Consultant – Research Data Management

About IWMI: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is dedicated to addressing water-related challenges in agriculture, climate change, and resilience through innovative research. In our commitment to enhancing water and climate resilience, IWMI is seeking a dedicated Consultant for an essential research data management project.

Job Description:

Objective of the Assignment: Effective research data management within CGIAR initiatives is essential for ensuring data is collected, managed, and stored ethically and efficiently. IWMI leads two CGIAR initiatives: Ukama Ustawi and NEXUS Gains, and carries out a significant portion of the research within these initiatives. To ensure that data is appropriately managed and to map partner-held data locations, a data management plan is needed. This consultancy’s objective is to develop and implement this plan for the two initiatives, focusing on cataloging and storing existing research data.

Scope of Work: The consultant will perform the following tasks:

• Benchmark data management practices across the CGI system, particularly focusing on Dataverse usage and providers.
• Collaborate with IWMI PMO, ICT, and the initiatives to determine the most suitable data storage locations for IWMI research data.
• Review and adapt IWMI’s project-level data management plan format to align with the initiatives’ needs.
• Develop a comprehensive questionnaire for IWMI-led initiative research, covering storage, data management information, collection protocols, IRB requirements, research quality, copyright, and dataset publication.
• Use the questionnaire to collect metadata from IWMI research within both initiatives.
• Consult with NEXUS Gains and Ukama Ustawi partners to locate their metadata and understand their IRB approval process.
• Identify process or information gaps and work with the management teams to establish action plans.
• Ensure an updated data management plan is in place for governing future data collection under the two initiatives.
• Collaborate with auditors/evaluators for data retrieval, if required during the consultancy period.

Deliverables:

• A summary of mapping and processes for metadata collection and storage within the CGIAR, with a focus on Ukama Ustawi and NEXUS Gains partners, as well as key external partners for Ukama Ustawi.
• Questionnaire for IWMI researchers.
• A comprehensive report detailing research data collected to date and their appropriate storage.
• Data management plan (one for each initiative or a single plan fitting both).

Knowledge & Experience:

• Strong understanding of research data management requirements, protocols, and standards.
• Familiarity with research metadata storage options and processes for metadata management.
• Proven ability to interact with scientists to gather information.
• Desirable: Good understanding of CGIAR.

Qualifications:

• Essential: A relevant Master’s or Undergraduate degree.

Terms:

• Estimated Number of Days Required: 55

How to Apply: To apply for this consultancy position, please submit your application through the provided application portal at www.iwmi.org/jobs. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 (SAST) by 05th October 2023 and should include a CV, and contact information for three work related references.

IWMI is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities.