Job Title: Systems & Data Engineer (3-5 years experience)
Location: Mohuda, Odisha (with periodic field visits to rural project sites)  
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Gram Vikas
Gram Vikas is a pioneering non-profit organization based in Odisha, India, dedicated to improving the quality of life of rural and tribal communities. With a focus on water, sanitation, education, and livelihoods, we have been working in partnership with local villages for over four decades to bring about sustainable development and social transformation. We are looking for a tech-savvy professional who can help modernize our data systems and back-office software, ensuring our programs continue to serve communities effectively. 

Role Overview
As the Systems & Data Engineer, you will provide oversight and integration of key internal systems — including HR, administration, knowledge management, program data management and finance. You will manage the software systems that enable day-to-day administration, streamline workflows, and build or maintain small scripts and integrations that enhance efficiency. This role requires a proactive, collaborative approach to engage with various teams at Gram Vikas—field staff, domain experts, and senior leadership—to ensure that our programs run effectively and back-office operations run smoothly in low-resource rural environments. In addition, you will keep an eye on emerging AI tools and technologies to identify opportunities that can further boost team productivity and impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Back-Office Software Management

• HR: Support and coordinate with HR to manage the software and data for the workflows they manage such as hiring, onboarding, employee profile data management, attendance tracking. (user management, attendance tracking, basic reporting).
• General Administration: Support or coordinate system usage for administrative workflows such as procurement, approvals, and asset management.
• Accounting Integration: Collaborate with the finance team to ensure seamless data exchange between operational systems and accounting software, though you won’t directly own the accounting system.

2. Systems Integration & Automation

• Identify opportunities for data exchange and workflow automation across different platforms (e.g., HRIS, procurement, project management, spreadsheets).
• Develop or maintain scripts (e.g., Google Apps Script, Python) or connectors (APIs, Zapier/Make) to eliminate manual data entry and reduce errors.
• Proactively troubleshoot and resolve integration issues, ensuring data flows are consistent, accurate, and timely.

3. Data Management & Reporting

• Provide technical support to program leads to maintain program/beneficiary data using spreadsheets, cloud storage, or lightweight databases.
• Work with external data system vendors to deliver data pipeline and system improvements that are aligned with the data collection, analysis and reporting needs of the organisation.

4. Emerging Technologies & AI Opportunities

• Stay updated on AI advancements and evaluate how emerging tools or platforms could enhance data analysis, reporting, or team workflows.
• Propose and pilot practical AI-based solutions that can reduce workload, improve data accuracy, or expand the organization’s capabilities—e.g., automated translation for field data, localised content generation for educational programs, etc.

5. Technical Support & Training

• Serve as the go-to person for frontline troubleshooting—particularly for HR, procurement, and project management tools.
• Develop clear, easy-to-follow documentation and provide regular training (in-person or remote) to help staff and partners navigate these systems.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with domain experts in HR, Administration, Procurement, Projects, and Finance to understand needs, refine workflows, and implement effective solutions.
• Regularly update senior leadership on system improvements, new AI-driven opportunities, and resource requirements.  

Must-Have Qualifications

1. Relevant Experience

• Hands-on experience administering or supporting at least one major business system (HRMS, procurement, project management, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to automate or integrate systems using scripting (e.g., Python, Javascript, Apps Script) or third-party connectors (Zapier, Make/Integromat).

2. Basic Understanding of Back-Office Functions

• Comfortable with some of the key workflows in HR, finance or admin—enough to coordinate effectively with internal teams.
• Ability to evaluate SaaS tools and vendors and choose appropriate technologies for the organisation.

3. Data Handling & Reporting

• Proficient with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets) to support programme teams with data organization, cleaning, and basic analysis.
• Ability to automate repeatable data handling or reporting tasks using a scripting language such as Javascript or Python.

4. Adaptability & Willingness to Learn

• Open-minded approach to new tools and challenges in remote/rural contexts.
• Creative problem-solver, unafraid to propose simple but effective workarounds where needed.

5. Strong Communication & Collaboration Skills ? Ability to communicate fluently in Odia.

• Able to translate technical concepts into user-friendly guidance for staff with varying tech literacy levels.
• Comfortable reaching out proactively to domain experts, listening to their challenges, and delivering targeted solutions.  

Nice-to-Have Skills

Experience in Rural or Nonprofit Settings

• Familiarity with offline data collection challenges, low-connectivity solutions and resource constrained environments.

Basic Database or BI Tools

• Knowledge of databases (PostgresQL, MySQL, SQLite) or data visualization platforms (Power BI, Apache Superset, Looker Studio).

AI/ML Knowledge

• Exposure to AI or machine learning concepts, and an interest in applying them to organisational use cases.

      Compliance & Data Protection

• General understanding of data privacy regulations in India and good practices for beneficiary/financial data security.

Version Control & Documentation

• Familiarity with Git or similar tools to maintain scripts and track system changes.  

Who You Are

• A resourceful individual who thrives in environments with limited infrastructure or budgets.
• Detail-oriented but able to keep an eye on the bigger picture—ensuring key systems integrate effectively.
• Committed to sustainable development, seeing technology (including AI) as a tool for accelerating positive change.
• Keen to coach and empower colleagues, so technology becomes a team asset rather than a bottleneck. 

Selection process

Interested, eligible persons may submit a written application consisting of:
1. Updated curriculum vitae
2. A brief note indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position applied 

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified about the interview schedule. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a personal interview for final selection. Applications should be submitted via email to jobs@gramvikas.org with the subject line: "Application for the Position of Systems & Data Engineer."  Last date of receipt of applications is 30 April 2025.