Principal Advisor, Surveillance, Digital Architecture and Governance

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic guidance for the Surveillance and Digital Architecture and Governance workstream, including defining how RTSL's data architecture approach aligns with and enhances the overarching Collaborative Surveillance framework by supporting the design, adaptation, utilization, and integration of data systems to improve intelligence for public health decision-making.

• Convert technical concepts into clear language suitable for a variety of audiences: national public health leaders, donors, WHO counterparts, and non-technical program staff.

• Represent the workstream in global technical forums, partnerships, and during donor interactions.

• Act as a senior strategic partner to the Director of Epidemic Intelligence regarding global strategy, emerging trends in digital health and AI, and stakeholder positioning across countries.

• Collaborate with other workstream leads to effectively matrix responsibilities that span Data Use and Decision Science, in-country implementation, and leadership and governance support to national public health institutes and Ministries of Health.

• Identify new opportunities and risks within the digital health sector — including advancements in artificial intelligence — and provide guidance on how these elements should influence RTSL's country support strategies.

• Oversee and develop a diverse team, comprising roles in solutions architecture, data engineering, product development, and informatics.

• Offer direct advisory support (accompaniment) to national public health institutes and ministries in pathfinder countries as they make decisions regarding data architecture, digital transformation, and data governance that align with public health priorities and requirements.

• Assist workstream staff in collaborating with country coordinators and government personnel to determine appropriate solutions tailored to their specific contexts.

⛳️ Requirements

• Advanced degree in health informatics, computer science, data science, or a related field.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience at the intersection of digital health and public health in Africa, demonstrating a solid understanding of both the technical and institutional aspects of health information systems.

• Proven experience working directly with governments on the implementation of digital transformation, design of surveillance systems, or governance of health data.

• Background in product design, product management, or leadership roles, with a focus on defining and driving the development of digital tools or systems through iterative, user-centered approaches.

• Demonstrated experience in managing diverse teams, including direct supervision of technical personnel.

• Experience in program management, budget oversight, and contracting within international development or global health settings.

• Knowledge of how artificial intelligence is utilized (and misused) in health systems of low- and middle-income countries, including the ability to discern when AI adds value and when it poses risks.

• Familiarity with integrated public health surveillance systems, including a working knowledge of DHIS2 and integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) methodologies.

• Understanding of data architecture principles — encompassing data integration, interoperability, and governance — sufficient to effectively guide strategy and challenge technical assumptions, without necessarily being an engineer.

• Strong leadership presence and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to foster trust with senior government representatives, navigate institutional complexities, and credibly represent RTSL in global technical arenas.

• Proficiency in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese is advantageous.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% of the time.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance coverage for you and your dependents.

• Contributions towards retirement plans.

• Paid annual leave and sick leave, in addition to public holidays.

• Two paid, week-long organization-wide breaks at mid-year and year-end.

• Support for professional development and home office setup.

• Access to up-to-date computer equipment.