Application Guide
How to Apply for Health Information Systems Officer, STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES), Epidemic Preparedness & Response
at Path
🏢 About Path
PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to health equity, known for its innovative approaches to public health challenges. Working on the STRIDES project offers a chance to directly impact epidemic preparedness in resource-limited settings, leveraging cutting-edge digital tools.
About This Role
This role focuses on strengthening infectious disease detection systems through health information management, ensuring timely outbreak detection and response. You'll lead data integration and digital health tool implementation, directly contributing to global health security.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with country teams on DHIS2 data quality, followed by analyzing surveillance data to identify gaps. Afternoon could involve preparing a stakeholder presentation on digital tool integration or troubleshooting a data interoperability issue with partners.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Path Is Looking For
- Experienced in DHIS2 and SQL for data management and surveillance system strengthening.
- Background in epidemiology or public health surveillance with knowledge of infectious disease detection.
- Proven project management skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders (government, NGOs, technical teams).
- Comfortable with digital health tools and data analysis to drive evidence-based decision-making.
📝 Tips for Applying to Path
Highlight specific experience with DHIS2 or similar health information systems in disease surveillance.
Emphasize any work in epidemic-prone settings (e.g., Ebola, COVID-19, cholera) and results achieved.
Tailor your resume to show project management in global health, including stakeholder coordination.
Include metrics: e.g., 'Reduced reporting time by 30% through system optimization.'
Research PATH's STRIDES project and mention how your skills align with their focus on data-driven outbreak response.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for strengthening health systems to prevent outbreaks.', 'Specific examples of improving surveillance data quality or integration.', 'Ability to work in cross-cultural, multi-sector teams.', 'How your technical skills (DHIS2, SQL) translate to real-world epidemic preparedness.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read PATH's STRIDES project page and recent publications on epidemic preparedness.
- → Understand PATH's work in specific countries (e.g., Africa, Asia) and their partnerships with ministries of health.
- → Familiarize yourself with WHO's Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework.
- → Review PATH's digital health portfolio, including tools like DHIS2 and OpenSRP.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not demonstrating hands-on experience with DHIS2 or similar systems (generic 'data management' doesn't suffice).
- Ignoring the global health context; avoid focusing solely on technical skills without mentioning impact.
- Failing to show understanding of epidemic preparedness challenges (e.g., data silos, interoperability).
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!