Advisor, Data Governance

In-Country

Host Agency: Aga Khan University

Placement: Karachi, Pakistan

Duration: 9 months

About AKF Canada

Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is a leading global development organization and registered charity working to tackle the root causes of poverty. Since 1980, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally-driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people in Africa and Asia. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life. In Canada, AKFC mobilizes funding and expertise and promotes awareness of global issues. In all of our work, advancing gender equality, inclusion, and pluralism are key objectives and approaches.

Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society, and business as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together.

About AKU

The Aga Khan University is an autonomous, international institution of distinction, primarily serving the developing world and Muslim societies in innovative and enduring ways. The Aga Khan University is committed to the development of human capacities through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge and application through service. It seeks to prepare individuals for constructive and exemplary leadership roles, and shaping public and private policies, through strength in research and excellence in education, all dedicated to providing meaningful contributions to society.

As an international institution, in achieving its mission, Aga Khan University operates on the core principles of impact, quality, relevance, and access. Inspired by Islamic ethics, humanistic ideals, and the philosophy of the Aga Khan Development Network, the University is committed to building an environment that fosters intellectual freedom, distinction in scholarship, pluralism, compassion, and humanity’s collective responsibility for a sustainable physical, social, and cultural environment.

Summary of Position

As the Advisor, Data Governance, you will be responsible for leading a team that manages the data governance strategy and initiatives within AKU. Your role will involve developing and implementing policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure effective management, quality, privacy, and security of data assets. You and your team will collaborate with various stakeholders, including senior leadership, department heads, data owners, and ICT teams, to establish data governance best practices and drive a culture of data stewardship across the organization.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive data governance strategy, including the establishment of policies, standards, and procedures for data management, quality, privacy, and security.
  • Create and maintain a data governance framework that defines roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes related to data assets.
  • Collaborate with business units to identify critical data elements, define data ownership, and establish data stewardship processes.
  • Lead the implementation of data governance tools and technologies, such as data catalogs, data dictionaries, metadata management systems, and data quality tools.
  • Establish data quality standards and metrics and implement processes to measure and report data quality across the organization.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant data protection and privacy regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA, and develop strategies to mitigate data-related risks.
  • Collaborate with IT teams to establish data classification, access controls, and data security protocols.
  • Drive data governance awareness and training programs to enhance data literacy and promote data-driven decision-making across the organization.
  • Monitor and assess data governance initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
  • Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in data governance, and recommend innovative approaches to enhance data management capabilities.

Required Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Management, Health Informatics or Data Science
  • Experience (1+ years) in data governance, data management, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of data governance frameworks, standards, and best practices.
  • Familiarity with data protection and privacy regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA.
  • Strong understanding of data management concepts, including data quality, metadata, data lineage, and master data management.
  • Experience implementing data governance tools and technologies, such as data catalogs, metadata management systems, or data quality tools.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a detail-oriented mindset.
  • Project management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Certifications in data governance or related areas (e.g., Certified Data Management Professional, Data Governance and Stewardship Professional) are a plus.

Additional Characteristics

The incumbent should have the ability to lead teams and work with stakeholders across different cultural and country contexts. A desire to build capacity is essential, as is a desire to improve quality of life in challenging contexts.

Language

English proficiency is required. Urdu and Swahili language skills are not required but are a plus.

How to apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the link below.

Deadline to apply: September 30, 2023 by 11:59pm EDT

Please note that due to the nature of funding for this position, the placement is only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

AKFC is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusion through our programming and operations in Canada and overseas. AKFC requires all employees and consultants to review and abide by the AKFC Gender Equality Policy

AKFC recognizes the importance of safeguarding and is committed to ensuring it manages a wide range of risks such that beneficiaries, staff, other associates, and the organization are kept safe from harm. All employees and consultants must respect the AKF Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy

AKFC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.