Associate - Disease Modelling Specialist

Overview

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to our mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries. We work at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems.

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 the countries with the highest burden of the disease. Over the following two decades, CHAI has expanded its focus. Today, along with HIV, we work in conjunction with our partners to prevent and treat infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. Our work has also expanded into cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases, and we work to accelerate the rollout of lifesaving vaccines, reduce maternal and child mortality, combat chronic malnutrition, and increase access to assistive technology. We are investing in horizontal approaches to strengthen health systems through programs in human resources for health, digital health, and health financing. With each new and innovative program, our strategy is grounded in maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that governments lead the solutions, that programs are designed to scale nationally, and learnings are shared globally.

At CHAI, our people are our greatest asset, and none of this work would be possible without their talent, time, dedication, and passion for our mission and values. We are a highly diverse team of enthusiastic individuals across 40 countries with a broad range of skill sets and life experiences. CHAI is deeply grounded in the countries we work in, with the majority of our staff based in program countries. Learn more about our exciting work:

CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, and recognizes that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse experience, backgrounds, and culture.

Project Overview

Chronic respiratory diseases, including Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Post-TB Lung Disease (PTLD), represent a growing but under-recognized public health challenge in Kenya. Reliable estimates of the burden of these diseases are critical to inform planning, resource allocation, and integration of lung health into existing health programs.

Position Overview

The Disease Modelling Specialist will lead technical work to generate Kenya's first comprehensive national and sub-national estimates of Asthma, COPD, and PTLD. The position will involve a mix of data analysis, model development, stakeholder engagement and evidence translation into actionable policy recommendations. The Disease Modelling Specialist will report to the Senior Director — Infectious Diseases.

Responsibilities

Conduct a structured review of global and regional methodologies used to estimate the burden of asthma, COPD, and PTLD.Summarize methodological options, data requirements, assumptions, and limitations applicable to the Kenyan context. Recommend the most appropriate estimation approach for Kenya. Model Design and Implementation Identify, adapt, or develop statistical/mathematical models to estimate disease burden and prevalence, using available national and sub-national data sources. Implement models in reproducible code (such as R or Python), applying best practices in epidemiological modelling and sensitivity analysis. Generate scenario-based estimates (e.g., conservative, moderate, and high estimates) and quantify uncertainty intervals. Compile and clean relevant datasets, including national and county-level population data, health facility data, national surveys, TB program data, and other relevant epidemiological studies. Establish and maintain a data catalogue and documentation system. Consolidate datasets for model validation and testing. Validate model assumptions and results through stakeholder review meetings and expert consultations. Cross-check outputs against comparable international and regional estimates. Refine models based on feedback and incorporate validation results into technical documentation. Produce clear and comprehensive outputs, including: A technical report detailing methodology and results. Policy briefs and data visualisations summarizing key findings for decision-makers. Slide decks and summary infographics for advocacy and dissemination.Support the development of advocacy materials to inform resource allocation and program prioritization for asthma, COPD, and PTLD. Conduct hands-on training sessions for Ministry of Health and partner staff on model interpretation, data analysis, and maintenance. Develop user-friendly documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enable institutionalisation of the model. Develop a detailed work plan and deliverables schedule aligned with program timelines. Coordinate regularly with government counterparts, academic partners, and implementing agencies. Prepare periodic progress reports, presentations, and technical updates for program leadership. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A degree or higher in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Mathematical Modelling, Health Metrics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Health Economics or related field. At least 4 years of experience in disease burden estimation, epidemiological modelling, or quantitative health research. Demonstrated experience in using and developing models for estimating prevalence, incidence, or disease burden. Strong proficiency in statistical software such as R, Python, or Stata. Proven ability to manage and analyse large datasets from multiple sources. Experience working with ministries of health or public health institutions in low- or middle-income countries.

Competencies

Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify technical information for diverse audiences. High attention to detail, accuracy, and data quality. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Strong project management and organizational skills. Integrity, professionalism, and commitment to evidence-driven decision-making.

Advantages

Familiarity with chronic respiratory diseases, TB and post-TB lung disease, or NCD surveillance. Understanding of Kenya's health system, TB and NCD programs, and data reporting structures. Experience working with WHO or national-level modelling frameworks (e.g., GBD, Spectrum, WHO DisMod).

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