Data Scientist/Biostatistician

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI operates in over 40 countries and focuses on creating and sustaining high-quality health systems by working alongside governments and the private sector. Initially established to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, CHAI has since expanded its mission to include a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The organization emphasizes sustainable impact, ensuring that health programs are designed to scale nationally and that learnings are shared globally. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances its mission and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist/Biostatistician position is crucial for supporting the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Zambia as it navigates changes in health financing due to external funding shifts. The incumbent will work closely with the MOH leadership, particularly the Sustainability Steering Committee, to develop strategies that ensure the resilience of the health system. This role involves providing expert data analytics, statistical modeling, and evidence-based insights to inform health policy, strategic planning, disease surveillance, and program evaluation. The Data Scientist/Biostatistician will also integrate data science methods into health information systems and research activities, contributing to the development of a sustainable healthcare system aligned with national priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Health Data Analysis and Modelling for Program Decisions: Analyze large-scale health datasets (e.g., DHIS2, SmartCare, HMIS) to identify trends, service delivery gaps, and optimization opportunities. Develop predictive and simulation models to estimate disease burden and resource requirements. Provide analysis outputs that inform funding strategies, operational decisions, and program performance reviews.
• Actionable Data Visualization: Design dashboards and tools that clearly communicate complex data to policymakers and technical staff. Tailor visualizations for high-level use in program reviews and resource planning. Create tailored visualizations that directly support health sector planning and stakeholder engagement.
• Targeted Research and Study Support: Support operational and implementation research activities focused on producing policy-relevant evidence. Prioritize studies and evaluations that yield actionable insights within the contract duration. Align all research contributions with immediate program and funding decision cycles.
• Fast-Track Capacity Building: Provide mentorship and coaching to MOH staff and partners in statistical methods and data interpretation. Equip counterparts with practical skills and tools for continued use after the assignment ends. Deliver high-value training that leaves a sustainable footprint within a limited period.
• Collaborative Support and Communication: Work with cross-functional teams of researchers, program implementers, and policymakers to integrate statistical insights into project design and decision-making. Communicate statistical methods and findings in accessible language to both technical and non-technical audiences. Facilitate knowledge exchange among key actors, including donors and implementing partners.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or higher in Biostatistics, Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, Health Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in data analytics or biostatistics in the health sector.
• Proven experience working with national health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, SmartCare, HMIS).
• Strong knowledge of health systems financing and public health program design.
• Advanced proficiency in R, STATA, Python, and/or SQL.
• Experience conducting resource allocation and scenario modeling, especially in low-resource settings.
• Experience in supporting grant proposals, donor negotiations, or cost-effectiveness analyses is an added advantage.
• Experience working with the government will be an added advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in fields such as Biostatistics, Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, Health Economics, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding complex data analytics and statistical methodologies relevant to the health sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 to 5 years of progressive experience in data analytics or biostatistics, specifically within the health sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with national health information systems and should be familiar with the intricacies of health systems financing and public health program design. Experience in low-resource settings and with government entities is highly valued.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the context of the position in Zambia. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at the Ministry of Health (MOH) Headquarters in Zambia and is expected to be full-time. The role is critical in the context of the recent changes in health financing due to the Stop Work Order by the United States Government, which necessitates a resilient health system. The contract duration is aligned with the immediate needs of the MOH and may involve international collaboration given CHAI's global presence.