Observations Processing Officer

Job Summary

The Observations Processing Officer is responsible for running and protecting the institutional Climate Data Management System according to Standard Operating Procedures. This role handles the encoding, verification, sorting, and archival of all station data forms while fulfilling internal and external data requests. The position works closely with database officers, application specialists, and field observers to ensure clean data entry and daily database backups, reporting directly to the Data Observations, Quality Control and Processing Division Manager.

Qualification

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in one of the following fields:

• Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology
• Bachelor's Degree in Atmospheric Science
• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics
• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science
• Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
• Bachelor's Degree in Remote Sensing
• Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics
• Bachelor's Degree in Applied Meteorology
• Bachelor's Degree in Hydrometeorology
• Bachelor's Degree in Climate Sciences
• Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Bachelor's Degree in Big Data
• Bachelor's Degree in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Bachelor's Degree in Geomatics

Experience

• 0 Years of relevant experience are required for candidates holding any of the specified Bachelor's degree qualifications.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Data System Operations & Archiving:

• Operate, maintain, and protect the Climate Data Management System adhering to professional standards.
• Encode report forms, register data reports in appropriate logbooks, identify data report periods, and ensure data is arranged cleanly by station name and period.
• Manage the data entry process, making sure all station data forms are sorted and organized properly before system entry.
• Back up the database on a daily basis.
• Prepare and hire data archiving tools (e.g., data rescue team, backup hardware/software, filing cabinets, and cupboards) to ensure all station reports are systematically archived.

Quality Control & Database Support:

• Review data entries and correct any inconsistencies or errors in daily data forms based on defined variables.
• Utilize specialized software under the direction of the Big Data Specialist and Met Applications Officers to add value to climate data.
• Work closely with Database Management Officers, instrument maintenance technicians, and IT officers to correct data coding issues and ensure correct data capture.
• Liaise with field observers to verify that required station data is sent to the Database Management Officer in a timely manner.

Metadata & Customer Relations:

• Handle the collection, storage, preparation, and dissemination of station and discovery Metadata.
• Inform and consult with the Head of Division and Big Data Specialist regarding user requests for data and customer-focused strategies.
• Manage large volumes of incoming climate data requests, fulfilling internal and external data requisitions accurately and completely.
• Enhance customer satisfaction, identify/assess user needs, maintain thorough customer records, and resolve complaints via phone, email, mail, or social media.
• Plan and organize daily, weekly, and monthly projections for data management needs.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Big Data Specialist and other supervisors.

Skills & Competencies

Technical & Professional Competencies:

• Ability to apply standard methods and techniques of processing, quality control, and error analysis across various input data sources.
• Capability to perform quality control checks of meteorological data, evaluating the frequency of erroneous or missing data and correcting values following WMO guidelines.
• Ability to determine extreme value thresholds based on climatology and apply statistical methods to test data homogeneity.
• Capacity to read code methods alongside robust digital literacy, resource management, and risk management skills.
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda, English, and/or French, with knowledge of all three considered an added advantage.
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and result-oriented skills.

Behavioural & Psychometric Domains:

Candidates will be rigorously tested across the following core psychometric segments:

• Critical thinking (Competence / Skills)
• Problem solving (Competence / Skills)
• Decision making (Competence / Skills)
• Analytical skills (Competence / Skills)
• Time management (Competence / Skills)
• Attention and concentration (Behavior and attitude)
• Behavioral observations (Behavior and attitude)
• Clear and Effective Communication (Communication skills)

Skills Required:

• Computer / Software / It / Data
• Economics / Statistics
• Environmental / Natural / Resource