Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
• Category/Department: Data Science Program (DSP)
• Reporting To: DSWB Project Technical Lead
• Application Deadline: July 7, 2025

Introduction

The Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer role offers an exciting career opportunity for a skilled professional to lead transformative data harmonization and interoperability efforts in health research across Africa. This position is pivotal in advancing evidence-based decision-making by implementing robust data standards, such as the OMOP Common Data Model (CDM), and embedding FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles into practice. Based in Nairobi, this role supports a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen data science ecosystems, enabling seamless collaboration and impactful research outcomes for institutions in Kenya, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Senegal. Professionals passionate about data science, health informatics, and sustainable research systems will find this position both challenging and rewarding, with significant potential for career growth and societal impact.

About African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading research-to-policy institution dedicated to generating evidence, strengthening research capacity, and promoting evidence-informed decision-making across sub-Saharan Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, APHRC operates across 30+ African countries, collaborating with governments, academic institutions, and development partners to address critical health and development challenges. With a focus on fostering African research leadership, APHRC has earned recognition for its rigorous, high-impact studies and commitment to advancing data-driven solutions. The organization’s Data Science Program (DSP) drives innovative projects, including the Data Science Without Borders (DSWB) initiative, which aims to harmonize data and promote advanced data science tools to improve health outcomes across the continent.

Key Responsibilities

The Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer will play a critical role in shaping data management practices and ensuring compliance with global standards. Key duties include:

• Design and implement data harmonization pipelines using the OMOP Common Data Model (CDM), Pentaho, and OHDSI tools to streamline data integration across partner institutions.
• Develop and maintain machine-readable metadata workflows using standards such as Schema.org, DDI Lifecycle, and JSON-LD to enhance data discoverability.
• Lead the configuration of a FAIR-compliant data catalog to support federated search and linked data integration across multiple African research hubs.
• Standardize vocabularies and terminologies for longitudinal and clinical health datasets to ensure consistency and interoperability.
• Support Pathfinder institutions in implementing Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes and adopting reproducible research practices.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops and mentorship sessions on FAIR principles, metadata standards, and health data interoperability for institutional data teams.
• Collaborate with data stewards to document FAIR Implementation Profiles and metadata schemas, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Support the implementation of cloud-based collaborative analysis under a federated learning system to enable secure data sharing.
• Contribute to collaborative publications and technical documentation to advance knowledge sharing in data science.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams across Cameroon, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Kenya to promote consistent data practices and foster collaboration.
• Monitor and evaluate data harmonization processes to ensure compliance with FAIR principles and project objectives.
• Provide technical guidance to data teams on using tools like ATLAS, Achilles, and visualization platforms such as Power BI and Apache Superset.
• Ensure secure and ethical handling of health surveillance and electronic health record (EHR) data in compliance with institutional policies.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement to align data strategies with the needs of research and policy communities.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel as a Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer, candidates must demonstrate a strong technical background and a passion for advancing data science in health research. The following qualifications and skills are required:

• Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Data Science, Health Informatics, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of post-degree experience in data management, data harmonization, or implementing FAIR data principles in health research or related domains.
• Proven expertise in applying FAIR data principles and metadata standards such as DDI, Schema.org, or JSON-LD.
• Proficiency with the OMOP Common Data Model (CDM) and OHDSI tools, including ATLAS and Achilles, for data harmonization and analysis.
• Strong skills in R, Python, SQL, and visualization tools like Power BI or Apache Superset for data processing and reporting.
• Experience working with health surveillance, electronic health record (EHR) data, or clinical research datasets.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications or technical documentation in data science, health informatics, or related fields.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, data stewards, and policy makers.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French or Swahili is an advantage for collaboration across African regions.
• Strong organizational skills to manage complex data workflows and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to conduct training and mentorship sessions on technical topics like FAIR principles and ETL processes.
• Knowledge of cloud-based systems and federated learning frameworks for secure data sharing.
• Commitment to ethical data practices, including compliance with data privacy and security regulations.

Company Culture and Values

APHRC fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment where staff are empowered to drive impactful research. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. APHRC promotes a culture of continuous learning, providing staff with opportunities for professional development through workshops, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration. The Data Science Program emphasizes accountability, transparency, and a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions for health and development challenges in Africa. Reasonable accommodations are available to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer position. Interested candidates should submit their application in English through the official application link by July 7, 2025. Required documents include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant experience and qualifications
• Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and interest in the DSWB project
• Copies of academic certificates (Master’s degree and any relevant certifications)
• Portfolio or samples of technical documentation or publications (if applicable)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate. Applications must be submitted via the designated portal: Apply for Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer. APHRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. For inquiries, contact the hiring organization directly, as JobKenya.org is not the hiring entity and cannot process applications.

Additional Engagement

View More Job Opportunities
Explore more vacancies at Browse verified jobs on JobKenya.org.

