• Position Title: DSAWH Fellowship – 2026 Cohort (20 Positions)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with regional activities in Eastern/Southern Africa)
• Employment Type: Fellowship (9-Month Program, January-September 2026)
• Number of Vacancies: 20
• Compensation: Full sponsorship for DSA Annual Summer School & Workshop, funding for open-access journal publication fees, and personalized mentorship (specific compensation details determined by DSA).
• Category/Department: Research / Data Science / Women’s Health
• Reporting To: DSA Fellowship Coordinator
• Application Deadline: November 3, 2025

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Introduction

The Data Science to Advance Women’s Health (DSAWH Fellowship) – 2026 Cohort at Data Science Africa (DSA) offers a transformative opportunity for early-career women researchers from Eastern and Southern Africa to address women’s health challenges through data science in Nairobi’s cutting-edge research ecosystem. Ideal for passionate women with a Bachelor’s degree or higher and a commitment to health equity, this 9-month fellowship (January-September 2026) provides advanced training in data science, scientific writing support, and mentorship.

As part of a cohort of 20 fellows, participants will attend the DSA Annual Summer School, publish research, and build networks, aligning with DSA’s mission to drive innovation in a KES 50 billion health research sector. This fellowship suits driven, analytical women eager to make a data-driven impact, offering growth in a vibrant, inclusive community.

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About Data Science Africa (DSA)

Data Science Africa (DSA), founded in 2013 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, is a leading non-profit advancing data science for development across Eastern and Southern Africa. Serving 1,000+ researchers annually through workshops and fellowships, DSA manages a KES 200 million budget, achieving 85% research impact (2024 estimates) via capacity building and partnerships. The organization contributes to Kenya’s KES 20 billion research sector, aligned with Vision 2030’s innovation goals, particularly in health and equity.

DSA fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, rated 4.4/5 for transformative impact on reviews. For (DSAWH Fellowship), DSA offers access to global mentors, cutting-edge tools, and fully funded summer school participation, creating a platform where your research advances women’s health in a diverse, collaborative environment.

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Key Responsibilities

As a DSAWH Fellow, you will conduct data-driven research and engage in training. Core duties include:

Responsibility	Description
Data Science Research	Apply modern analytical methods to address women’s health challenges.
Training Participation	Attend advanced data science training and DSA Annual Summer School & Workshop.
Scientific Writing	Produce research papers, supported by writing and publishing guidance.
Mentorship Engagement	Collaborate with mentors to refine research and career goals.
Network Building	Connect with innovators, researchers, and health professionals for impact.

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Qualifications and Skills

The DSAWH Fellowship requires specific qualifications and competencies, as outlined:

Category	Requirements
Academic Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline (e.g., Health, Data Science, Statistics, Social Sciences).
Experience	Early-career women researchers; experience in health or data science (advantage).
Technical Skills	Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R) or willingness to learn; basic research skills.
Soft Skills	Passion for women’s health; strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
Eligibility	Women from Eastern/Southern Africa (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia).

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Program Culture and Values

DSA fosters a dynamic, inclusive culture rooted in innovation, equity, and collaboration, reflecting its mission to empower African researchers. With a network of 1,000+ researchers, DSA promotes diversity through women-focused programs and mentorship, encouraging teamwork via workshops and forums. Values of impact and inclusion guide operations, with DSAWH Fellows central to health equity.

DSA supports growth with personalized mentorship and global exposure, creating a program rated 4.4/5 for opportunity. For DSAWH Fellows, this means thriving in a transformative environment where your research drives women’s health solutions, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in data science.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the DSAWH Fellowship – 2026 Cohort at Data Science Africa.

Submit via https://www.datascienceafrica.org/dsa-f/dsawh-2026 by November 3, 2025, with:

1. CV highlighting research experience and academic qualifications.
2. Cover letter detailing passion for women’s health and data science.

DSA is an equal opportunity organization; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Do not send to JobKenya.org. Note: Compensation details determined by DSA.

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Tags

DSAWH Fellowship, Data Science Jobs Nairobi, DSA Careers, Women’s Health Research, Early-Career Researcher Roles, 9-Month Fellowship Vacancies, Nairobi Health Innovation Jobs, Data Analytics Training, Scientific Publishing, Kenya Gender Equity Research

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Expert Tips for Success as a DSAWH Fellow: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for the DSAWH Fellowship – 2026 Cohort at Data Science Africa, I prioritize applications that demonstrate alignment with the program’s demands—data-driven research, analytical skills, and passion for women’s health in Eastern/Southern Africa. With a 60% rejection rate due to generic CVs or lack of research focus, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 10% by showcasing your academic qualifications and commitment to health equity. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Research Achievement

Why It Works:

Recruiters seek DSAWH Fellows who excel in data-driven research, a core requirement for the fellowship. A CV opening with a specific, measurable research achievement (e.g., analyzed 100 datasets) grabs attention, proving your analytical ability. Metrics demonstrate your impact, aligning with DSA’s health research goals.

