Geospatial Technology & Spatial Epidemiology Fellowship

About Dev-Afrique 

Dev-Afrique Development Advisors is an African-led, Africa-based social-impact organization of strategy and development professionals committed to solving complex challenges on the African continent. Through our partnership with DevGlobal and DevIndia and networks across African countries, we provide high-level advisory, develop unique strategies, and drive local implementation for global non-profit organizations and corporations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dev-Afrique’s goal is to be the leading catalyst for sustainable development in Africa, recognized for our unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation in creating a brighter future for all. 

Fuel Your Passion for Geospatial Technology and Public Health in Africa with a Fellowship Opportunity 

Dev-Afrique Development Advisors, a leading African social-impact organization, is seeking a highly motivated Master’s or PhD students for its Geospatial Technology & Spatial Epidemiology Fellowship. This program offers a unique opportunity to combine an academic background in geospatial analysis and epidemiology with real-world public health challenges across the African continent. 

As a fellow, selected candidates will join a team of dedicated researchers and public health professionals at Dev-Afrique. Together, the team will leverage the power of geospatial technology and spatial epidemiology to: 

• Uncover Insights: Analyse disease patterns and identify risk factors specific to African contexts. 
• Develop Solutions: Contribute to the creation of innovative strategies to improve public health outcomes. 
• Inform Action: Translate complex spatial data into clear and compelling visualizations that empower decision-making for evidence-based public health interventions. 
• Become a Change Agent: Be part of a team committed to making a lasting impact on public health in Africa. 

The Fellowship goes Beyond Academics. Here is What to Expect: 

• Hands-on Learning: Gain practical experience working on real public health projects under the guidance of experienced professionals. 
• Develop Expertise: Strengthen your skills in geospatial data analysis, spatial modelling, data visualization, and communication. 
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse team of researchers and public health professionals, fostering knowledge exchange and professional growth.

Responsibilities 

The fellowship experience will provide a comprehensive understanding of applying geospatial technology and spatial epidemiology in public health practice. Key responsibilities will include: 

• Source and collect spatial data relevant to public health issues in Africa (e.g., disease surveillance data, demographic data, environmental data) from diverse sources like government agencies, public health institutions, and open-source repositories. 
• Conduct in-depth geospatial analysis using advanced GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) to understand the spatial distribution and determinants of health outcomes, including disease outbreaks, clusters, hotspots, and risk factors, within the African context. 
• Develop and maintain spatial databases related to public health issues, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and accessibility for analysis. 
• Integrate spatial data with epidemiological data to identify spatial patterns and trends in disease outbreaks, health disparities, and risk factors. 
• Develop and apply spatial interpolation methods to create informative risk maps, interactive dashboards, and other compelling visual communication tools that effectively translate complex spatial data on disease patterns for diverse audiences, ultimately guiding public health interventions. 
• Develop and implement field data collection strategies using GPS and GIS tools to enhance spatial data collection for disease surveillance and inform the development of predictive spatial models for disease transmission patterns and potential outbreaks. 
• Support project teams with geospatial and epidemiological expertise, providing technical advice and guidance on data analysis, mapping, and visualization. 
• Participate in the development of proposals and technical reports related to the application of geospatial technology and spatial epidemiology in public health programs. 
• Stay up-to-date with emerging trends in geospatial technology, spatial epidemiology, and their application in public health. 
• Collaborate effectively with Dev-Afrique’s diverse team of advisors, public health professionals, and stakeholders across Africa. 

Requirements

To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates should possess: 

• Current Master’s degree and PhD students in a relevant field such as Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Public Health, Epidemiology, Geography, or a closely related discipline. 
• Strong understanding of spatial data analysis methods, spatial statistics, and spatial epidemiology concepts. 
• Proven expertise in utilizing advanced GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) for spatial analysis, data visualization, and cartography, with the ability to create clear, compelling, and informative maps and graphics that effectively communicate complex spatial information. 
• Experience with integrating spatial data with non-spatial datasets for public health research or applications (a plus). 
• Proven experience and understanding of spatial modelling, such as the Spatiotemporal Disease Spread Model, which simulates the potential spread of diseases over time and space, is highly recommended. 
• Experience with field data collection methodologies using GPS and GIS tools (a plus). 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex spatial information to diverse audiences. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively. 
• Commitment to social impact and a passion for improving public health outcomes in Africa. 
• Experience working in Africa or a developing country context (a plus). 
• Proficiency in French or another African language (a plus). 

What We Offer 

This fellowship provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, contribute to meaningful public health projects, and develop professional skills. Here’s what to expect: 

• The opportunity to use your skills and expertise to address critical public health challenges in Africa. 
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment with a team of passionate and experienced consultants/professionals and gain valuable mentorship throughout the fellowship. 
• Competitive stipend and benefits package. 
• Be part of a growing and impactful organization committed to making a difference on the African continent. 

To Apply 

Submit your resume and cover letter.