Economist/Modeler, Health Economics Unit

Employment Type: Full-Time National

Location: The Position can be based in Ethiopia or Kenya

Deadline for submission: July 25, 2022

About us

At Nutrition International, we make a difference, because nutrition is the difference.

Woven into the very fabric of our approach is the passion and drive of our global team of over 600 people, working in 13 offices across 11 countries with one common goal: transforming the lives of people who need it most through improved nutrition.

If you are a motivated and passionate individual who shares our conviction that a better world is possible through improved nutrition, wants to leave the world a little better than they found it, and is looking to be part of a global team with a clear vision, we want to hear from you. Please consider applying for the position below.

Know our team

Nutrition International’s Program Operations Unit is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of Nutrition International’s core program interventions including program development, design, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting, and grant management, including setting annual operational planning, budgeting, and review processes. The unit comprises a global team of professionals located in our 10 core countries across Asia, Africa, and our headquarters in Ottawa, Canada. Nutrition International is seeking applications for Economist/Modeler, Health Economics Unit, and Global Technical Services to be based in Ethiopia or Kenya.

About you

At a minimum, a Master’s or Ph.D. degree from a recognized university in Health Economics, Development Economics, Health Policy Research, Epidemiology, Nutrition, and Public Health, or related fields. Training in Epidemiology, biostatistics, modeling, econometrics, financing, and health policy is an asset. At least 5 years of experience working in research and evaluation, economic evaluations of health and nutrition interventions, and policy advocacy. At least 3 years experience in in food fortification and/or nutrition. At least 5 years of experience in Project management

About the role

In this role you will be:

In line with NI’s strategic objectives in Africa, contribute to improved nutrition across Africa and in Ethiopia specifically by providing economic analysis for two new projects:

• In Ethiopia, NI is undertaking the implementation of the ‘Product Development and Market Introduction of Double Fortified Salt with iodine and folic acid (DFS-IoFA)’ project. Specifically, the candidate will support the NI team in the generation of evidence on the effectiveness and/or cost-benefit analysis of DFS-IoFA using rigorous modeling approaches. The candidate will also lead the public health analysis related to DFS-IoFA to determine the feasibility and potential contribution of DFS IoFA as part of an optimal mix of interventions in Ethiopia that aim to improve micronutrient intake in the country among the population at large.
• In Africa, NI is providing technical and advocacy support to the African Union (AU) and African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) in the areas of data and evidence generation, and specifically for economic and financing analysis. The candidate may support the developing of investment cases for nutrition in Africa (costing, cost-benefit analyses) at the regional, country, or district level and provide analytical support in the development of a financing target for nutrition for Africa or other priorities jointly agreed to by the AU, ALN, and NI inform and influence decision-maker policy development, advocacy and investment in nutrition.
• Develop work plans and budgets to conduct a set of “groundwork” analyses to understand the feasibility, impact, viability, and return on investment of introducing and scaling DFS-IoFA from a public health and economic perspective. Develop work plans to conduct Public health analysis, economic evaluation, and modeling, and prepare Investment case for DFS-IoFA. Oversee the design and data collection of the cost of DFS-IoFA in coordination with NI technical team. Undertake training necessary to develop the skills to use complex modeling tools necessary to conduct this public health and economic analysis as well as provide training/mentorship to others on the use of modeling tools. Carry out modeling and rigorous economic analysis and compile findings to generate evidence on the effectiveness or CBA of DFS-IoFA in Ethiopia. Develop quality monthly and quarterly progress monitoring reports and ensure challenges are identified and recommended corrective actions are timely implemented. Carry out site monitoring and consultation visits to ensure key stakeholders are consulted timely, to build the capacity of data collectors and quality assure data collection activities. Ensure that research protocol and evaluation designs are reviewed and approved internally and by local and international Scientific Research Review Board. Build and maintain good collaborative relations with key stakeholders such as EPHI, FBPIDI, FMHACA, ESA, FMoTI, FMoH, Salt Producers, IF-SBH, FTT, BMGF, MINIMOD team, MAPS, CHAMPS, GAIN, UNICEF, WFP, AU and ALN other agencies with interest in these projects. Represent NI at regional and international fora relevant to these projects in food fortification and nutrition financing/investment.

What we offer

A competitive market pay, health and dental benefits and pension plan, flexible work hours, work from home, four weeks of vacation (plus public holidays), and support for learning and development opportunities. We offer a collaborative and engaging work environment.

Selected candidates must have a current legal entitlement to work in Ethiopia or Kenya. We thank you for your interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Nutrition International is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive, equitable, and accessible work environment. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.

Please note that all our offers are conditional subject to appropriate screening checks and satisfactory reference checks.

For more detailed information about the role, please click on the attached Job Description. Please click on the Apply button below to submit your application.