Mercy Corps
Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS) Information Management Coordinator- Consultancy
Mercy Corps, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS) Information Management Coordinator – Consultancy
Contract Duration: 7 months (with possibility of extension to May 2026)
Job Type: Consultancy
Language Requirement: English and Arabic
Background: Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, hardship, and more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. The Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS) is a multi‑donor $55M USD collaborative platform to advance a progressive vision of the potential of cash and markets assistance to transform humanitarian response and recovery in partnership with vulnerable conflict‑affected populations. CCS is led by Mercy Corps, building on its global experience and learning on leading cash consortia in multiple country contexts, with international partners including Acted, CARE, Concern, CORE, the International Rescue Committee, GOAL, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, and twelve Sudanese NGOs.
Purpose and Project Description The CCS Information Management (IM) Coordinator serves as the primary focal point for Information Management within the Consortium, responsible for database management in CommCare, data cleaning, updating, uploading, and troubleshooting. The role ensures standardization, harmonization, accuracy, and completeness of partner data across all program components and reporting levels. The coordinator monitors and supports deduplication processes, reporting, and case management across the consortium, coordinating with partner MEL focal points, delivering training and guidance on MEL, and strengthening partner capacity in data management and quality assurance. The role requires strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills, and a deep understanding of Sudan’s humanitarian context.
Consultant Activities Strategy and Planning
Collaborate with CCS Secretariat to refine and implement a localized MEL strategy that aligns with the consortium’s vision and adapts to the dynamic humanitarian context in Sudan.
Ensure the quality and harmonization of consortium data by regularly implementing parameters and guidelines for database management, data cleaning, and reporting, and by conducting regular quality control reviews of partner submissions.
Strengthen the capacity of MEL teams at national and local levels by supporting the adoption and integration of consortium MEL tools, methodologies, and practices that improve data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Coordinate regularly with CCS partners on the management of information systems and the implementation of MEL activities, identifying opportunities for improvement and context‑driven solutions.
Proactively communicate feedback, challenges, and lessons learned from partners to the Secretariat MEL team, ensuring that regular engagement across different workstreams informs the continuous improvement of MEL systems, tools, and approaches.
Contribute to consortium‑wide planning and coordination by bringing insights from partner‑level and local‑level implementation to inform MEL strategies and engagement approaches.
Information Management
Manage and maintain the CCS CommCare system and consortium databases, ensuring that all data entered by partners is accurate, complete, standardized, and regularly updated to enable high‑quality analysis, reporting, and learning.
Lead and carry on the weekly deduplication case management process, including downloading weekly deduplication results, reviewing and acting on flagged cases, closing or marking potential duplicate households, and providing timely feedback to partners and Secretariat on how to improve the process.
Serve as the main MEL focal point for data updates, completeness, and consistency in the Service Mapping and Referral Pathways program components, ensuring standardized and harmonized use of referrals/service mapping forms and data points across partners.
Support the MEL Tech Lead and the Data Systems Engineer in the design and programming of data collection tools, including Kobo forms for specific activities, manual data collection forms, and Excel templates to facilitate data cleaning, migration, and harmonization.
Work closely with the CCS Lead on MEL Technologies and the CCS Data Systems Engineer and Integration Specialist to address needs related to data migration across systems or CommCare project spaces, operationalize and test automated Data Quality Checks, and contextualize MEL systems to better meet partners needs.
Provide regular support and troubleshooting for partner MEL teams on data management and CommCare usage, ensuring smooth implementation of daily MEL activities and reinforcing harmonization across partners.
Supervise compliance with consortium‑wide minimum MEL standards in data entry and information management, identifying issues or inconsistencies and proposing corrective actions in collaboration with the MEL Manager.
Ensure that information is shared in a timely and systematic way with consortium partners and external actors, supporting coordination, synergies, and the avoidance of duplication in areas of overlapping operations.
Document IM processes, tools, and performance under their responsibility and produce regular updates to the Secretariat MEL team to inform adaptive management and improvements to the consortium MEL system.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting
Support the regular monitoring of consortium activities, including registrations, verifications, distributions, post‑distribution monitoring (PDMs), and additional assessments across all program components, ensuring that shared monitoring standards are applied consistently.
