School of Public Health, Wits University: Health Economist or General Applied Micro Economist
An exciting opportunity exists for an energetic Health Economist or General Applied Micro Economist with interest and experience in health economics in South Africa or Sub Saharan Africa. The focus of the work is on the role/use of cost effectiveness and related evidence-based approaches in setting priorities for health interventions and maximiSing their impact.
This Johannesburg-based position is grant funded and is located at the South African Medical Research Council /Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The project relates to priority setting and best buys in public health for South Africa. The project is a collaboration with the Disease Control Priorities Network. The DCP- N takes its starting point but goes beyond the recently published DCP 2 that was broadly focused on low and middle income countries and have been utilised by health and finance policymakers, international development agencies and academic institutions.
In this era of fiscal restraint there is a need to better understand how to use resources more effectively. The goal of the project is to develop, implement and coordinate a Secretariat for the South Africa country study that will support the development of specific evidence-based information and tools that could potentially affect positive changes in health interventions and health systems.
This project is unique opportunity that will be played out in a dynamic but profoundly challenging setting in South Africa where need and opportunity is especially high. The incumbent will join a secretariat to play a central role in performing quality and potentially ground breaking research.
The incumbent will provide statistical and economic analysis support to the DCP SA study team and take leadership on individual studies. Initial responsibilities will include substantial technical involvement in studies of the costs and cost effectiveness of different priority interventions and how they articulate with South African health systems
Requirements:
- Doctoral degree in economics or a related field (e.g. public health, public policy);
- Candidates with a medical degree and strong quantitative skills with experience in epidemiology or biostatistics will also be strongly considered;
- Experience in carrying out applied priority setting research in South Africa or other middle income settings;
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement new projects;
- Demonstrated leadership potential, resourcefulness, and intellectual creativity;
- Willingness to supervise junior staff.
Remuneration: Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and level of appointment. Package can include Provident Fund, Medical Aid and thirteenth cheque. Appointment initially for two years, contract renewable depending on funding.
To apply, submit an application letter, CV, writing sample and contact information of three references to Adele Cilliers, Wits Health Consortium, Postnet Suite 189, Private Bag X2600, Houghton, 2041, or at acilliers [at] witshealth [dot] co [dot] za.
Enquiries: Karen Hofman, Tel: 011 717 2803, hofmank [at] mail [dot] nih [dot] gov or Steve Tollman, Tel: 011 717 2805, Stephen [dot] Tollman [at] wits [dot] ac [dot] za.
This position will remain open until it is filled.
