Data Scientist/Biostatistician, Technical Support Unit (9-month assignment) at Clinton Health Access Initiative

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Scientist/Biostatistician, Technical Support Unit (9-month assignment)
Company: Clinton Health Access Initiative
Location: Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Job Type: On-site, 9-month assignment
Category: Data Science, Biostatistics, Health Systems Strengthening
Date Posted: July 23, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Analyze large-scale health datasets, develop predictive models, create actionable data visualizations, support targeted research, build capacity, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Impact: Inform health policy formulation, strategic planning, disease surveillance, and program monitoring and evaluation across the Ministry of Health.
Challenges: Navigate external funding shifts, ensure health system resilience, and contribute to long-term sustainable health outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong balance of technical expertise and stakeholder engagement to support the Ministry of Health in developing a sustainable health care system amidst reduced external funding.

💻 Primary 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 with a focus on producing policy-relevant evidence.
Prioritize studies and evaluations that will yield actionable insights within the contract duration.
Align all research contributions with immediate program and funding decision cycles.

🧑‍🏫 Fast-Track Capacity Building

Provide focused mentorship and coaching to MOH staff and partners in statistical methods and data interpretation.
Equip counterparts with practical skills and tools they can continue using 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.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree or higher in Biostatistics, Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, Health Economics, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in data analytics or biostatistics in the health sector, with proven experience working with national health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, SmartCare, HMIS).

Required Skills:

Advanced proficiency in R, STATA, Python, and/or SQL.
Strong knowledge of health systems financing and public health program design.
Experience conducting resource allocation and scenario modelling, especially in low-resource settings.
Experience supporting grant proposals, donor negotiations, or cost-effectiveness analyses (an added advantage).
Experience working with the government (an added advantage).

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with the Zambian health system and context.
Experience working with the Clinton Health Access Initiative or similar organizations.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A portfolio showcasing previous data analysis, modeling, and visualization projects in the health sector.
Examples of research studies and evaluations conducted, with a focus on policy-relevant evidence.
Demonstrations of capacity-building initiatives and training materials developed.
Evidence of successful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in health projects.

Technical Documentation:

Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards for statistical software (R, STATA, Python, SQL).
Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration experience (an advantage).
Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques relevant to health data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating the candidate's ability to analyze, model, visualize, and communicate complex health data effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZMW 15,000 and ZMW 25,000 per month, based on market research and the candidate's experience level. This estimate is inclusive of housing and other allowances.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance.
Retirement benefits.
Generous leave policies.
Professional development opportunities.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and the candidate's experience level. The actual salary may vary depending on the organization's internal policies and the final negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Clinton Health Access Initiative operates in the global health industry, focusing on saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

Company Size: CHAI is a medium-sized organization with a highly diverse team of enthusiastic individuals across 40 countries, with the majority of staff based in program countries.

Founded: CHAI was founded in 2002 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the goal of dramatically reducing the price of life-saving drugs and increasing access to these medicines in countries with the highest burden of the disease.

Team Structure:

The Data Scientist/Biostatistician will be based at the Ministry of Health (MOH) Headquarters and report to the Director Infectious Diseases.
The role will work closely with the leadership of the Sustainability Steering Committee, a multi-departmental leadership team set up by the Ministry of Health to lead the process of developing a sustainable health care system that will withstand the effects of reduced external funding to health.

Development Methodology:

CHAI uses a collaborative, data-driven approach to health systems strengthening, working closely with governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based solutions.
The organization employs a results-focused, innovative, and entrepreneurial approach to its work, with a strong commitment to maximizing sustainable impact at scale.

Company Website: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org

📝 Enhancement Note: CHAI's company culture is characterized by its commitment to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries, with a strong focus on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the mid-level (2-5 years) experience level, with opportunities for growth and professional development within CHAI and the broader global health industry.

Reporting Structure: The Data Scientist/Biostatistician will report to the Director Infectious Diseases and work closely with the leadership of the Sustainability Steering Committee.

