Data Management Officer
Employer: SPANA
Location: UK based, hybrid working with regular attendance (approximately 1-2 days per month, or more if preferred) in our London office
Working hours: Full-time (34.5 per week)
Salary: c.£35k per annum subject to skills and experience
Closing date: 23:59 GMT on 04 January 2026
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SPANA is investing in its Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) function. We have established an independent MEAL team within the Global Programmes Directorate (GPD), led by a Head of Data Insights and MEAL. The MEAL team plays a critical role in ensuring that SPANA’s programmes are effective, responsive and continuously progressing to improve the welfare of working animals globally. The MEAL team works closely with SPANA partners based in different countries and with SPANA colleagues across departments.
Reporting to the MEAL Manager, the Data Management Officer is a key role in SPANA’s MEAL team. The role oversees the full data cycle, including supporting partners with consistent data collection, improving data quality assurance, maintaining data systems, setting standards, co-ordinating consolidation of programme data and producing clear analysis and visualisation. The role contributes directly to better use of evidence in programme design, learning and accountability across the organisation.
Key responsibilities
Area 1. Data collection and quality assurance
• Maintain data collection tools and digital forms using ODK (Open Data Kit) or other agreed platforms.
• Support the design, testing, implementation and maintenance of data collection tools that meet programme requirements.
• Monitor and ensure completeness and quality of incoming data from partners and programme teams. Resolve and escalate issues, as required.
• Conduct routine data cleaning, validation and quality checks, and keep clear cleaning logs and transformation records.
• Revise data collection tools as per SPANA programme requirements and ensure updates follow agreed standards.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of data collection and quality assurance standard operating procedures (SOPs) and user guides.
• Train colleagues and partners on data collection and validation protocols and promote good practice.
Area 2. Data storage, security and governance
• Manage databases and data storage systems and ensure reliable organisation and retrieval of data.
• Contribute to ensuring all data is stored securely and complies with data protection requirements including the UK’s General Data Protection Requirements.
• Oversee access control and confidentiality for sensitive information.
• Oversee safe disposal of data in line with organisational policy, legal standards and funder requirements.
• Contribute to the creation and update of data governance procedures, including data retention rules, data sharing protocols and approval processes for new data elements.
Area 3. Data analysis, visualisation and reporting
• Work with colleagues and SPANA partners to identify data use cases and interpret findings that inform programmatic decision making.
• Prepare clear analytical outputs, reports and visualisations to support learning and evidence building.
• Create and maintain Power BI dashboards and visualisations and support colleagues in their use.
• Provide accurate data for donor reports, board reporting and organisational performance tracking.
• Facilitate routine data review sessions and other learning spaces with programme teams to promote the practical use of findings.
Are 4. System development, maintenance and documentation
• Support the specification, design and testing of an improved data management system to potentially replace the current Excel-based model.
• Work with IT colleagues and external experts to ensure the data system is robust, accessible and aligned with MEAL requirements.
• Maintain and troubleshoot data platforms and co-ordinate updates, improvements and integrations.
• Ensure system documentation is clear and up to date, including data dictionaries, indicator reference sheets, metadata standards and naming conventions.
Area 5: Team working and collaboration
• Contribute to department work plans and share updates with colleagues in a clear and timely way.
• Collaborate with partners and across SPANA teams to ensure data systems are pragmatic and user-centric – and that data processes support organisational objectives.
• Support capacity strengthening of partners and colleagues and encourage practical use of data in planning and reflection.
In addition, undertake any other duty or responsibility that may reasonably be allocated.
Person specification
Knowledge and education
• Undergraduate degree in data management or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent knowledge of data management systems, tools and good practice in data management.
• Demonstrable experience in working with data management systems and tools in the not-for-profit sector.
Experience and skills
• Professional experience managing varied data systems and handling large datasets.
• Ability to present and explain data in a clear and compelling way to a variety of audiences.
• Practical experience with common data collection and visualisation tools, such as ODK, PowerBI, etc.
• Experience co-ordinating incoming programme data from programming teams and partners to produce high-quality data sets.
• Experience designing and delivering trainings and supporting colleagues to improve data use.
Personal attributes
• Great attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Well organised, with confidence to manage competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Proactive and solution focused.
• A commitment to SPANA’s mission to transform the welfare of working animals.
Desirable criteria
• Experience working with partnership or grant management models.
• French or Arabic language skills
• Experience working with data management systems and tools within an international NGO context.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK currently and for the duration of the contract.
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