Application Guide

How to Apply for Technical Advisor, Surveillance, Data Use and Decision Science

at Resolve to Save Lives

🏢 About Resolve to Save Lives

Resolve to Save Lives is a global public health organization with an ambitious mission: prevent 100 million deaths from heart disease and make the world safer from epidemics. Founded by Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, it operates with a nimble, results-driven approach, often partnering with governments to strengthen health systems. Working here means contributing directly to high-impact initiatives like the 7-1-7 target for outbreak detection and response, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.

About This Role

As a Technical Advisor for Surveillance, Data Use, and Decision Science, you will be embedded with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) public health institutions to enhance disease surveillance and data-driven decision-making. Your work will involve coaching national teams on data analysis, visualization, and the 7-1-7 timelines, while developing critical information products like dashboards and epidemiological reports. This role is pivotal in translating data into actionable insights that guide public health responses and strengthen local capacity.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the national surveillance team in DRC, reviewing data quality and discussing analysis priorities. Later, you could be developing an R Shiny dashboard to visualize outbreak trends or coaching provincial staff on epidemiological methods. You'll also collaborate with internal teams to align on data governance strategies and prepare reports for decision-makers.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Resolve to Save Lives Is Looking For

  • Holds a Master's in epidemiology, biostatistics, or public health with at least 8 years of experience in surveillance or health data analytics.
  • Proven expertise in R programming and data visualization tools (e.g., Shiny, ggplot2) for public health applications.
  • Experience working with national or provincial health systems in low-resource settings, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Strong coaching and mentorship skills, with the ability to build analytical capacity among diverse teams.
  • Familiarity with the 7-1-7 framework and data governance challenges in disease surveillance.

📝 Tips for Applying to Resolve to Save Lives

1

Highlight your experience with the 7-1-7 framework or similar detection-to-response timelines, as this is a core focus of the role.

2

Showcase your proficiency in R and data visualization by linking to a portfolio or GitHub repository with relevant dashboards or analysis.

3

Emphasize any experience working in the DRC or similar contexts, including French language skills if applicable, as local context is crucial.

4

Demonstrate your ability to mentor and train others by providing concrete examples of capacity-building initiatives you've led.

5

Tailor your resume to reflect the specific responsibilities: data governance, information product development, and technical coaching.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience in strengthening surveillance systems and improving data use in low-resource settings.', "Specific examples of how you've used R to develop dashboards or reports that informed public health decisions.", 'Your approach to mentoring and building analytical capacity among national and provincial staff.', "Your understanding of data governance bottlenecks and how you've resolved them in past roles."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Learn about Resolve to Save Lives' key initiatives, especially the 7-1-7 target and their work in epidemic preparedness.
  • → Understand the DRC's public health landscape, including major disease burdens and existing surveillance structures.
  • → Explore the organization's partnerships with WHO, CDC, and local ministries to understand their collaborative approach.
  • → Review Dr. Tom Frieden's publications and interviews to grasp the organization's strategic vision and priorities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach implementing the 7-1-7 timelines in a setting with limited resources?
2 Describe a time you identified and resolved a data governance issue that was hindering surveillance efforts.
3 What is your experience with R for epidemiological analysis and dashboard development?
4 How would you train provincial staff with varying levels of data literacy in epidemiology and R?
5 Can you discuss a situation where you had to influence stakeholders to adopt data-driven decision-making?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating experience in capacity building or mentorship.
  • Ignoring the specific context of DRC or similar settings, such as language barriers or infrastructure challenges.
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't address the unique aspects of this role, like the 7-1-7 framework.

📅 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

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Resolve to Save Lives!

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