Associate, Laboratory Systems

Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A global health organization in Pretoria seeks a motivated Associate to enhance its Laboratory Access program. The role requires a strong management consulting background and involves leading analyses, engaging with government stakeholders, and supporting public health initiatives. Candidates should possess analytical skills and a Bachelor's degree, with experience in health or strategy being advantageous. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative health solutions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience, 2+ years in management consulting or strategy.
• Ability to lead projects independently in ambiguous environments.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead quantitative analyses for procurement and policy decisions.
• Develop tools for procurement planning and supplier coordination.
• Translate complex data into clear policy briefs for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to our mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low‑and middle‑income countries.

We work at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector to create and sustain high‑quality health systems. CHAI was founded in

• in response to the HIV / AIDS epidemic, with the goal of dramatically reducing the price of life‑saving drugs and increasing access to these medicines in the countries with the highest burden of the disease.

Over the following two decades, CHAI has expanded its focus.

Today, along with HIV, we work in conjunction with our partners to prevent and treat infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.

Our work has also expanded into cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other non‑communicable diseases, and we work to accelerate the rollout of lifesaving vaccines, reduce maternal and child mortality, combat chronic malnutrition, and increase access to assistive technology.

We are investing in horizontal approaches to strengthen health systems through programs in human resources for health, digital health, and health financing.

With each new and innovative program, our strategy is grounded in maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that governments lead the solutions, that programs are designed to scale nationally, and learnings are shared globally. At CHAI, our people are our greatest asset, and none of this work would be possible without their talent, time, dedication and passion for our mission and values.

We are a highly diverse team of enthusiastic individuals across 40 countries with a broad range of skill sets and life experiences.

CHAI is deeply grounded in the countries we work in, with majority of our staff based in program countries.

Learn more about our exciting work CHAI strives to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes fairness, respect, equity and dignity in the workplace.

CHAI welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and encourages people from historically disadvantaged groups to apply.

CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities.

CHAI values diversity and inclusion and recognizes that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and culture.

Position Overview

CHAI is seeking a highly motivated Associate with a strong management consulting or strategy background to play a key role in its Laboratory Access program in South Africa.

The successful candidate will bring exceptional problem‑solving, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills, and will be expected to take ownership of independent workstreams that directly inform government and donor decision‑making. The Associate will work closely with CHAI country and global teams and engage extensively with senior stakeholders including the National Department of Health (NDoH), the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). They will lead analytical projects, develop tools, and support the design and implementation of strategies to improve access to diagnostics. There is strong consensus across the global health community that expanding access to innovative diagnostic tools is critical for improving patient outcomes in LMICs.

In South Africa, CHAI's Laboratory Access Team works to strengthen public sector laboratory systems, including conventional and point‑of‑care testing, and to expand access to emerging technologies. This work spans strategy development, market shaping, supply chain strengthening, support for local manufacturing, and close collaboration with government and industry partners. CHAI works in a fast‑paced, results‑driven environment.

The ideal candidate will thrive in ambiguity, be highly resourceful, and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. Technical expertise in diagnostics is not required; however, the candidate must be able to rapidly absorb new technical concepts and translate them into actionable recommendations. The Associate will be based in Pretoria, South Africa, and will report to CHAI South Africa's Laboratory Access, Supervisor. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead quantitative and financial analyses (e.g., demand forecasting, cost modelling, market analysis) to inform procurement, investment, and policy decisions in diagnostics.
• Develop and manage tools to improve procurement planning, supplier coordination, and financial efficiency.
• Conduct and synthesize diagnostic landscape assessments across multiple disease areas, producing actionable recommendations for government and partners.
• Translate complex data and technical information into clear policy briefs, presentations, and decision‑making tools for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Manage and build strong professional relationships with senior counterparts at NDoH, NICD, NHLS, laboratories, suppliers, donors, and other partners to drive alignment and execution.
• Take ownership of independent workstreams, ensuring outputs are delivered on time and meet high standards of quality and rigour.
• Support strategic alignment between government priorities and CHAI's diagnostic access initiatives, including coordination with CHAI global teams.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes, ensuring accountability and tracking of key deliverables.
• Support project administration and management.
• Develop and contribute content for presentations and reports tailored to provide program updates to donors and government.
• Execute any other additional responsibilities, as requested by the relevant supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics, business, finance, public health, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum five years' professional experience, with at least two years in management consulting, strategy, finance, or a related field involving structured problem‑solving and client‑facing delivery.
• Proven ability to independently lead and deliver projects from conception to execution in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments.
• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills, including expertise in Excel (modeling, costing, demand forecasting) and proficiency in PowerPoint.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to synthesize complex information and present clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with a track record of building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong work ethic, resourcefulness, humility, and ability to adapt quickly.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Advantages

• Experience working with government institutions such as NDoH, NHLS, or NICD.
• Previous experience in global health, supply chain management, or market shaping.
• Familiarity with diagnostics and public health laboratory systems.
• Experience influencing policy processes, drafting policy briefs, or engaging in high‑level stakeholder forums.