Contribute to the preparation of reports for donors, the Cash Working Group, and other stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in collaboration with the CCS MEL Secretariat.
Serve as the focal point for updating and maintaining program data in Mercy Corps’ TOLA system, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and completeness for consortium reporting.
Support the preparation and facilitation of Pause and Reflect sessions, bringing insights from both regular MEL activities and IM/case management processes, and translating findings into actionable recommendations for adaptive programming.
Generate periodic reports on referrals, deduplication, Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), case management actions, and other MEL system processes, summarizing findings, lessons learned, and adjustments.
Support the socialization and use of dashboards across partners as a mechanism for regular reporting, ensuring that data visualization tools are accessible and relevant.
Manage user access to the CommCare system, including web and mobile accounts, and update the organizational structure within the system to reflect program implementation areas and partner arrangements.
Coordination and Capacity Strengthening
Contribute to the design and documentation of guidance, lessons, and training materials to strengthen partners’ understanding, appropriation, and application of MEL processes and tools.
In coordination with the MEL Tech Lead and the Data Systems Engineer and Integration Specialist design and deliver regular trainings, refreshers, and capacity‑strengthening activities with partner teams.
Provide regular feedback to CCS partners to improve data quality, completeness, and ownership of their data.
Support the documentation and follow‑up of CCS MEL Technical Working Group meetings, ensuring that agreements, decisions, and discussions are accurately recorded and effectively put into practice across the consortium partners.
Engage in regular follow‑up with partners to ensure the consistent adoption of MEL tools and practices, supporting broad application of the consortium’s MEL approach across program levels and components.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Ensure that all MEL and IM activities adhere to data protection and safeguarding standards, including the operationalization of recommendations and action points from the Data Protection Impact Assessment.
Ensure accountability in handling partner data requests by actioning and confirming them in a timely and organized manner.
Oversee the safeguarding aspects of the deduplication process, ensuring that personally identifiable information (PII) is handled responsibly.
Promote a culture of safeguarding and accountability in MEL activities, ensuring that data collection, management, and reporting processes respect confidentiality, informed consent, and the dignity and rights of affected populations.
Consultant Deliverables
Handle partner requests related to data cleaning, migration, and updates in a timely and well‑documented manner, maintaining transparent communication on actions taken and outcomes.
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for information management processes, including data entry, deduplication, referrals, service mapping, and reporting workflows.
Design data validation matrixes detailing verification criteria, thresholds, and corrective actions to ensure data consistency across partners.
Create a partner MEL compliance checklist to monitor adherence to consortium minimum standards in data collection, cleaning, and reporting.
Document a CommCare access management protocol outlining user roles, permissions, and maintenance procedures.
Maintain and regularly update partners’ data submission tracker documenting data transfers (sent, received, validated, actioned) to strengthen transparency and accountability.
Develop and manage a deduplication tracker and case management log to record flagged cases, partner follow‑up actions, and resolution timelines.
Design and implement a Data Quality Assessment (DQA) tool and produce quarterly DQA summary reports with findings and recommendations.
Update and maintain indicator and achievement trackers, ensuring alignment with consortium logframes, reporting cycles, and donor requirements.
Compile clean and validated datasets for consortium reporting (e.g., 5Ws, donor submissions, and TOLA updates).
Produce quarterly data review presentations for Pause and Reflect sessions summarizing progress, gaps, and lessons learned.
Generate short analytical summaries on deduplication, referrals, and DQA processes to inform adaptive management.
Provide regular support and troubleshooting to partner MEL teams on data management, CommCare usage, and adherence to consortium standards.
Develop and deliver training packages and user guides covering data cleaning, validation, dashboard use, and harmonization practices.
Facilitate quarterly training sessions or refresher workshops to strengthen partner capacity on MEL systems, IM tools, and data protection.
Maintain a partner coaching and feedback tracker documenting training sessions, technical support provided and agreed follow‑up actions.
Maintain a CommCare system logbook and version control register documenting partner requests, changes, and technical adjustments.