CV Example:
“Analyzed 100 health datasets as a DSAWH Fellow candidate at Aga Khan University, achieving 95% data accuracy for maternal health.”
Why: This showcases your research impact, aligning with DSA’s data science needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate at AMREF, I conducted 50 health analyses with 90% precision, preparing me for DSA’s research requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the fellowship’s analytical needs, showing recruiters your proven skills.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I analyzed 30 datasets on women’s health, achieving 92% accuracy, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your research skills with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It:

Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a research metric (e.g., “100 datasets,” “95% accuracy”). Include “DSAWH Fellow” and “data science research” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific results. Attach a redacted dataset analysis to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-submission with an email emphasizing DSA’s research focus. Network via Kenya Data Science Researchers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 2: Highlight Analytical Skills with a Data Tool Example

Why It Works:

Proficiency in data tools is essential for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters value candidates who leverage Python or R. A specific example of tool use (e.g., 90% model accuracy) demonstrates technical skills, a key shortlisting factor. Metrics show your ability to analyze, aligning with DSA’s training needs.

CV Example:
“Developed Python models for 50 health datasets as a DSAWH Fellow candidate, achieving 90% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your technical impact, aligning with DSA’s analytical needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I used R for 40 maternal health analyses with 85% precision, preparing me for DSA’s tool requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s technical needs, showing recruiters your proficiency.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I applied Python to 30 datasets at a university, achieving 88% accuracy, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your technical skills with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It:

Include an “Analytical Skills” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s tool needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific tool applications. Attach a redacted code sample to your portfolio. Follow up with an email highlighting DSA’s technical focus. Network via Kenya Data Tool Researchers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Women’s Health Passion with a Project Example

Why It Works:

Passion for women’s health is critical for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters prioritize candidates who show commitment. A specific example of a health project (e.g., 80% impact rate) demonstrates dedication, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics show your alignment with DSA’s equity goals.

CV Example:
“Led maternal health project as a DSAWH Fellow candidate at AMREF, achieving 80% community impact.”
Why: This quantifies your dedication, aligning with DSA’s health focus.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I supported a reproductive health study with 75% impact, preparing me for DSA’s women’s health requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s equity needs, showing recruiters your commitment.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I conducted a gender health study, achieving 78% impact, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your passion with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It:

Include a “Women’s Health Passion” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with impact metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s health needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific projects. Attach a redacted project summary to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing DSA’s equity focus. Network via Kenya Women’s Health Researchers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 4: Emphasize Scientific Writing with a Publication Example

Why It Works:

Scientific writing is a core duty for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters value candidates who produce publishable work. A specific example of writing (e.g., 2 published papers) shows communication skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to publish, aligning with DSA’s publishing support.

CV Example:
“Authored 2 health research papers as a DSAWH Fellow candidate at Aga Khan University, published in open-access journals.”
Why: This quantifies your communication impact, aligning with DSA’s writing needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I drafted 1 maternal health paper with 90% peer approval, preparing me for DSA’s publishing requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s writing needs, showing recruiters your skills.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I wrote 1 paper on reproductive health, achieving 88% acceptance, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your writing skills with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It:

Include a “Scientific Writing” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with publication metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s writing needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific papers. Attach a redacted paper draft to your portfolio. Follow up with an email highlighting DSA’s publishing focus. Network via Kenya Scientific Writers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 5: Highlight Mentorship Engagement with a Guidance Example

Why It Works:

Engaging with mentors is key for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters prioritize candidates who leverage guidance. A specific example of mentorship (e.g., 85% skill improvement) shows collaboration, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to grow, aligning with DSA’s mentorship goals.

CV Example:
“Improved data skills by 85% through mentorship as a DSAWH Fellow candidate at AMREF.”
Why: This quantifies your collaboration impact, aligning with DSA’s mentorship needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I gained 80% research skills via mentor guidance, preparing me for DSA’s mentorship requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s growth needs, showing recruiters your collaboration.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I enhanced 78% of my skills through mentorship at a university, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your collaboration with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It:

Include a “Mentorship Engagement” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with improvement metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s mentorship needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific guidance. Attach a redacted mentorship log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing DSA’s growth focus. Network via Kenya Mentored Researchers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 6: Demonstrate Network Building with a Collaboration Example

Why It Works:

Building networks is essential for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters value candidates who connect with professionals. A specific example of collaboration (e.g., 5 partnerships) shows networking skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to expand reach, aligning with DSA’s community goals.

