Spatial Modeler

Background 

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) has received financial support from the World Bank for Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing project to strengthen regional infectious disease detection and response systems. EPHI is the technical wing for the FMoH re-established as an exciting and dynamic autonomous federal government institute having its own legal entity in charge of three main objectives as expressed in the regulation number 301/2013: 1) Research on priority public health and nutrition issues (based on national public health research agendas), generate, translate and disseminate scientific and technological knowledge; 2) Surveillance for the early identification and detection of public health risks and prevent public health emergencies through adequate preparedness, alert, timely information to respond effectively and timely and ensure rapid recovery of the affected population from the impact of public health emergency; 3) national laboratory services on emerging and re-emerging public health emergency threats including referral diagnostic, back up services and analytical tests and support the capacity building of health and food science laboratories at the national level for quality laboratory services. In 2018, the institute has established a National Data Management Center for health (NDMC) to transform its data systems, evidence generation and data use for public health emergency responses. 

NDMC is responsible to centrally archive health and health related data; ensure data governance and security; create platforms for data sharing, access and use; process and manage data by applying robust data analytic technics, integration of datasets and apply data science to generate and synthesis evidence; and ensure evidence utilization for decision making by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and other relevant stakeholders at local, sub-national and national continental and international levels; ensure relevant capacities are built at local, national and regional levels and to serve as canter of excellence. 

The NDMC has the responsibility of implementing Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project (ACDCP) functions related to developing innovative interconnected and interoperable disease surveillance and reporting systems, networking regional and continental partners and with Africa CDC and to build data analytic, disease surveillance and reporting, undertaking integrated data analysis, evidence translation, and database development and evidence synthesis, digital platforms and data sharing and, will also serve as a regional and continental information hub. EPHI is therefore looking for a high calibre Spatial Modeler with strong qualification and experience to contribute for the effective implementation of its aforementioned responsibilities. 

Objective 

The objective of this post is to ensure deployment of high calibre Spatial Modeler, who could have technical expertise for applying spatial modeling techniques and epidemiological principles to analyze and interpret spatial data related to disease transmission, public health, and environmental factors. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop spatial models, conduct analyses, and generate insights to support evidence-based decision-making in public health interventions. To this end, EPHI wants to recruit Spatial Modeler.

Roles and responsibilities

• Utilize advanced spatial modeling techniques to analyze and visualize geospatial data, including disease surveillance data, environmental variables, and population demographics.
• Apply epidemiological methods to assess disease patterns, risk factors, and transmission dynamics using spatial data. Conduct statistical analyses to identify correlations and trends.
• Collect, clean, and manage large-scale spatial datasets, ensuring data quality and integrity. Develop protocols for data acquisition, storage, and processing.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and develop spatial models for disease spread, intervention planning, and impact assessment. Implement and validate models using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
• Conduct scenario-based modeling and simulation to evaluate the potential impact of interventions, identify high-risk areas, and inform resource allocation strategies.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and visualizations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders, policymakers, and the scientific community.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure a comprehensive understanding of data requirements, research objectives, and project timelines. Present findings at conferences, workshops, and meetings.
• Research and Innovation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in spatial modeling, epidemiology, and public health research. Identify and propose innovative approaches to improve modeling techniques and methodologies.
• Engage in other activities of the centre and the institute 

Reporting

• Spatial Modeler will report to the NDMC Coordinator
• Spatial Modeler will base in EPHI/NDMC in Addis Ababa

Qualifications and Experiences 

• A BSc/MSc/Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Spatial Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or a related field. and minimum 6/4/2 years of relevant experiences respectively.
• Strong knowledge of spatial modeling techniques, epidemiological principles, and statistical analysis methods.

Desired Skills and Experiences

• Proficiency in using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and statistical software (e.g., R, Python, STATA) for spatial analysis and modeling.
• Experience working with large-scale spatial datasets and spatial databases.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex spatial models and algorithms.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Published at least 6 public health related articles in reputable and peer reviewed journal (at least three of them as a first author);

Contract Duration and Remuneration

• The contract will be for one year with possible extension upon satisfactory performance and the need as of business continuity.
• Salary will be based on the qualifications and experience and in accordance with EPHI’s contract salary scale.

How To Apply

Note Interested applicants can register in Online through only WWW.ethiojobs.net  send their CVs and relevant documents at the address given below within 10 days from the first appearance of the announcement

Remarks: Please attach copies of transcripts, academic degree or recommendation letters together with the application. If not attached the copies you may be not short listed.