Background

Climate change is intensifying health risks in low-resource settings, disrupting health systems and threatening vulnerable populations. However, at the national level, most countries lack a comprehensive and sustainable infrastructure for understanding and implementing data-driven decision-making processes for addressing the immediate and future climate-related health impacts. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with MUBAS and PATH are developing data services to strengthen climate-informed decision-making in the health sector. The data services will also help countries anticipate and respond to climate-sensitive health risks, improve resource allocation, and inform evidence-based policies that reduce risks for populations facing heightened exposure. The project is funded by the Wellcome Trust. The project goal is for Malawi to become one of an exemplar model of countries that have ministry-hosted climate and health data services that strengthen climate-informed decision-making.

The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) therefore invites applications for the post of Research Assistant to be based in the department of Public and Environmental Health Sciences. The Research assistant will report directly to the Malawi Co-Principal Investigator.

The position is for a period of one year and is renewable up to three years based on performance.

Job Responsibilities

1. Coordinate and oversee day-to-day implementation of research project activities
2. Assist in co-design processes involving health, climate, environment, and disaster risk management stakeholders to define user needs and service requirements.
3. Provide financial reports of project activities
4. Coordinate participatory workshops and consultations to ensure climate and health data services are user-driven, context-specific, and policy-relevant. Collaborate with data producers and end-users to define data standards, interoperability requirements, and service specifications.
5. Oversee the deployment and routine operation of integrated climate and health data platforms, dashboards, or decision-support tools.
6. Support routine monitoring, evaluation, and learning Establish and maintain effective multisectoral coordination mechanisms among government ministries, research institutions, and development partners.
7. Facilitate knowledge exchange, learning platforms, and communities of practice to promote sustained collaboration.
8. Support the integration of services into national systems, policies, and budgetary frameworks.
9. Supervise and support field data collectors involved in the project.
10. Ensuring accountability and proper utilization of resources
11. Perform any other related duties assigned by the Project Leadership to support successful delivery of the programme.
12. Document lessons learned, best practices, and evidence of impact to inform replication at sub-national, national, and regional levels.

Required Qualifications

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s) in one of the following or a closely related field:

1. Data Science, Health Informatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Management and protection
2. Should have basic qualifications in accounting, finance and administration

Desired Attributes

1. At least 3 years’ experience in climate–health, public health informatics, environmental health, or related interdisciplinary fields.
2. Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and management of data-driven services or decision-support systems.
3. Proven track record in multisectoral coordination, including collaboration with government ministries, research institutions, and development partners.
4. Experience conducting or coordinating applied research related to climate-sensitive health risks and outcomes.
5. Prior involvement in donor-funded or large-scale development programmes, including reporting, monitoring, and accountability.
6. Demonstrated expertise in integrating heterogeneous datasets (climate, environmental, and health data).
7. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks for data services and innovation programmes.
8. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral teams.
9. Sound understanding of national and international climate change and health policy frameworks.

Method of Application

Applications together with copies of relevant qualifications and detailed Curriculum Vitae with two traceable referees should be sent by Thursday, 30th January, 2026 to registrar@mubas.ac.mw with a copy to head-pehs@mubas.ac.mw.

Late applications will not be considered.