CV Example:
“Built 5 research partnerships as a DSAWH Fellow candidate at Aga Khan University, enhancing project reach.”
Why: This quantifies your networking impact, aligning with DSA’s community needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I collaborated with 4 health professionals, boosting 80% project impact, preparing me for DSA’s network requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s collaboration needs, showing recruiters your networking skills.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I partnered with 3 researchers, achieving 78% impact, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your networking with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It:

Include a “Network Building” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with partnership metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s community needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific collaborations. Attach a redacted partnership log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing DSA’s networking focus. Network via Kenya Health Research Networks on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 7: Highlight Summer School Participation with an Engagement Example

Why It Works:

Attending the DSA Summer School is a core component for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters value candidates who engage actively. A specific example of participation (e.g., 90% workshop completion) shows commitment, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to maximize training, aligning with DSA’s learning goals.

CV Example:
“Completed 90% of workshops at a data science school as a DSAWH Fellow candidate, enhancing health research skills.”
Why: This quantifies your commitment, aligning with DSA’s training needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I engaged in 85% of a research workshop, preparing me for DSA’s summer school requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s learning needs, showing recruiters your commitment.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I completed 88% of a data workshop, aligning with DSA’s summer school standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your commitment with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It:

Include a “Summer School Participation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples of training engagement. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s learning needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific workshops. Attach a redacted workshop certificate to your portfolio. Follow up with an email highlighting DSA’s training focus. Network via Kenya Data Science Trainees on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 8: Demonstrate Health Research with a Study Example

Why It Works:

Conducting health research is central for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters prioritize candidates who address women’s health challenges. A specific example of a study (e.g., 80% data impact) shows expertise, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your research contribution, aligning with DSA’s health goals.

CV Example:
“Conducted maternal health study as a DSAWH Fellow candidate at AMREF, achieving 80% data-driven impact.”
Why: This quantifies your research impact, aligning with DSA’s health needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I led a reproductive health study with 75% impact, preparing me for DSA’s research requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s health needs, showing recruiters your expertise.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I analyzed a gender health study, achieving 78% impact, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your expertise with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It:

Include a “Health Research” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with impact metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s health needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific studies. Attach a redacted study summary to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing DSA’s health focus. Network via Kenya Health Study Researchers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 9: Highlight Collaboration Skills with a Team Example

Why It Works:

Collaboration is key for DSAWH Fellows, and recruiters prioritize candidates who work well in teams. A specific example of team collaboration (e.g., 90% project success) shows interpersonal skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to contribute, aligning with DSA’s community goals.

CV Example:
“Collaborated on 5 health projects as a DSAWH Fellow candidate at Aga Khan University, achieving 90% success.”
Why: This quantifies your teamwork impact, aligning with DSA’s collaboration needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I worked with 4 researchers on 80% successful projects, preparing me for DSA’s team requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the fellowship’s interpersonal needs, showing recruiters your collaboration skills.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I teamed on 3 projects at a university, achieving 88% success, aligning with DSA’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your interpersonal skills with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It:

Include a “Collaboration Skills” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with success metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to DSA’s team needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific collaborations. Attach a redacted team log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing DSA’s community focus. Network via Kenya Collaborative Researchers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Passion-Driven Interview Talk

Why It Works:

Recruiters prioritize DSAWH Fellows who show enthusiasm and alignment with DSA’s mission of women’s health equity. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your research skills to DSA’s goals (e.g., health innovation) makes you memorable and demonstrates fit. Referencing the DSAWH Fellowship shows research, a key shortlisting factor.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Passionate DSAWH Fellow candidate with a BSc in Statistics, analyzing 100 datasets for 95% accuracy, eager to advance DSA’s women’s health mission.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with DSA’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With a BSc in Public Health and experience analyzing 50 health datasets, I’m passionate about the DSAWH Fellowship’s goal to innovate women’s health.”
Why: It conveys enthusiasm and ties your skills to DSA’s goals, making your application compelling.

Interview Example:
“As a DSAWH Fellow candidate, I analyzed 30 maternal health datasets with 92% accuracy, and I’m excited to drive DSA’s health equity vision.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to DSA’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.

How to Do It:

Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your research experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% accuracy”), and passion for DSA’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV and portfolio. Reference the DSAWH Fellowship’s focus. Follow up with an email emphasizing DSA’s health equity vision. Network via Kenya Women Data Scientists on LinkedIn for insights.

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