Application Guide

How to Apply for Data Analytics Fellow, Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa

at Path

๐Ÿข About Path

PATH is a global health nonprofit dedicated to ending health inequities, with a strong focus on malaria elimination through the MACEPA initiative. Working here means contributing to life-saving interventions in Africa, backed by decades of expertise and partnerships with governments and NGOs.

About This Role

As a Data Analytics Fellow, you'll analyze program data from malaria control efforts across Africa, supporting evidence-based decisions that directly impact disease burden reduction. This role offers hands-on experience with real-world public health data and the chance to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in a remote, flexible environment.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve cleaning and analyzing malaria case data from partner countries using R, then preparing a dashboard for program managers. You'll also join a virtual meeting with a Zambian health ministry team to discuss data quality issues and co-interpret recent trends.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Path Is Looking For

  • Proficient in R or Python for statistical analysis and data visualization, with experience handling large datasets.
  • Familiar with public health data, especially malaria or infectious disease epidemiology, and understands indicators like incidence and mortality.
  • A collaborative team player who can communicate complex findings to non-technical partners in Africa.
  • Self-motivated and comfortable working remotely across time zones, with strong project management skills.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Path

1

Highlight any experience with malaria or infectious disease data, even if from academic projects or internships.

2

Showcase your ability to work with partners in low-resource settings, e.g., through previous global health or cross-cultural work.

3

Provide examples of how you've used data to influence decisions or improve program outcomes.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize statistical software proficiency (R/Python/Stata) and data cleaning/visualization.

5

Mention any familiarity with DHIS2, HMIS, or other health information systems used in Africa.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for malaria elimination and global health equity, linking to PATH's mission.", 'Specific data analytics projects where you generated actionable insights for public health.', 'Your ability to collaborate across cultures and time zones, with examples of remote teamwork.', "Understanding of MACEPA's work and how your skills can support evidence generation for malaria control."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Review MACEPA's recent publications and reports on malaria elimination progress in Africa.
  • โ†’ Understand PATH's organizational structure and how the fellowship fits into the broader malaria team.
  • โ†’ Learn about key malaria indicators (e.g., ITN coverage, ACT access) and current challenges in elimination.
  • โ†’ Familiarize yourself with common data sources in African malaria programs, like DHIS2 and malaria surveillance systems.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you analyze malaria surveillance data to identify transmission hotspots?
2 Describe a time you had to communicate complex data findings to a non-technical audience.
3 What's your experience with missing data in public health datasets, and how do you handle it?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple partners with different data needs?
5 Explain a statistical method you've used for causal inference in observational studies.
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not demonstrating specific experience with R/Python/Stataโ€”generic data skills won't suffice.
  • Ignoring the global health context; avoid purely technical answers without understanding public health impact.
  • Failing to show cultural awareness or adaptability to working with African partners remotely.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Path!