Senior Data Engineer

The Senior Data Engineer is responsible for designing, building, maintaining and securing the data architecture that underpins mothers2mothers' digital ecosystem. The role ensures that organisational data is available, integrated, protected, recoverable and accessible across all platforms and systems.

The incumbent serves as the technical owner of m2m's programme data infrastructure and is responsible for establishing Google Cloud Platform (GCP) as the organisation's primary data repository and integration layer. The role ensures that critical programme and operational data remains independent of any individual application, vendor or technology platform, thereby strengthening organisational resilience and business continuity.

A key responsibility of the role is the operational transition and ownership of CHARM Central from the current supplier, ensuring that m2m develops and retains the technical knowledge, documentation, infrastructure management capability and operational procedures required to manage the platform independently. The Senior Data Engineer works closely with Digital Products & Learning colleagues, Enterprise IT, Programme Analytics, external suppliers and implementation teams to ensure the integrity, quality and sustainability of m2m's data ecosystem.

Key Performance Areas

Data Architecture, Engineering and Systems Integration

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain m2m's enterprise data architecture and data integration strategy.
• Establish and maintain Google Cloud Platform (GCP) as the central repository for programme and platform data.
• Design and manage data flows between mobile applications, backend databases, reporting platforms and external systems.
• Build, optimise and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines, APIs and integration services.
• Develop and support integrations with DHIS2, CommCare, Salesforce and future platforms.
• Ensure data architecture supports scalability, reliability, security and future growth requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of system architecture, data flows, integrations and technical processes.
• Ensure data structures support organisational reporting, analytics and learning needs.

Key Deliverables

• Reliable enterprise data architecture implemented and maintained.
• Integrated data environment supporting programme and operational requirements.
• Accurate and timely data availability across platforms.
• Current and comprehensive architectural documentation.

CHARM Central Operational Ownership and Platform Management

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of CHARM Central operational ownership from the platform supplier to m2m.
• Verify platform architecture, codebase, build processes, deployment practices and operating procedures during handover.
• Establish and maintain operational control of system environments, databases, monitoring, deployment and infrastructure components.
• Manage platform performance, availability and reliability.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve operational runbooks and technical documentation.
• Support deployment and release activities in collaboration with the Senior Mobile Application Developer.
• Proactively identify and mitigate platform risks and sustainability concerns.
• Ensure operational knowledge is retained within m2m and not dependent on external suppliers.

Key Deliverables

• Successful platform handover completed.
• CHARM Central routinely managed internally.
• Operational runbooks developed and maintained.
• Reduced dependency on platform suppliers.

Data Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Quality Assurance

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backup, recovery and business continuity processes for programme platforms and data assets.
• Conduct and document regular restoration testing.
• Monitor platform health, data quality, completeness and synchronisation processes.
• Implement reconciliation processes to identify and address data discrepancies.
• Design and evaluate contingency and fallback solutions for critical systems.
• Ensure data remains secure, recoverable and resilient.
• Support compliance with organisational security, governance and data protection requirements.
• Identify and escalate risks relating to data integrity, continuity or availability.

Key Deliverables

• Backup and restoration processes implemented and tested.
• High levels of data integrity and platform reliability.
• Reduced organisational continuity risk.
• Data quality monitoring processes operating effectively.

Vendor, Technology Partner and Stakeholder Management

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical counterpart to platform suppliers and technology vendors.
• Validate deliverables and ensure technical outputs meet agreed standards and requirements.
• Collaborate with Enterprise IT regarding cloud infrastructure, security and identity management.
• Support technical assessments of new technologies and digital solutions.
• Facilitate communication between internal stakeholders and external technical partners.
• Contribute technical expertise to procurement and vendor evaluation processes.

Key Deliverables

• Effective supplier engagement and accountability.
• Successful delivery of vendor-supported initiatives.
• Clear technical governance and oversight.

Organisational Collaboration and Knowledge Management

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Lead: Programme Analytics & Forecasting to ensure programme data structures support reporting and analytics needs.
• Support Digital Products & Learning initiatives through provision of reliable and accessible data services.
• Promote knowledge sharing, technical documentation and operational transparency.
• Contribute to digital strategy and organisational technology planning.
• Support succession planning through documentation and knowledge transfer activities.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Deliverables

• Strong collaboration across functions.
• Improved organisational technical capability.
• Comprehensive knowledge management and documentation practices.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Data Engineering or a related discipline.

Preferred

• Postgraduate qualification in Information Technology, Data Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• Google Cloud Platform Certification.
• AWS or Azure Certification.
• Database Administration or Data Engineering certifications.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Minimum five (5) years' experience in Data Engineering, Data Platform Engineering or related technical roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing production data environments and enterprise-scale data platforms.
• Experience designing and maintaining ETL/ELT data pipelines.
• Experience developing APIs and integrating multiple systems and platforms.
• Experience administering databases, including backup, recovery and restoration processes.
• Experience working with cloud-based infrastructure and environments.
• Demonstrated experience inheriting, supporting and improving systems developed by third parties.
• Proven ability to create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.

Preferred

• Experience with Google Cloud Platform.
• Experience with health information systems such as DHIS2, CommCare or similar platforms.
• Experience within public health, NGO or donor-funded environments.
• Experience supporting mobile and offline-first architectures.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform.
• Experience managing vendor transitions and system handovers

Reporting & Team Structure

• Reports to: IT Manager
• Collaborates with: Internal
• Senior Lead: Digital Products & Learning, Senior Mobile Application Developer, Digital Platforms Administrator, Senior Officer: Portfolio Operations, Lead: Programme Analytics & Forecasting, Enterprise IT, Country Programme Teams, Programmes & Impact Department

External

• Platform Suppliers, Technology Vendors, Cloud Service Providers, Integration Partners, Technical Consultants and Contractors
• Supervises: n/a

Working Conditions

• Employment Type: Full Time
• Location: Cape Town
• Travel Requirements: Occasional local and international travel as required

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits (health, retirement, leave)
• Opportunities for growth, leadership, and professional development