Background

The Technical Support Services (TSS) Activity helps USAID/South Africa and Regional Health Office (RHO) to address technical priorities and develop creative, innovative solutions to strategically allocate resources, strengthen connections with partners, and replicate best practices and effective program models. Through the TSS contract, Panagora Group augments capacity by providing technical, operational, and administrative support to USAID’s largest health portfolio. TSS deploys advisors in response to USAID requests for priority work with government stakeholders, implementing partners, and/or other entities. TSS supports Health Office staff and teams to integrate creative solutions into routine work. TSS also provides international and local expertise for surge support, as needed, for USAID Program Cycle requirements, planning, development, outreach, communications, and Health Office human resource functions.

Description of Position

The Solutions Advisor: Data Storytelling will be responsible for building the skills of USAID, government counterparts, and/or implementing partner staff to turn complex data sets into compelling, easy-to-understand narratives that engage and inform stakeholders, both internally and externally. This highly creative and data-driven position will create custom solutions to the unique needs of each USAID, government, and partner context, leveraging best practices and integrating lessons learned. This will include building relationships with various teams and key stakeholders, promoting effective forms of data analysis and communication, and facilitating sustainable knowledge transfer between teams.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Solutions Advisor: Data Storytelling will support one or more of the following areas:

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  Use narrative-style tactics to transform complex technical content into clear, concise, and persuasive communications tailored to specific target audiences that USAID and its implementing partners can use to highlight its achievements and impact on national, regional, and global levels.
  
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  Utilizing existing resources where possible, develop a data storytelling training curriculum applicable for USAID and implementing partner staff.
  
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  Conduct (primarily) virtual training sessions with USAID, government counterparts, and/or implementing partner staff on how, after identifying key insights and trends, to generate and ultimately tell a compelling story.
  
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  Plan and lead engaging webinars with meticulous attention to detail and participant interaction, ensuring seamless delivery aligned with audience needs and objectives.
  
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  Develop and promote forums to facilitate learning, such as communities of practice.
  
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  Develop and maintain a library of data stories that showcase USAID’s and USG’s impact.
  
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  Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in data storytelling and visualization.
  
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  Translate data into clear, concise, and impactful visualizations and presentations.
  
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  Spearhead the development and implementation of tools and best practices.
  
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  Other activities as assigned.
  

Requirements

• A postgraduate degree in Data Science, Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Public Health, Epidemiology, International Development, Information Systems or a related field.
  
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  5-10 years of post-graduate experience, including 5 years’ experience in data analysis and storytelling, preferably in the field of public health or development.
  

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  Strong analytical and data visualization skills, with a deep understanding of data-driven storytelling principles and techniques.
  
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  Proficiency in data analysis tools, such as R, as well as visualization tools such as Tableau and Power BI.
  
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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and engaging manner.
  
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  Experience with compiling and preparing presentations and other learning materials that demonstrate adult learning principles.
  

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  Demonstrated skill and experience in facilitating groups, meetings, and events (both online and in-person), resulting in collaborative decision-making, agreed upon action items/priorities, and strong outcomes.
  
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  Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences (capacity strengthening) through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods using adult learning methodologies.
  
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  Ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  

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  Working knowledge of virtual conferencing technologies, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and/or Teams as well as proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 applications and Google Workspace to share information in a compelling and visually engaging way.
  
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  Detail-oriented and excellent time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and deliver required results in a timely and quality manner.
  
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  Full professional proficiency in the English language. Able to use the language fluently and accurately on all levels pertinent to professional needs.
  
  
  

• Note: Panagora does not offer visa sponsorship.