Timeframe / Schedule 7 months (based on continued availability of funds, secured through to May 2026)
Reporting Reports to CCS MEL Manager
Work Closely With
HQ Technical Support, CCS Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party, CCS MEL and broader Secretariat team, partners’ MEL national/local teams (including Mercy Corps Sudan MEL team)
Required Experience & Skills
Education: BA/S or equivalent in Social Sciences, Data/Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, or a related field; postgraduate degree is a strong advantage.
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning roles, with at least three (3) years of specific experience in information management, case management, data systems administration, and coordination in humanitarian or development programs.
Experience working with international donors such as ECHO, FCDO, SDC, and US State Department, with knowledge of donor reporting requirements, data quality standards, and compliance frameworks.
Proven expertise in information management systems and data collection tools, with hands‑on experience in platforms and languages such as CommCare HQ, Kobo, ODK, and XLS form design/programming; CommCare HQ is highly preferable.
Strong skills in database management, including designing and implementing validation rules, maintaining data integrity, troubleshooting errors, and ensuring accuracy and completeness across large datasets.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, data validation, visualization).
Demonstrated experience in providing technical support, mentoring, and training for diverse teams, ensuring harmonization of MEL tools and approaches across multiple organizations.
Experience supporting MEL and IM systems in emergency and complex crisis contexts, including rapid needs assessments, adaptive response planning, and effectively managing competing priorities within tight deadlines.
Experience in monitoring and reporting on program indicators for humanitarian or development interventions in line with donor standards and requirements, preferably with specific experience in cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programming.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across national and international partners and foster collaboration in a consortium setting.
Proficiency in English and Arabic required.
Preferred (Not Required)
Knowledge and experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Google Data Studio.
Familiarity with data protection principles and standards, including GDPR or humanitarian data protection guidelines.
Experience with statistical software or programming languages (e.g., Stata, R, Python) for data analysis and management of large datasets.
Knowledge of GIS tools and mapping software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS).
Experience in cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programming, particularly in monitoring indicators for cash-based responses.
Team Engagement and Effectiveness Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
Equal Employment Opportunity Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
Safeguarding & Ethics Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in‑country venues.
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Job Type: Consultancy
Language Requirement: English and Arabic
Background: Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, hardship, and more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. The Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS) is a multi‑donor $55M USD collaborative platform to advance a progressive vision of the potential of cash and markets assistance to transform humanitarian response and recovery in partnership with vulnerable conflict‑affected populations. CCS is led by Mercy Corps, building on its global experience and learning on leading cash consortia in multiple country contexts, with international partners including Acted, CARE, Concern, CORE, the International Rescue Committee, GOAL, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, and twelve Sudanese NGOs.
Purpose and Project Description The CCS Information Management (IM) Coordinator serves as the primary focal point for Information Management within the Consortium, responsible for database management in CommCare, data cleaning, updating, uploading, and troubleshooting. The role ensures standardization, harmonization, accuracy, and completeness of partner data across all program components and reporting levels. The coordinator monitors and supports deduplication processes, reporting, and case management across the consortium, coordinating with partner MEL focal points, delivering training and guidance on MEL, and strengthening partner capacity in data management and quality assurance. The role requires strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills, and a deep understanding of Sudan’s humanitarian context.
Consultant Activities Strategy and Planning
Collaborate with CCS Secretariat to refine and implement a localized MEL strategy that aligns with the consortium’s vision and adapts to the dynamic humanitarian context in Sudan.
Ensure the quality and harmonization of consortium data by regularly implementing parameters and guidelines for database management, data cleaning, and reporting, and by conducting regular quality control reviews of partner submissions.
Strengthen the capacity of MEL teams at national and local levels by supporting the adoption and integration of consortium MEL tools, methodologies, and practices that improve data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Coordinate regularly with CCS partners on the management of information systems and the implementation of MEL activities, identifying opportunities for improvement and context‑driven solutions.
Proactively communicate feedback, challenges, and lessons learned from partners to the Secretariat MEL team, ensuring that regular engagement across different workstreams informs the continuous improvement of MEL systems, tools, and approaches.