Technical Impact: The role will have a significant impact on health policy formulation, strategic planning, disease surveillance, and program monitoring and evaluation across the Ministry of Health, contributing to the development of a sustainable health care system in Zambia.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunities for professional development and training in data analysis, modeling, and visualization techniques.
Potential for career progression within CHAI or the broader global health industry.
The chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the organization's mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a real impact on health systems strengthening in Zambia and beyond.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The office environment is a collaborative, results-focused, and entrepreneurial workspace, with a strong commitment to maximizing sustainable impact at scale.

Office Location(s): The role will be based at the Ministry of Health (MOH) Headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia.

Workspace Context:

The workspace will be a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment, with opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with colleagues from various backgrounds and expertise areas.
The role will require access to relevant software and tools for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, as well as a stable internet connection for remote work and virtual meetings.
The workspace will be equipped with multiple monitors and testing devices to support data analysis and visualization tasks.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows. The role may require occasional travel to other regions within Zambia or internationally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment for this role is characterized by its collaborative, dynamic, and results-focused nature, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online Application Review: CHAI will review the candidate's application, resume, and portfolio to ensure they meet the required qualifications and skills for the role.
Phone/Skype Screening: A brief phone or Skype screening will be conducted to assess the candidate's communication skills, motivation, and cultural fit with CHAI.
Technical Assessment: The candidate will be required to complete a technical assessment, demonstrating their proficiency in data analysis, modeling, and visualization techniques relevant to the health sector.
Final Interview: The final interview will be conducted with the Director Infectious Diseases and other key stakeholders, focusing on the candidate's technical skills, experience, and fit with the organization's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Tailor the portfolio to highlight relevant data analysis, modeling, and visualization projects in the health sector.
Include examples of research studies and evaluations conducted, with a focus on policy-relevant evidence.
Demonstrate successful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in health projects.
Showcase any experience working with the Zambian health system or similar contexts.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on statistical software proficiency (R, STATA, Python, SQL) and relevant health data analysis techniques.
Familiarize oneself with the Zambian health system and the challenges it faces in the context of reduced external funding.
Prepare for questions related to health systems financing, public health program design, and data-driven decision-making.

ATS Keywords: (See the comprehensive list of relevant keywords provided at the end of this document)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit with CHAI, with a strong focus on their ability to contribute to the organization's mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Data Analysis & Modeling Tools:

R, STATA, Python, and/or SQL (required)
Excel (preferred)
Power BI or Tableau (an advantage)

Health Information Systems:

DHIS2 (required)
SmartCare (required)
HMIS (required)

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

Microsoft Office Suite (required)
Google Workspace (preferred)
Slack or Microsoft Teams (preferred)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on data analysis, modeling, and visualization tools relevant to the health sector, with a strong emphasis on proficiency in statistical software and experience with national health information systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

CHAI's Core Values:

Results-Driven: CHAI is committed to maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that programs are designed to scale nationally and learnings are shared globally.
Innovative: CHAI employs a results-focused, innovative, and entrepreneurial approach to its work, constantly seeking new and better ways to achieve its mission.
Collaborative: CHAI works in close partnership with governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based solutions.
Respectful: CHAI values diversity and inclusion, and recognizes that its mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse experience, backgrounds, and culture.

CHAI's Approach to Data Science & Biostatistics:

