Terms of Reference for the Recruitment of Data Scientists

Job title: Data Scientist
Department: Research, Innovation & Data Science
Reports to: Senior Policy Advisor of the (HIC-MoH) and Managing Director of CIIC-HIN
Number of positions: 2

1. Background

The Center for Impact, Innovative and Capacity Building for Health Information systems and Nutrition (CIIC-HIN) is a dedicated research organization committed to advancing evidence-based health policy, strengthening health systems, and improving public health outcomes. Guided by its mission, CIIC-HIN works at the intersection of research, innovation, and capacity building to address some of the most pressing global health challenges.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with CIIC-HIN with financial partnership of the Gates Foundation, is implementing a 24-month project aimed at institutionalizing sustainable mechanisms for improving maternal health. The project focuses on integrating Quality-of-Care (QoC) indicators into national health information systems and leveraging digital innovations virtual reality (VR)-enabled clinical support tools. The overall objectives of the project also contribute to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by introducing digital solutions to support remote clinicians in low-resource settings. In contexts such as Rwanda, where there is a shortage of specialized clinicians, these innovations provide timely assistance and expand access to quality care.

Another critical component of the project is strengthening institutional analytics capacity through the deployment of embedded Data Scientists to ensure that data generated from multiple data sources (DHIS-2, PBF portal, e-Buzima, accreditation systems, Virtual Care, and other digital health systems within the same ecosystem) are transformed into actionable insights that directly inform maternal health service quality and policy formulation.

This integration is expected to feed into the existing Health Intelligence Centre, enabling triangulation, visibility, and remote assistance for specialists in OB/GYN, neonatology, surgery, and ambulance-based emergency care.

To strengthen institutional analytics capacity, CIIC-HIN is recruiting experienced Data Scientists who will be seconded to the Health Intelligence Centre (HIC)/MOH. The scope of work is detailed below:

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The Data Scientist will support the MoH/HIC to:

• Enhance data analytics capacity for maternal health quality monitoring
• Integrate and analyze QoC and accreditation-related indicators across national platforms
• Provide evidence-based insights to improve decision-making and maternal health outcomes

3. Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities

The Data Scientist will be responsible for the following tasks:

3.1. Data Integration & Management

• Participate in the assessment and mapping of metadata of key Quality of Care and Process Indicators
• Design, implement, and maintain production-grade ETL/ELT pipelines that ingest from DHIS2, PBF, eBuzima, accreditation, CRVS, and other sources into HIC databases
• Support integration of QoC, accreditation, and maternal health indicators into national HIS platforms (DHIS-2, PBF portal, eBuzima etc..)
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and harmonization of indicator definitions and metadata
• Manage data pipelines between facility-level systems, the centralized accreditation portal, and HIC databases

3.2. Analytics & Visualization

Develop advanced analytics models to track maternal health service quality and outcomes.

• Generate retrospective and cross-sectional analyses to identify breakdowns in maternal care and systemic failures
• Produce interactive dashboards, real-time monitoring tools, and reports for MoH and partners

3.3. Capacity Strengthening & Institutionalization

• Together with CIIC-HIN data scientists, both teams will train MoH/HIC staff and district-level teams in data analytics, visualization, and interpretation
• Document processes, workflows, and analytical frameworks for sustainability.
• Collaborate with IT and clinical teams to ensure that analytics are user-friendly and decision-relevant

4. Monitoring & Reporting

• Contribute quarterly and annual project reports by providing data-driven insights.
• Document use of dashboards in clinical supervision and policy decisions.
• Participate in preparation of a final data review report highlighting maternal health system bottlenecks and recommendations.

5. Deliverables

• Validated and harmonized metadata mapping of QoC and process indicators
• Functional Interactive dashboards and visual analytics integrated into HIC and MoH platforms
• Quarterly analytical briefs and data-driven insights for MoH/HIC decision-making
• Training materials and sessions delivered to MoH/HIC staff and partners.
• Participating in the final Maternal Health Data Review Report
• Participate in final impact assessment of Clinical Virtual care 

6. Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Data Science, Statistics, big data analytics, Mathematical Science or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience in data analytics, preferably in health-related domains
• Proven experience designing, building, and operating ETL/ELT data pipelines (e.g., Python + SQL), including scheduling, monitoring, and error handling.
• Relevant professional certification such as DSCA (Associate Big Data Analytics / SBDA) is an added advantage
• Strong expertise in:
  • Programming and statistical analysis (combination of Python or R with SQL).
  • SQL and data-modeling skills, version control (Git), and documentation for reproducible analytics
  • Experience building APIs or consuming REST/JSON services for data exchange within health information ecosystems
  • Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, etc.)
  • Machine learning and predictive analytics (desirable).
  • Experience with the integration of data from multiple data source platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable policy and program insights
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and capacity-building skills

7. Duration and Location

• Duration: 24 months (aligned with the project period)
• Location: Based at the Health Intelligence Center (HIC) in Kigali, Rwanda, with periodic travel to selected districts

8. Reporting & Supervision

The Data Scientist will report to both Senior Policy Advisor of the (HIC-MoH) and Managing Director of CIIC-HIN 

9. Expected Outcomes

• Strengthened institutional capacity for maternal health data analytics within HIC-MoH.
• Increased use of quality data in clinical supervision and decision-making.
• Improved responsiveness of facilities to maternal health care needs through data-driven insights and innovations

How to apply:

Interested candidates should scan and compile all application documents into a single file and submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation.
• A detailed CV with at least three professional references.
• Copies of professional certificates (where applicable)
• Copies of academic certificates.

Subject line: Application – Data Scientist

If you believe you meet the above requirements and wish to view a more detailed job description and wish to apply, please send your application to: administration@ciichin.org

The application deadline is Friday, 31st October 2025. 

Dr. Felix Kitema RUBUGA
Managing Director - CIIC-HIN