ICT Officer – Document Automation Developer

ICT Officer – Document Automation Developer
Job no: 496940
Position type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Zambia – Lusaka
Division/Equivalent: Zambia
School/Unit: Strategic Information / Monitoring & Evaluation
Categories: Strategic Information/Surveillance/Monitoring & Evaluation

ICAP at Columbia University is an international, non-profit organization situated at Columbia University in New York. ICAP is Empowering Health Around the World and works in over 30 countries, including Zambia. Together with our partners—Ministries of Health, large multilateral, health care providers, and patients—we support comprehensive, person-centered HIV/TB services and high-performing health system strengthening initiatives that provide quality and affordable health care. And by enhancing health information systems, improving quality, and developing human resources for health, we build capacity and efficiency in the world’s most challenging, resource-limited settings.

ICAP, seeks to recruit a highly qualified candidate to serve as an ICT Officer – Document Automation Developer to be based in Lusaka, Zambia. To fill the position by December 2022.

The incumbent will possess a degree in computer science, Information Technology, or other related disciplines, at least 3 years of demonstrated experience in Visual Basic programming or an IT quality assurance role, and exposure to Optic Character Recognition with preference given for health experience is an added advantage, good understanding of data governance principles, demonstrated strong coordination, management, teamwork, and planning skills with a proven ability to function effectively in both the public and NGO sectors and experience in the development of a training package for capacity building at national and lower levels.

To view a full job description, please click here ICT Officer- Document Automation Developer Final PDF

Only candidates who are eligible to work in Zambia without a need for sponsorship will be considered for the position.

The position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

Columbia University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on race, color, sex, gender, religion, creed, national and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, status as a perceived or actual victim of domestic violence, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran, or any other legally protected status

Advertised: Nov 11 2022 South Africa Standard Time
Application close: Nov 22 2022 South Africa Standard Time

Position Title: ICT Officer – Document Automation Developer
(1) Reports to: Deputy Director M&E (MOH)

Reports to: Strategic Information Director (ICAP)
Location: Lusaka

POSITION SUMMARY

Working under the supervision of the Deputy Director M&E and Strategic Information Director, the ICT Officer – Document Automation Developer will collaborate with MoH M&E and IT departments at the national level in supporting the development of automated optical character recognition (OCR) for the COVID-19 vaccination program.
The Developer will also work with MoH M&E and IT departments to support capacity-building activities through training and mentorship at different MOH levels to ensure automated OCR for COVID-19 vaccination data is well documented and reported into the national electronic covid-19 registry.
The Document Automation Developer will operate and develop algorithms for optical character recognition (OCR) software. The use of this application will support MOH Covid-19 vaccination program in driving efficiency and optimizing data processing. This role will work directly with Covid-19 M&E and IT teams to build an integrated solution, serving as the lead on OCR development. This role will work to enhance operational processes through data manipulation and transformation. The Developer will be responsible for applying structured algorithms in collecting data from various document types for preparing user accessible document extracts.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Design extraction solutions utilizing appropriate software
• Accurately and efficiently utilize Optical Character Recognition software to provide accurate document processing
• Support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and roll-out plans of the Optical Character Recognition processes.
• Drive the strategic and tactical roll-out of the Optical Character Recognition solution
• Collaborate with MoH in the development of a training package for capacity building of MoH staff at national and provincial levels in Optical Character Recognition data processing.
• Collect cleanse, and transform data with a focus on first-time quality
• Monitor the Optical Character Recognition workflow to ensure all documents are verified and processed for extraction
• Support monitoring the use of Optical Character Recognition processes by the provincial and district teams.
• Develop best practices and create technical documentation
• Assess the effectiveness of extraction algorithms
• Support end users on understanding extracted data
• Maintain a current and thorough understanding of software
• Support the review, validate, and correct information extracted by the OCR system
• Coordinate capacity building and training of MoH/IP staff to enhance data management processes and improve data quality.
• Provide frequent updates to stakeholders
• Provide other technical coordination support as guided by the supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS
• University Degree in computer science, Information Technology, or other related disciplines

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in Visual Basic programming or IT quality assurance role.
• Exposure to OCR with preference given for health experience is an added advantage.
• Good understanding of data governance principles.
• Demonstrated strong coordination, management, teamwork, and planning skills with a proven ability to function effectively in both the public and NGO sectors.
• Experience in the development of a training package for capacity building at national and lower levels.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• Requires domestic travel of a minimum of 30-40% of the time