Research Associate - Epidemiological Surveillance and Analytics

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 with governments and the private sector. Initially established to combat 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 programs are designed for national scalability and that learnings are shared globally. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances its mission and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The Research Associate will coordinate CHAI’s epidemiological surveillance and analytics work in Honduras, focusing on improving malaria surveillance, data analysis, mapping/GIS activities, and operational research studies. This role involves collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners to ensure that the national malaria program utilizes robust evidence for strategic decision-making. The position requires strong communication and organizational skills, as the Research Associate will work closely with CHAI's Global and Regional Malaria Teams to translate epidemiological evidence into actionable insights for malaria programs. The candidate will also need to manage relationships with various stakeholders, including government entities and third-party organizations, to drive progress in malaria elimination efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Associate will be responsible for planning and conducting analyses of malaria and neglected tropical disease (NTD) data, including retrospective epidemiological assessments and impact evaluations. They will help cultivate a culture of data use within disease programs by enhancing the quality and analysis of epidemiological data. The role includes designing and implementing operational research projects, synthesizing results, and disseminating findings through presentations and reports. Additionally, the Research Associate will support surveillance projects related to malaria and NTDs, monitor existing surveillance processes, and contribute to the development of surveillance guidelines and operational manuals. They will also provide technical supervision and training to staff involved in analytics and surveillance activities, represent CHAI at external meetings, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field, along with at least 2 years of relevant work experience that demonstrates increasing levels of responsibility and leadership. Strong project management skills are essential, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Knowledge of malaria, NTDs, and global infectious disease issues is required, as well as experience in conducting epidemiological surveys and managing surveillance systems. Familiarity with data management and statistical analysis software is necessary, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. The candidate should be able to work independently in remote settings and possess exceptional communication skills.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding public health principles, epidemiological methods, and data analysis techniques relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in public health, epidemiology, or a related field, with a focus on project management and leadership. Candidates should have experience in conducting epidemiological surveys and managing public health programs, particularly in relation to malaria and NTDs. Familiarity with disease surveillance systems and the ability to analyze and interpret data are also critical components of the required experience.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, as the candidate will be working in a bilingual environment and collaborating with local partners. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, but English and Spanish are essential for effective communication.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel to malaria-endemic regions approximately 40% of the time and internationally about 5%. The role is full-time and may involve working in resource-limited settings. CHAI is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and values diversity in its workforce.