Senior Specialist, Technology Innovation and Data Management

Job description

Description
Background

Mafisa is a Zambian non-profit organisation established in 2018. Currently focused on Mwandi and surrounding districts, Mafisa is strengthening climate-smart, productive pastoralist livelihoods in Zambia’s poorest and most climate-impacted regions. The Mafisa model helps local traditional cattle-raising communities to improve herd health, adopt regenerative rangeland management, and access fair market opportunities so they will have larger, more sustainable incomes. Mafisa also supports other sustainable livelihoods in the same communities.

From 2023, Mafisa has been expanding operations through carbon financing. This is an innovative programme – a methodology that has not been used in Zambia, rapid growth for a young Zambian non-profit, and a significant expansion in programming in the livestock sector.

The Mafisa team is committed to building an impactful and respected programme.

Job purpose

The Senior Specialist, Technology Innovation and Data Management, plays a strategic role in leading the development, integration, and management of digital systems that support Mafisa’s growth and impact. This position ensures Mafisa’s programs are data-driven, tech-enabled, and operationally efficient, with systems tailored for rural and low-connectivity environments. The role also supports organisational learning, donor reporting, and carbon credit verification by ensuring data quality and technology alignment with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Technology and Systems Management

Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of digital tools and platforms to support data collection, program delivery and organizational operations.
Oversee technology projects, including custom application development, forms for data collection etc. ensuring solutions are scalable, user-friendly, and adapted for use in rural settings.
Manage Mafisa’s cloud and digital environments (e.g. Microsoft 365, Azure), ensuring data security, structured access, and reliable performance.
Champion the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance program efficiency and field operations.

Data Management and Reporting

Design and manage data collection and reporting systems that support field operations, impact tracking, and donor compliance.
Create reports and develop dashboards to monitor program performance and progress toward strategic objectives.
Ensure that accurate and timely data is available for internal decision-making and external reporting.
Contribute to the use of innovative technologies—such as RFID livestock tagging, satellite, GPS tracking etc.—to support program efficiency.
Stay abreast of technological advancements and assess their relevance for Mafisa’s evolving needs.

Strategic and Organizational Development

Work closely with program teams to understand their data and technology needs and build tailored solutions that improve outcomes.
Facilitate training and ongoing support for field and admin teams.
Contribute to organisational strategy and planning processes, ensuring tech and data systems align with long-term goals.
Prepare internal and external reports for the board, partners, and funders as needed.

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, data science, or a related field. A master’s degree is an added advantage.

 Experience and competencies

Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in technology or data systems implementation and management.
Proven experience leading tech-enabled projects in development or nonprofit settings, preferably in rural contexts.
Experience with business intelligence software such as Tableau, Power BI.
High competency in Excel, SQL (Structured Query Language) and setting up data collection tools such as MagPi, ODK etc.
Experience in GIS and mapping tools is an added advantage, particularly ArcGIS and QGIS.
Demonstrated ability to train and support users with varying levels of digital literacy.
Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.

Reporting

TheSenior Specialist, Technology Innovation and Data Management reports to the Chief Executive.
The Senior Specialist, Technology Innovation and Data Management supervises the data and reporting team.