Free WhatsApp Channel for Job Seekers
Get real-time alerts from our WhatsApp Channel for Job Updates.

Follow Us on Social Media
Stay updated with the latest opportunities: The Kenyan Job Finder on Twitter | The Kenyan Job Finder on LinkedIn.

Tags:

Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer, data science jobs in Kenya, health informatics jobs in Nairobi, OMOP CDM specialist, FAIR data principles, health research jobs in Africa

Role Overview and Impact of the Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer

The Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer role is a cornerstone of the Data Science Without Borders (DSWB) project, a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing health research through advanced data science tools. By focusing on the Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer position, candidates will contribute to harmonizing health data across multiple African countries, enabling researchers to derive actionable insights for policy and practice. This role is ideal for professionals with a passion for data science, health informatics, and creating sustainable systems that empower African research institutions.

The officer will work closely with data teams in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Kenya to implement standardized data models, such as the **OMOP Common Data Model (CD Ascertain) **, and ensure that data practices align with FAIR principles. This involves creating pipelines that make data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, which are critical for fostering collaboration and advancing evidence-based decision-making. The role also includes mentoring data stewards, conducting workshops, and contributing to technical documentation, making it a dynamic opportunity for leadership and impact.

Why This Role Matters

As a Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer, you will be at the forefront of building a robust data infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research in health and development. The DSWB project addresses critical gaps in data harmonization, ensuring that health datasets are standardized and accessible across institutions. This role directly contributes to improving health outcomes by enabling researchers to leverage high-quality, interoperable data for AI and machine learning applications. For Kenyan professionals, this position offers a chance to work on a high-impact project with global relevance, enhancing career prospects in the growing field of data science.

Technical Scope and Tools

The Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer will utilize a range of advanced tools and frameworks to achieve project objectives. Key technical responsibilities include:

• Implementing OMOP CDM: The officer will design and deploy the OMOP Common Data Model to standardize health data, ensuring compatibility across diverse datasets. This involves using OHDSI tools like ATLAS for data mapping and Achilles for quality checks.
• Metadata Workflows: Developing machine-readable metadata using standards like Schema.org and DDI Lifecycle ensures data is easily discoverable and reusable. The officer will create structured workflows to automate metadata generation.
• FAIR-Compliant Data Catalog: Configuring a data catalog that supports federated search and linked data integration is critical for enabling seamless access to datasets across partner institutions.
• ETL Processes: Supporting institutions in Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes will involve using tools like Pentaho to transform raw data into standardized formats.
• Visualization and Reporting: Proficiency in tools like Power BI and Apache Superset will enable the officer to create insightful visualizations for stakeholders, enhancing data-driven decision-making.

Career Growth and Opportunities

This role offers significant opportunities for professional development in the field of data science and health informatics. As a Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer, you will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and methodologies, positioning you as a leader in a rapidly growing field. The role includes opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals, collaborate with international research teams, and build a network across African institutions. For Kenyan professionals, this position provides a platform to contribute to national and continental health research priorities while developing transferable skills in data management, interoperability, and stakeholder engagement.

Collaboration and Impact Across Africa

The Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer will work in a highly collaborative environment, engaging with data teams across Pathfinder institutions in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Kenya. By fostering partnerships and standardizing data practices, the officer will help create a scalable data science ecosystem that supports long-term research and policy goals. This role is particularly appealing for professionals who are motivated by the opportunity to drive systemic change in health research, with a focus on equity, accessibility, and sustainability.

Training and Mentorship

A key component of the Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer role is capacity building. The officer will lead workshops and mentorship sessions to train data stewards and researchers on FAIR principles, metadata standards, and interoperability. This involves developing training materials, delivering presentations, and providing hands-on guidance to ensure consistent adoption of best practices. For candidates with strong communication skills, this aspect of the role offers a chance to make a lasting impact on the skills and capabilities of African research teams.

Ethical Data Practices

The Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer will prioritize ethical data management, ensuring compliance with data privacy and security regulations. This includes safeguarding sensitive health data, such as electronic health records (EHRs), and promoting transparent, reproducible research practices. The officer’s work will align with APHRC’s commitment to accountability and integrity, ensuring that data systems are both effective and trustworthy.

Advancing Research and Policy

By contributing to the DSWB project, the Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer will play a direct role in advancing evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM). The standardized data systems developed in this role will enable researchers to generate high-quality evidence, influencing health policies and interventions across Africa. This position is ideal for candidates who are driven by the opportunity to create meaningful, data-driven impact in public health and development.

Conclusion

The Data Standards and FAIR Implementation Officer position is a unique opportunity to lead transformative data science initiatives in Nairobi, Kenya. With a focus on harmonizing health data, implementing FAIR principles, and fostering collaboration across African institutions, this role offers both professional growth and societal impact. Candidates with expertise in data science, health informatics, and a passion for evidence-based research will find this position to be a rewarding step in their career journey.