Data Scientist

Jacaranda Health

Jacaranda Health

Data Science
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted on Dec 17, 2024

Background

Jacaranda Health is a nonprofit organization whose mission for the last eight years has been to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in the public health system. We work hand-in-hand with governments, including county health management teams and Ministries of Health, to deploy affordable and scalable solutions through public hospitals, where the majority of underserved mothers and babies receive care. These solutions include PROMPTS, an AI-enabled text messaging service for mothers, and MENTORS, a facility-based training program equipping frontline nurses with lifesaving skills and knowledge. In Kenya, we are in 22 of Kenya’s busiest counties, who co-own our interventions, and work with us to design what and how we measure impact for effective decision-making. These partnerships have helped us reach 2.4 million women with our solutions across 1,100+ health centers and hospitals and will continue to be the cornerstone of how we approach the path to national scale in Kenya. We have expanded operations within Eswatini and Ghana.

Jacaranda Health is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regards to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


Overview of the Department

The Research Design & Evaluation (RD&E) team is the heart of Jacaranda Health, providing evidence for product design, implementation, scale and expansion of Jacaranda’s programming. We pride ourselves on being data and technically adept, working with cutting edge technology to drive high value solutions for maternal health. The Data and Analytics (D&A) department, housed within the division of RD&E, is critical in delivering integrated data analyses, predictive modeling, and user-friendly data visualization tools, all based on the highest quality data.


Our data informs both internal operations as well as external stakeholders, from the Ministry of Health, National, County and Sub County governments, to academic institutions, with the mission to drive improvements in maternal and child health outcomes.


Job Summary

We are looking for a skilled technical specialist who is eager to support the strategic data work of the D&A department. You will support the mission and growth of Jacaranda Health by designing and leading innovative analyses, data deep dives, and inquiries that inform programs, product or implementation. You will work closely with the Tech and Product teams to support our AI-enabled mobile platforms. You will get to know the ins and outs of our data that informs AI-enabled mobile platforms, designing research approaches and executing analyses that answer key organizational questions. You will provide advanced statistical expertise, advice, and support to the RD&E division and serve as a technical expert, providing strategy inputs towards the division’s goals of supporting, through evidence, a robust package of maternal health solutions. If you are an innovative thinker, love problem solving, and driving towards an organizational mission and vision, this may be a fit for you.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Reports to: Director, RD&E

Preferred start date: March 2025


Main Responsibilities

  • Strategic Planning and Analysis: Develop and implement data and research inquiries to assess organizational impact and reach, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and initiatives. The biostatistician will have autonomy to lead complex, strategically relevant projects from start to finish.

  • Insight Generation: Analyze program data to generate actionable insights that inform organizational strategy, product design, program deployment, and policy development.

  • Research Leadership: Support the design and technical aspects of studies, such research methods, sampling, and analytical approaches.

  • Data Visualization: Lead data communication, supporting the Data & Analytics team to develop dashboards, reports, and visualizations that are not only understandable but compelling and actionable

  • Strategic Contribution: Actively contribute to the RD&E division's strategy from a technical advisory capacity, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

  • Team Development: Mentor and coach Data and Analytics team members to deliver high-quality analytical outputs and foster professional growth.

  • Collaboration and Expertise: Build and sustain collaborative relationships with individuals across different departments, serving as a subject-matter expert for internal and external teams, committees, and other stakeholders

Requirements

  • Masters degree in data science/statistics/biostatistics/epidemiology and & 5 years of experience OR

  • PhD in data science/ statistics/biostatistics/epidemiology or related field from an accredited institution.

  • At least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

  • Statistical programs: SAS/STATA/R or equivalent

Desirable Requirements

  • Experience supporting digital platform operations

  • Experience supporting programs within the public health system

  • Programs: Python, GIS, Power BI, SQL

Competencies

  • Knowledge of research methodologies and willingness to innovate or seek out new statistical techniques in support of scientific research studies and/or experiments.

  • Knowledge of SAS/Stata/R or equivalent programming and/or other statistical software.

  • Ability to process data and format and generate insightful and engaging data visualizations

  • Ability to consult with scientific investigators, interpret research requirements, and determine statistical analysis strategies.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Open minded, willing to learn and grow with our team

  • Excellent problem-solving skills

  • Communication and interpersonal skills

  • Planning & Organizing skills

  • Upholds Integrity & is reliable

  • Attention to detail

  • Able to work effectively with a team in a culturally diverse environment

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment

Key Performance Area

  • Strong technical research and analysis abilities

  • Ability to inform program design and organizational strategy with evidence

  • Ability to lead strategic projects from start to finish.

  • Ability to set a data/research strategy that contributes to the organization’s bottom line

  • Ability to create compelling data narratives

  • Ability to coach teams to create quality data and research outputs, and on technical skills

  • Ability to use a variety of statistical software

  • Completion of deliverables on schedule

Contract Period

This position is expected to be a contract of 12 months, renewable.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply via this link Hirehive

No hard copies required or accepted.

Candidates should submit their applications by 6th January 2025.

Applications and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Early applications are highly encouraged.