Analyst for Vector Borne Diseases

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 has a diverse team of enthusiastic individuals committed to improving health systems. The organization initially focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic but has since expanded its mission to include a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. CHAI collaborates with governments and the private sector to create sustainable health solutions and maximize impact at scale, ensuring that programs are designed to be nationally scalable and that learnings are shared globally.

Job Overview:
The Analyst position within the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) is crucial for enhancing the understanding and management of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in India. The Analyst will be responsible for delivering critical insights by leveraging various data sources and field insights to support the elimination goals of VBDs. This role involves data collation, analysis, and visualization, as well as identifying innovative approaches and technologies to aid in achieving these goals. The Analyst will work closely with NCVBDC officials and state-level entomological teams, contributing to the establishment of an Entomological Support Unit (ESU) aimed at strengthening entomological surveillance across the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Analyst will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Mapping and assessing the quality, credibility, and timeliness of entomological data collection and reporting through routine interactions with state and sub-state officials.
• Advising TSU colleagues and NCVBDC counterparts on data gaps, staff data input capacity, and strategies for addressing these issues.
• Consolidating and cleaning data related to vector control and conducting multi-dimensional analyses to provide actionable insights to NCVBDC officials.
• Developing and socializing both pre-defined and custom-defined reports and dashboards for NCVBDC and state functionaries to plan and monitor vector control activities.
• Conducting statistical analyses to correlate program performance with vector control activities, detect resistance patterns, and monitor the performance of new vector control products.
• Developing technical briefs and fact sheets to communicate key findings and suggestions across a matrixed government organization.
• Supporting the documentation of program progress through reports, presentations, and templates for effective internal use and dissemination at state and national levels.
• Undertaking periodic visits to States/UTs and districts to identify challenges and address gaps.
• Performing other responsibilities as needed to support the overall mission of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, environmental science, public health, statistics, economics, life sciences, or related fields, along with a minimum of 2 years of professional experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree with at least 2 years of professional experience is acceptable. Professional experience in dynamic and innovative work environments, particularly in vector research, life science research, impact evaluation, or public sector advisory roles, is essential. Previous experience working with VBD programs at national or state levels or with national institutes engaged in VBD research is advantageous. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation (M&E), data analytics, and dashboard development for funded projects is also required. High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is necessary, along with excellent written and oral communication skills in English, problem-solving abilities, and a detail-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as zoology, biology, environmental science, public health, statistics, economics, or life sciences. A Master’s degree in these areas is also acceptable, provided the candidate has the requisite professional experience. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong foundation in scientific principles and analytical skills that can be applied to public health challenges, particularly in the context of vector-borne diseases.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in relevant fields. This experience should ideally include work in dynamic and innovative environments, with a focus on vector research, life sciences, impact evaluation, or public sector advisory roles. Previous involvement with VBD programs at either the national or state levels, or with national institutes focused on VBD research, will be considered a significant advantage. Experience in monitoring and evaluation, data analytics, and dashboard development for funded projects is also highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the role requires excellent written and oral communication skills. While English is the primary language for communication, knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial, particularly in regions where local languages are spoken, but it is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require frequent travel, approximately 30-40% of the time, to various states and districts to identify challenges and address gaps in vector control efforts. The role is designed for individuals who can work independently in high-pressure and unstructured settings, while also collaborating closely with other teams. The Analyst will report to the Lead for the VBD Technical Support Unit and will play a vital role in supporting the elimination goals for vector-borne diseases in India.