Contribute to consortium‑wide planning and coordination by bringing insights from partner‑level and local‑level implementation to inform MEL strategies and engagement approaches.
Information Management
Manage and maintain the CCS CommCare system and consortium databases, ensuring that all data entered by partners is accurate, complete, standardized, and regularly updated to enable high‑quality analysis, reporting, and learning.
Lead and carry on the weekly deduplication case management process, including downloading weekly deduplication results, reviewing and acting on flagged cases, closing or marking potential duplicate households, and providing timely feedback to partners and Secretariat on how to improve the process.
Serve as the main MEL focal point for data updates, completeness, and consistency in the Service Mapping and Referral Pathways program components, ensuring standardized and harmonized use of referrals/service mapping forms and data points across partners.
Support the MEL Tech Lead and the Data Systems Engineer in the design and programming of data collection tools, including Kobo forms for specific activities, manual data collection forms, and Excel templates to facilitate data cleaning, migration, and harmonization.
Work closely with the CCS Lead on MEL Technologies and the CCS Data Systems Engineer and Integration Specialist to address needs related to data migration across systems or CommCare project spaces, operationalize and test automated Data Quality Checks, and contextualize MEL systems to better meet partners needs.
Provide regular support and troubleshooting for partner MEL teams on data management and CommCare usage, ensuring smooth implementation of daily MEL activities and reinforcing harmonization across partners.
Supervise compliance with consortium‑wide minimum MEL standards in data entry and information management, identifying issues or inconsistencies and proposing corrective actions in collaboration with the MEL Manager.
Ensure that information is shared in a timely and systematic way with consortium partners and external actors, supporting coordination, synergies, and the avoidance of duplication in areas of overlapping operations.
Document IM processes, tools, and performance under their responsibility and produce regular updates to the Secretariat MEL team to inform adaptive management and improvements to the consortium MEL system.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting
Support the regular monitoring of consortium activities, including registrations, verifications, distributions, post‑distribution monitoring (PDMs), and additional assessments across all program components, ensuring that shared monitoring standards are applied consistently.
Contribute to the preparation of reports for donors, the Cash Working Group, and other stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in collaboration with the CCS MEL Secretariat.
Serve as the focal point for updating and maintaining program data in Mercy Corps’ TOLA system, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and completeness for consortium reporting.
Support the preparation and facilitation of Pause and Reflect sessions, bringing insights from both regular MEL activities and IM/case management processes, and translating findings into actionable recommendations for adaptive programming.
Generate periodic reports on referrals, deduplication, Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), case management actions, and other MEL system processes, summarizing findings, lessons learned, and adjustments.
Support the socialization and use of dashboards across partners as a mechanism for regular reporting, ensuring that data visualization tools are accessible and relevant.
Manage user access to the CommCare system, including web and mobile accounts, and update the organizational structure within the system to reflect program implementation areas and partner arrangements.
Coordination and Capacity Strengthening
Contribute to the design and documentation of guidance, lessons, and training materials to strengthen partners’ understanding, appropriation, and application of MEL processes and tools.
In coordination with the MEL Tech Lead and the Data Systems Engineer and Integration Specialist design and deliver regular trainings, refreshers, and capacity‑strengthening activities with partner teams.
Provide regular feedback to CCS partners to improve data quality, completeness, and ownership of their data.
Support the documentation and follow‑up of CCS MEL Technical Working Group meetings, ensuring that agreements, decisions, and discussions are accurately recorded and effectively put into practice across the consortium partners.
Engage in regular follow‑up with partners to ensure the consistent adoption of MEL tools and practices, supporting broad application of the consortium’s MEL approach across program levels and components.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Ensure that all MEL and IM activities adhere to data protection and safeguarding standards, including the operationalization of recommendations and action points from the Data Protection Impact Assessment.
Ensure accountability in handling partner data requests by actioning and confirming them in a timely and organized manner.
Oversee the safeguarding aspects of the deduplication process, ensuring that personally identifiable information (PII) is handled responsibly.
Promote a culture of safeguarding and accountability in MEL activities, ensuring that data collection, management, and reporting processes respect confidentiality, informed consent, and the dignity and rights of affected populations.
