SCIENTIFIC MANAGER - CENTER FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MODELLING AND ANALYSIS (CEMA) INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (UNITID) – AD/3/15/23,

The Position Description
The position of a Scientific Manager at the Center for Epidemiological Modelling and
Analysis (CEMA); University of Nairobi offers an exciting opportunity for a highly driven
individual with specialist knowledge in health, data analytics and modelling, and interest in
administration of scientific projects.
At CEMA, the person appointed will contribute to growing the international profile of the
center in improving the speed and quality of health decisions through insights from data,
active and impactful engagement with policy and the public, while producing high quality
publications, providing rigorous training of the next generation of data scientists and being
responsive to the societal health needs that can be solved through data science.
About CEMA
CEMA is a Center of Excellence at the University of Nairobi committed to using data-driven
approaches to guide the control of infectious diseases and improve public health in Kenya
and the African continent. Established in 2020, CEMA has played a critical role in the use of
applied epidemiolocal modelling and analytics including on COVID-19 (to guide responses to
the pandemic in Kenya and the continent); neglected tropical diseases (to catalyse their
control and elimination); delivery of essential health services (to guide their maintainance
during health emergencies); and in training in quantitative skills needed to manage and
analyze health data to address priority public health questions in the region. CEMA receives
core support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Duty Station: Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi
Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya.
Reporting to: CEMA Co-Directors
Responsibilities
1. Plan, review, provide technical assistance and guide implementation of CEMA’s projects
in priority thematic areas including health information systems; disease surveillance and
response; immunization; maternal and child health, neglected tropical diseases, malaria,
antimicrobial resistance, and any other areas that CEMA may be involved in.
2. In consultation with the principle investigators, determine scientific or technical goals as
per project scope and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
3. In coordination with the Program Administrative Manager, develop and implement
policies, or procedures for CEMA’s scientific, or technical work to enhance operations
and ensure compliance
4. Support in identification of funding sources, and preparation of funding proposals
5. Write scientific manuscripts in collaboration with the CEMA science and technical teams
6. Coordinate the CEMA’s fellowship and mentoring programs.
7. Contribute to the development and facilitation of modular courses and training materials
offered at CEMA.
8. Support the statistical and epidemiological analysis
9. Participate in and contribute to research group meetings with the Thematic Principal
Investigators and program collaborators
10. Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge and learning and in
policy forums to enhance uptake of insights from CEMA’s work for impact
11. Contribute to the strengthening of collaborations with CEMA’s stakeholders
Requirements
i) A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), BSc in Pharmacy, BSc in
Nursing, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, or
a health-related degree.
ii) A Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Data Science or Statistics, or a
quantitative degree.
iii) A PhD in Epidemiology, Public Health or a quantitative subject is desirable and will be
an added advantage
iv) Demonstrated experience in managing research projects for at least (2) years, writing
project reports, and facilitating collaborative and productive partnerships between
research partners
v) Experience in writing scientific grants and peer reviewed manuscripts
vi) Experience in working with health data, drawing insights from data analytics and
modelling, and communicating results to inform health programming and policies.
vii) Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and as a team
member
viii) Excellent written and verbal communication skills
ix) Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines
Terms of Appointment
This is a position whose tenure is a one (1) year contract, renewable based on performance
and by mutual consent. The renumeration is negotiable to reflect the level of education and
work experience.