Research Associate Consultant

  • Full Time
  • Mzuzu, Malawi
  • Applications have closed

Luke international

BACKGROUND

The Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit (PPT) project is a global initiative led by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) and funded by Welcome Trust. It aims to build sustainable, open-access tools that strengthen national statistical systems for infectious disease surveillance and response. In Malawi, Luke International (LIN) is delivering the project in collaboration with the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) under the Ministry of Health.

The Malawi Pathfinder Project, nested within the main PPT project, is now entering the Delivery Phase (2025-2028). During this phase, Malawi’s PPT team will lead the development and testing of locally adapted Toolkit Units across five core thematic areas: Data Collection, Data Analysis, Outputs and Reporting, Stakeholder Engagement, and Data Governance.

In order to support the development of evidence-based, context-specific, and user-friendly content, LIN is recruiting two consultant positions: a Research Associate and a Surveillance and Research Manager, and one Data Analytics Officer for project execution. All roles will be instrumental in ensuring the project is grounded in Malawi’s surveillance context and reflects national priorities to further inform the global society’s needs.

POSITION: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

  1. Duty Station: LIN Mzuzu Country Office, Malawi
  2. Duration: Subject to Performance and Project needs
  3. Reporting to: PPT Team Lead, Luke International (LIN)
  4. Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and support the development and contextualization of Malawi-specific PPT Unit Specifications and content.
  • Test and provide feedback on Toolkit Units developed by other countries.
  • Conduct literature reviews on public health surveillance in Malawi and contribute to evidence summaries.
  • Participate in the design and execution of research studies, including data analysis.
  • Draft research outputs, including scientific articles, policy briefs, and newsletters.
  • Conduct reproducible data analysis tools using R and generate reports using R Markdown or Quarto.
  • Provide technical input on Unit interactivity (e.g., data tools, visualisations, and dummy datasets).

e) Minimum Qualifications and Experience

  • Master of Science or above degree in Public Health, Information Technology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics or related field. A PhD degree in Epidemiology or Public Health is preferred
  • Strong background in public health surveillance systems, including familiarity with Malawi’s IDSR system, and related digital health developments.
  • Proven experience in geospatial analysis, implementation research, or operational research.
  • Proficient in R and Python for data analysis; skilled in Quarto/R Markdown.
  • Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English and Chichewa.

f) Desirable

  • Knowledge of Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and willing to undergo training on the same.
  • Experience contributing to regional or global public health toolkits or health system strengthening.
  • Familiarity with the structure and operations of PHIM and NSO.
  • Understanding of open science practices, digital health developments, DHIS technology and GitHub-based documentation.

Application Procedures

The consultancy will be hired for 9 months. The consultant will report to LIN and then deploy to work closely with the Ministry of Health, PHIM, and NSO.

Eligible candidates meeting the required qualifications and experience should send or email their applications with cover letter, up-dated detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), names, addresses and telephone numbers of three traceable referees to: hr@linmalawi.org

Human Resources
Luke international
PO Box 1088
Mzuzu

Please clearly quote the name of position on the application letter and outside of the envelope. Application without the above-mentioned supporting documents will be rejected. For those applying through email, compile all relevant documents in word or pdf and attach as one file.

Deadline for submission is 3rd July 2025. Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Luke International – To Restore Humans Health and Dignity