Summary
Date Posted: Friday, January 06, 2023 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute
Reports to: Director- Surveillance and Disease Intelligence

Job Purpose
The Biostatistician will play a key role to support data collection, analysis and its interpretation in the surveillance and disease cluster (SDI), workforce development and other clusters at Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI). The biostatistician will be responsible for ensuring appropriate statistical methodology for public health work at ZNPHI. The biostatistician will work within the SDI cluster to support technical staff at ZNPHI to ensure statistical rigor to the implementation of public health programs to support evidence-based public health decision-making in Zambia. using the science-based tools available across the clusters to identify, investigate, control and prevent disease outbreaks in Zambia. The biostatistician will advise in the design and implementation of public health programs, surveillance systems, and research studies surveys. The position is supported under a cooperative agreement between ZNPHI and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Responsibilities/Principal Accountabilities
• Lead statistical analysis plan development for surveillance evaluations and research projects at ZNPHI.
• Provides technical advice and direction on the implementation and application of computer software to address statistical and mathematical problems that are technically challenging and demanding in the areas of disease prevention and surveillance
• Leads data analysis, summary of results, and aids in results interpretation.
• Performs complex cohort and multi-stage survey statistical analyses including appropriate weighting of statistical tabulations for surveillance projects and research studies at ZNPHI. Ensures results are interpreted and explained correctly.
• Manages, oversees, and conducts cleaning of data from surveillance, field investigations, or other sources. Rigorously and systematically reviews the quality of the collected data.
• Prepares and reports for interim and final analyses for surveillance system data and research projects/surveys. Contributes to the interpretation and publication of research results.
• Prepares advanced statistical reports, graphs, charts, tables and narrative material to be used in publishing the results of studies and in giving oral presentations.
• Prepares derived datasets from surveillance system data for use by ZNPHI team members.
• Provides one-on-one and small group instruction and guidance to other ZNPHI staff to assure proper implementation and application of state-of-the-art or new and emerging techniques.
• Develops capacity in biostatistics among ZNPHIl staff via regular short courses and seminars on statistical topics.
• Supports Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) residents through mentoring on statistical methods for FETP projects and investigations.
• Critiques/reviews scientific protocols, reports, papers, and presentations for the purpose of improving their quality as related to their statistical and epidemiologic content.
• Actively develop professional networks with peer statisticians locally and internationally. Contribute to development of funding applications and research protocols.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Director of SDI.

Qualifications
• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate with Five (5) Credits or better including Mathematics and English
• Bachelor's Degree in Demography, Mathematics, Health Economics or related health field
• A Master's degree in biostatistics, Demography, statistics, Medical statistics or related field

Experience and Skills
• Minimum of two years working within a public health agency or organization in areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, public health programs, surveillance or related field.
• Advanced ability using 1 statistical software (e.g., STATA, SAS, R, SPSS, etc.)
• Experience with geospatial analysis analyzing to geographical data, working collaboratively with other staff members, and communicating GIS concepts to non-GIS users.
• Understanding of the Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response guidelines functions as it relates to data collection, analysis, interpretation and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience in database development using 1 database management software (DBMS) (e.g..MySQL, Microsoft Access & FileMaker among them.)

Skills and knowledge
• Demonstrated knowledge of concepts of biostatistics, mathematical disease modeling, disease surveillance, data management, and epidemiology
• Knowledge and skills in the design and implementation of routine surveillance systems and field/research surveys, including protocol development, training, data collection, data reporting. data quality assessment, data management, and data analysis
• Experience preparing survey technical reports and scientific manuscripts
• Strong interpersonal skills and working well in teams within areas of expertise to accomplish project objectives is essential
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, including that of complicated epidemiological information to non-technical persons.

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
All interested persons meeting the above qualifications and experience should send their written applications to the undersigned with certified copies of their National Registration Card, academic and professional qualifications and a detailed Curriculum Vitae with three references including their contact numbers.
Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the positions they are applying for on the envelope or subject area in the case of electronic applications email to info@moh.gov.zm. 
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 18 January, 2023. Only short- listed candidates will be contacted.
The Permanent Secretary-(Technical Services) Ministry of Health
Ndeke House
P.O. Box 30205
LUSAKA



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