Job Opportunities

ASLM background

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African professional body working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but faces major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector.

Summary of the position:

African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) in collaboration with Africa CDC is supporting laboratory mapping across the Africa continent: to locate facilities and to understand their capacity, locations infrastructure, and accessibility of essential diagnostic services to the population using reusable tools for the collection, storage, and analysis of GIS-linked data on laboratory capacity, systems, and networks in Africa.  Big data sets are uploaded into the system on ONA platform. The data collection system is linked to PLanwise, a programme that can calculate population coverage of various laboratory services. The LabMap data need can be modelled to identify the best options for sample referral system or best placement of instruments. This might require overlay of other GIS sources of health information (such as topography or road networks) and complex data management and analysis, which should be documented and explained to be reusable by country when managing their laboratory systems. ASLM is currently looking for a Data Analyst who will be responsible for managing and analysing GIS-data collected under the RESOLVE to Save Lives supported projects in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria, DRC, and Uganda. The Data Analyst will work closely with the LabMap team to create scenarios for optimal network configurations using planwise, programme (and other statistical tool(s) as needed).

The Data Analyst will advise on the utilisation on data cleaning processes, data analysis and relevant tools to be used to create best-case scenario for key questions on network optimization in support of the evidence-based decision-making process. The chosen candidate will have a strong aptitude for technology, professional demeanour, and possess excellent troubleshooting skills with data management, dataset cleaning and management skills.

Objective:

The purpose of this consultancy is to clean the lab mapping dataset, develop procedures, conduct quality data analysis and provide solutions on the use of data on the bases of needs and requirements.

Number of Contracts:

one (1)

Key Responsibilities:

• The Data Analyst is hired to support the ASLM team in exploiting the data that are collected through the labmap project.
• Responsible for the data cleaning, data modelling and data exploration research aspects.
• Specifically, under data cleaning the Data Analyst will
  • Develop clear rules and procedures for the data cleaning, and the flow of information from the cleaned database to the ASLM and individual country portals;
  • Train the ASLM staff and country staff (as need be) to apply the data cleaning procedures. The Data Analyst will be asked to travel as needed;
  • Advice on any improvements to the data reporting and sharing processes.
• Under data analysis and modelling, the Data Analyst will advise on the suitability or limitation of the PLanwise software (https://instedd.org/project/planwise/) and recommend the appropriate statistical programme to
  • Calculate variance between normative guidance and actual availability of testing capacity including human resources;
  • Model optimal sample referral routes across individual countries;
  • Model optimal instrument placement for the screening and confirmation of key diseases factoring in optimal population coverage; 
  • Explore whether and what statistical relationships exist between access to testing and health outcomes. For this, the Data Analyst will assist the team in identifying and using other sources of health data.

Deliverables:

• Standard Operating Procedures and scripts for data cleaning and flow of cleaned data for public access
•  Data analysis plans and report for Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria and DRC, containing clear and understandable graph and other relevant visual outputs
• Document and train staff on accessing standard-reports/ dashboards and datasets

Experiance and Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in statistics, epidemiology or related field.

• A minimum of 3+ years’ experience in data management and analysis platforms like ONA
• Ability to decipher and organize large amounts of data
• Working knowledge of Ona API, data integration and import
• Working knowledge of WebGIS mapping software, managing GIS data via a web portal and processing layers of spatial information and analysis
• Effective storage, management and distribution of valuable data including data codification and Data Validation and Reconciliation (DVR)
• An analytical mindset with good communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate complex problems clearly and in nontechnical terms
• Francophone and Anglophone

Timeline:

Forty days over a period of 3 calendar months, 2020

Reporting:

 To the ASLM Director of Science and New initiatives

Maximum budget:

14,000 USD exclusive travel costs.

Application Comments:

A potential contractor may compete for the project in a single application. Final selection for the contract will be based on technical, cost and other considerations as deemed necessary by the scope of work.

How to apply:

• The application website closes on 10^th February 2020 at 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time and any application sent after the deadline will NOT be accepted. Interested applicants should apply online.
• If you can’t access the link, you can send your resume and application letter to Email.

Additional Information:

This position is a contract position and subject to available funding. ASLM may terminate employment at any time due to funding, or for any other lawful reason.

Please note that all applicants should apply online or Email.

*ONLY successful candidates shall be contacted for an interview.