CHAI is committed to using data-driven decision-making to inform health policy formulation, strategic planning, disease surveillance, and program monitoring and evaluation.
The organization employs a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to data science and biostatistics, with a strong focus on producing policy-relevant evidence and maximizing sustainable impact at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: CHAI's team culture is characterized by its commitment to results-driven, innovative, collaborative, and respectful approaches to health systems strengthening, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and maximizing sustainable impact at scale.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Navigating the complex and dynamic Zambian health system amidst reduced external funding.
Ensuring the health system's resilience while simultaneously re-establishing a foundation for long-term, sustainable, and improved health outcomes.
Developing predictive and simulation models that accurately estimate disease burden and resource requirements in a low-resource setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities for professional development and training in data analysis, modeling, and visualization techniques relevant to the health sector.
Potential for career progression within CHAI or the broader global health industry.
The chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the organization's mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and learning opportunities, with the potential for substantial growth and impact in the health sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Analysis & Modeling: Describe your experience with large-scale health datasets and predictive modeling. How have you used these skills to inform health policy formulation and program decision-making?
Data Visualization: How have you created actionable data visualizations to support health sector planning and stakeholder engagement? Can you provide examples from your portfolio?
Research & Study Support: How have you prioritized research studies and evaluations to yield actionable insights within a limited timeframe? Can you provide examples of policy-relevant evidence you have produced?
Capacity Building: Describe your experience with fast-track capacity building in the health sector. How have you equipped counterparts with practical skills and tools they can continue using after your assignment ends?
Collaboration & Communication: How have you worked with cross-functional teams to integrate statistical insights into project design and decision-making? Can you provide examples of successful stakeholder engagement in health projects?

Company & Culture Questions:

CHAI's Mission & Values: How do you align with CHAI's mission and values? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your previous roles?
Zambian Health System: How familiar are you with the Zambian health system and the challenges it faces in the context of reduced external funding? How do you plan to apply your skills and experience to support the Ministry of Health in developing a sustainable health care system?
CHAI's Approach to Health Systems Strengthening: How do you understand CHAI's approach to health systems strengthening? How have you employed similar approaches in your previous roles?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Tailor the portfolio to highlight relevant data analysis, modeling, and visualization projects in the health sector, with a focus on policy-relevant evidence and successful stakeholder engagement.
Use clear and concise language to explain technical concepts and methods, ensuring they are accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the Zambian health system and the challenges it faces in the context of reduced external funding, with a clear and actionable plan for supporting the Ministry of Health in developing a sustainable health care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit with CHAI, with a strong focus on their ability to contribute to the organization's mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Scientist/Biostatistician, Technical Support Unit (9-month assignment) position:

Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant data analysis, modeling, and visualization projects in the health sector, with a focus on policy-relevant evidence and successful stakeholder engagement.
Prepare for the technical assessment by brushing up on statistical software proficiency (R, STATA, Python, SQL) and relevant health data analysis techniques.
Familiarize yourself with the Zambian health system and the challenges it faces in the context of reduced external funding, preparing for questions related to health systems financing, public health program design, and data-driven decision-making.
Research CHAI's mission, values, and approach to health systems strengthening, preparing for questions related to your alignment with the organization's goals and your plan for supporting the Ministry of Health in developing a sustainable health care system.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and global health industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the Clinton Health Access Initiative before making application decisions.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages:

R
STATA
Python
SQL
Excel (VBA)

Web Frameworks & Libraries:

Power BI
Tableau

Server Technologies:

DHIS2
SmartCare
HMIS

Databases:

SQL Server
MySQL
PostgreSQL

Tools:

Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace
Slack
Microsoft Teams

Methodologies:

Data Analysis
Biostatistics
Statistical Modeling
Health Systems Financing
Public Health Program Design
Resource Allocation
Scenario Modeling
Predictive Modeling
Data Visualization
Operational Research
Capacity Building
Stakeholder Engagement
Health Information Systems
Disease Surveillance
Program Monitoring & Evaluation

Industry Terms:

Global Health
Health Systems Strengthening
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Sustainable Health Care System
Reduced External Funding
Health Information Systems
Health Sector Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Health Policy Formulation
Strategic Planning
Disease Surveillance
Program Monitoring & Evaluation
Capacity Building
Technical Assistance
Health Financing Landscape
Health Sector Resilience
Long-Term Sustainable Health Outcomes

Data Scientist/Biostatistician, Technical Support Unit (9-month assignment)