THE ORGANIZATION
Africa Climate Solutions (ACS) is evidence and innovation centered scientific non-profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to advancing climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and equitable development across Africa. ACS operates to generate actionable scientific evidence that supports resilient development pathways, climate justice, and sustainable environmental management. The organization focuses on scientific research, climate analytics, data systems, innovation, climate services, and evidence-based policy support across critical sectors including agriculture, water, energy, health, infrastructure, ecosystems, governance, and climate finance.
ACS is committed to addressing Africa’s major climate and environmental challenges, including increasing climate extremes, limited observational data systems, growing climate vulnerabilities, and the need for integrated climate intelligence to support adaptation, mitigation, and Loss and Damage assessment. Through its research programs, digital innovations, and partnerships, ACS seeks to strengthen Africa’s capacity to generate, manage, and utilize climate information for policy and investment decision-making.
About the Position
Africa Climate Solutions (ACS) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Climate Database and Digital Systems Manager to lead the design, development, and operational management of the organization’s climate data infrastructure and digital platforms. This position is critical to ACS’s vision of becoming a leading climate intelligence and innovation hub in Africa.
The manager will oversee the development of scalable, interoperable, and secure digital systems that integrate climate hazards, impacts, climate finance, environmental, and socio-economic datasets into unified analytical platforms. The role supports the operationalization of ACS’s Scalable Climate Database and broader Data & Tools Portal, enabling real-time access to climate intelligence products and decision-support tools.
The successful candidate will work closely with climate scientists, geospatial analysts, software developers, and policy experts to ensure that ACS digital systems meet high standards of scientific integrity, usability, scalability, and data governance. The role requires expertise in database architecture, cloud systems, API integration, digital platform development, and data interoperability frameworks.
The position also contributes to strengthening climate information systems and data accessibility across Africa, supporting evidence-based policymaking, climate finance readiness, Loss and Damage assessment, and environmental governance.
Specific Terms of Reference include:
- Lead the design, development, and maintenance of ACS climate databases and digital systems.
- Develop scalable architectures for integrating climate, impact, finance, and environmental datasets.
- Design and manage relational and non-relational database systems.
- Ensure data quality assurance, validation, security, and integrity across all digital systems.
- Develop APIs and interoperable systems for data sharing and integration.
- Support the operationalization of the ACS Data & Tools Portal.
- Coordinate digital workflows for climate indicators, geospatial analytics, and attribution platforms.
- Develop data governance protocols, metadata standards, and documentation frameworks.
- Ensure compliance with international data management and cybersecurity best practices.
- Support development of interactive dashboards, visualization systems, and web-based analytical platforms.
- Collaborate with researchers and analysts to optimize data accessibility and usability.
- Manage cloud-based infrastructure and server systems.
- Support integration of machine learning and advanced analytical tools into digital platforms.
- Provide technical support and training to staff and stakeholders on database and digital systems management.
- Contribute to innovation and technology development initiatives within ACS.
Requirements
Education and Technical Qualifications
- MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or related field.
- Strong expertise in database architecture and management systems.
- Experience with SQL, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MongoDB, or equivalent database systems.
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
- Knowledge of API development, web services, and interoperability frameworks.
- Experience developing data portals, dashboards, and digital platforms.
- Familiarity with climate and geospatial datasets is highly desirable.
- Programming experience in Python, JavaScript, or related languages.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex digital systems and databases.
- Experience in climate, environmental, or development data systems is highly desirable.
- Experience in interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder environments.
Competencies
- Strong systems thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and technical documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively across scientific and technical teams.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time position at Africa Climate Solutions (ACS).
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Renewable contract based on performance and funding availability.
- Opportunity to lead cutting-edge climate data infrastructure initiatives in Africa.
- Participation in regional and international collaborations and technology partnerships.
Applications
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until the best candidates are identified.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applicants are requested to submit:
- Cover letter outlining interest and suitability for the role.
- Detailed CV.
- Copies of academic qualifications.
- Portfolio or examples of relevant digital systems or database projects.
- Contact details for three professional referees.
Applications should be submitted electronically to hr@africaclimatesolutions.org mentioning the position “Climate Database and Digital Systems Manager” in the Subject of the email.