Associate, Laboratory Systems

Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 604,000 - 864,000; Full time

Job summary

A global health organization seeks an Associate for its Laboratory Access program in Pretoria, South Africa. The ideal candidate will manage analytical projects, engage with senior stakeholders, and contribute to improving access to diagnostics. Expectations include strong problem-solving and communication skills, with at least 5 years of experience. The role offers a dynamic environment focused on enhancing health systems and expanding diagnostic tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience, with at least 2 years in management consulting or finance.
• Proven ability to independently lead and deliver projects.
• Strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Lead quantitative and financial analyses to inform procurement decisions.
• Develop and manage tools for procurement planning and efficiency.
• Translate complex data into clear policy briefs and presentations.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, finance, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

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 2002 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. Today, CHAI expands its focus to include COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases. We work to accelerate vaccine rollout, reduce maternal and child mortality, combat chronic malnutrition, and increase access to assistive technology. We invest in horizontal approaches to strengthen health systems through programs in human resources for health, digital health, and health financing. Our strategy emphasizes sustainable impact at scale, government leadership, national-scale program design, and global knowledge sharing.

CHAI is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fairness, respect, equity and dignity in the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage people from historically disadvantaged groups to apply. CHAI values diversity and inclusion and believes leadership and contributions from people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and cultures strengthen our mission.

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

• Lead quantitative and financial analyses (e.g., demand forecasting, cost modeling, 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 5 years’ professional experience, with at least 2 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 organizational 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.

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