Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and Ghana.

Education

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning or a related discipline.
• Certification in networking, databases and programming languages is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years with DBMS such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Expert knowledge of data integration and ETL.
• Experience supporting multi-country IT teams and working across cultures.

Technical Skills

• Python: Analysis and scripting.
• Power BI / Tableau / Zoho Analytics: Dashboards.
• Server management: Windows, Linux, cloud.
• Data security: GDPR-style best practice.

Soft Skills

• Problem solving: Self-starter.
• Distributed teamwork: Multi-country.
• Curiosity: Data storyteller.
• Leadership: Managing officers.

Salary is based on geographic location and commensurate with experience. Spark offers a community of thought partners, autonomy to shape your role and respect for work-life balance.

• Kampala-based option.
• Lead data across four countries.
• Own IT strategy end to end.
• Mission-driven NGO.
• Senior pick among IT jobs in Uganda.

Apply online through Spark MicroGrants’ careers portal. You will need a CV and answers to Spark’s screening questions, including your salary expectation and which countries you can work from. Spark asks for a commitment of at least 3 years.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and Spark may close the process at any time, so apply early. See more NGO jobs in Uganda.

• Show databases you’ve designed.
• Share dashboards you’ve built.
• Mention multi-country IT support.
• Highlight Python and ETL work.
• Apply early, it’s rolling.