Consultant Deliverables
Handle partner requests related to data cleaning, migration, and updates in a timely and well‑documented manner, maintaining transparent communication on actions taken and outcomes.
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for information management processes, including data entry, deduplication, referrals, service mapping, and reporting workflows.
Design data validation matrixes detailing verification criteria, thresholds, and corrective actions to ensure data consistency across partners.
Create a partner MEL compliance checklist to monitor adherence to consortium minimum standards in data collection, cleaning, and reporting.
Document a CommCare access management protocol outlining user roles, permissions, and maintenance procedures.
Maintain and regularly update partners’ data submission tracker documenting data transfers (sent, received, validated, actioned) to strengthen transparency and accountability.
Develop and manage a deduplication tracker and case management log to record flagged cases, partner follow‑up actions, and resolution timelines.
Design and implement a Data Quality Assessment (DQA) tool and produce quarterly DQA summary reports with findings and recommendations.
Update and maintain indicator and achievement trackers, ensuring alignment with consortium logframes, reporting cycles, and donor requirements.
Compile clean and validated datasets for consortium reporting (e.g., 5Ws, donor submissions, and TOLA updates).
Produce quarterly data review presentations for Pause and Reflect sessions summarizing progress, gaps, and lessons learned.
Generate short analytical summaries on deduplication, referrals, and DQA processes to inform adaptive management.
Provide regular support and troubleshooting to partner MEL teams on data management, CommCare usage, and adherence to consortium standards.
Develop and deliver training packages and user guides covering data cleaning, validation, dashboard use, and harmonization practices.
Facilitate quarterly training sessions or refresher workshops to strengthen partner capacity on MEL systems, IM tools, and data protection.
Maintain a partner coaching and feedback tracker documenting training sessions, technical support provided and agreed follow‑up actions.
Maintain a CommCare system logbook and version control register documenting partner requests, changes, and technical adjustments.
Timeframe / Schedule 7 months (based on continued availability of funds, secured through to May 2026)
Reporting Reports to CCS MEL Manager
Work Closely With
HQ Technical Support, CCS Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party, CCS MEL and broader Secretariat team, partners’ MEL national/local teams (including Mercy Corps Sudan MEL team)
Required Experience & Skills
Education: BA/S or equivalent in Social Sciences, Data/Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, or a related field; postgraduate degree is a strong advantage.
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning roles, with at least three (3) years of specific experience in information management, case management, data systems administration, and coordination in humanitarian or development programs.
Experience working with international donors such as ECHO, FCDO, SDC, and US State Department, with knowledge of donor reporting requirements, data quality standards, and compliance frameworks.
Proven expertise in information management systems and data collection tools, with hands‑on experience in platforms and languages such as CommCare HQ, Kobo, ODK, and XLS form design/programming; CommCare HQ is highly preferable.
Strong skills in database management, including designing and implementing validation rules, maintaining data integrity, troubleshooting errors, and ensuring accuracy and completeness across large datasets.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, data validation, visualization).
Demonstrated experience in providing technical support, mentoring, and training for diverse teams, ensuring harmonization of MEL tools and approaches across multiple organizations.
Experience supporting MEL and IM systems in emergency and complex crisis contexts, including rapid needs assessments, adaptive response planning, and effectively managing competing priorities within tight deadlines.
Experience in monitoring and reporting on program indicators for humanitarian or development interventions in line with donor standards and requirements, preferably with specific experience in cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programming.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across national and international partners and foster collaboration in a consortium setting.
Proficiency in English and Arabic required.
Preferred (Not Required)
Knowledge and experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Google Data Studio.
Familiarity with data protection principles and standards, including GDPR or humanitarian data protection guidelines.
Experience with statistical software or programming languages (e.g., Stata, R, Python) for data analysis and management of large datasets.
Knowledge of GIS tools and mapping software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS).
Experience in cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programming, particularly in monitoring indicators for cash-based responses.
Team Engagement and Effectiveness Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
Equal Employment Opportunity Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
Safeguarding & Ethics Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in‑country venues.
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