Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI) is an international consulting firm providing economic development solutions to governments and businesses worldwide. We are currently looking for a Specialist to join the Management Systems Team within the Field Operation Unit at DAI. The Field Operations Unit (FOU) works to ensure that all DAI projects world-wide operate at a consistent, high quality level, committed to our core values: Challenge, Learning, Integrity and Performance. The successful candidate for this position will have a background in development project management and an understanding of how computer based systems can enhance that management. We are willing to teach the programming skills necessary to perform in this position; we are looking for a through understanding of the non IT component of the job.
This is a full-time permanent position. Travel requirements are estimated to average 4-6 weeks per quarter.
Responsibilities:
Project Management Information System Design, Implementation and Upgrade Support: DAI has designed a Technical and Administrative Management Information System (TAMS) based in Lotus Notes, to enhance the management of our field development projects. TAMIS is customized for each project to meet its unique management needs. The Management Information Specialist will perform this customization role by traveling to the field to work with the COP, technical and administrative staff and clients (mainly USAID) to tailor the system to the specific needs of the project through the following:
• Analyzing the project contract and workplan, and using extensive knowledge of project management, assessing project needs in collaboration with Chief of Party and other staff. • Customizing TAMIS, to meet particular project needs and developing other complementary project management systems to address information needs. • Providing on-going support to existing TAMIS applications through consistent and rapid technical response to requests from the field, home office, and clients. • Upgrading existing TAMIS applications with repeat visits to the field office when needed.
Management Information System Research and Development: The Management Information Specialist will participate in a continuous review of MST’s standard products and apply best practices and lessons learned thus ensuring that all products use the most current technology and innovative methods.
New Business Development: The Management Information Specialist will help develop competitive proposal sections illustrating DAI’s management information systems in coordination with DAI technical groups and maintain innovations and best practices from successful proposals as a resource for corporate new business efforts.
DAI Field Operations Optimization: The Management Information Specialist will participate in DAI corporate system development, to insure integration of field/project needs and information with home office requirements and serve as the liaison with the support offices at DAI that make and maintain policy which affects what TAMIS does and how it does it.
Geographic Information System (GIS)/TAMIS Integration: The Management Information Specialist will work with DAI’s GIS Team to develop meaningful GIS/TAMIS interfaces and help extract data from TAMIS applications that will serve as the basis for GIS.
Field and Home-Office Training: The Management Information Specialist will develop and implement training programs for DAI staff in the use of management information systems, particularly TAMIS. This training role includes working with DAI’s clients to demonstrate and train them in the use of TAMIS applications on the WWW and develop and maintain professional, user-friendly documentation and training materials.
Corporate Field Operations Systems Education and Outreach: The Management Information Specialist will develop and maintain materials that inform DAI global and client staff about management systems innovations. These include materials for distribution via the DAI Web-site as well as other mediums such as flyers, newsletters, and brownbags.
Qualifications:
• Master's degree in business administration, economics, or related field and/or relevant experience • Five years of work experience, with a minimum of three years in project management with demonstrated knowledge of development issues and USAID rules and regulations. • Ability to work with minimal supervision and determine appropriate approaches and priorities for accomplishing work • Excellent communication skills to enable effective work with Chiefs of Party, technical and administrative staff, external clients (USAID and other donor staff), project counterparts and subcontractors. • Ability to motivate a variety of people working in a team environment to produce a high-quality product within a fixed schedule. • Initiative and clarity of thought along with excellent written and verbal communication skills • Facilitation and/or training skills preferred.
The level of responsibility and salary will be commensurate with background and experience. Interested candidates should send their resume and a cover letter to: Development Alternatives, Inc., Suite 200, 7250 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814, ATTN: OHR, or Fax 732-358-5072 or e-mail:
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