Building Data-Driven Health Policy in Africa Organization: The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA)Location: Remote (within Sub-Saharan Africa) with visits to South AfricaDuration: 10 months (February – November 2026)Start Date: February 2, 2026 | Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 About SACEMA The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), based at Stellenbosch University, is a leading research hub dedicated to improving public health across Africa through mathematical and statistical modelling. SACEMA’s multidisciplinary team—spanning mathematics, epidemiology, biology, physics, public health, and data science—works at the intersection of research and policy, providing analytical insights that guide real-world health decisions. By partnering with African ministries of health, research institutions, and international organizations, SACEMA aims to strengthen the continent’s capacity for evidence-based epidemic preparedness and response. Fellowship Overview The Policy Modelling Fellowship (PMF) offers a transformative 10-month opportunity for mid-career professionals and researchers to apply epidemiological modelling to real-world health policy challenges. The 2026 fellowship will focus on measles and/or polio, two critical vaccine-preventable diseases that remain public health priorities in many African countries. Fellows will work closely with SACEMA mentors and national health authorities to develop actionable modelling insights that directly inform policy decisions. Each fellow will concentrate on a country-specific case, optimizing vaccination strategies and estimating immunity levels to strengthen national disease control efforts. This fellowship bridges the gap between technical modelling and public health policy equipping participants to act as vital connectors between data, evidence, and decision-making. Why This Fellowship Matters Although Africa is home to growing expertise in data science and epidemiology, there remains a shortage of policy-focused disease modellers. Effective prevention and control of infectious diseases require professionals who can interpret data, engage directly with health ministries, and translate modelling outputs into policy-relevant recommendations. Through the Policy Modelling Fellowship, SACEMA seeks to build capacity among African public health professionals to use modelling as a tool for planning, evaluating, and communicating epidemic control strategies. The program prioritizes participants who already have or can develop working relationships with national Ministries of Health, ensuring that the outputs are both locally relevant and practically implementable. Fellowship Structure and Activities The 10-month fellowship is structured to combine remote mentorship, in-person training, and applied research, culminating in a policy dissemination event within each fellow’s home country. Key components include: 1. Data Acquisition and Preparation (Remote, by March 2026) Obtain sub-national vaccination and incidence data for measles or polio through the Ministry of Health. Work with ministry “champions” to facilitate data sharing and stakeholder engagement. 2. Technical and Analytical Training (March–August 2026) Complete foundational training modules in epidemiological modelling and immunity estimation (remote). Attend the MMED Workshop in Cape Town (June 2026). Participate in an intensive 4–6 week in-person training program at SACEMA (July–August 2026), focusing on advanced analytical methods, outbreak modelling, and visualization techniques. 3. Policy Engagement and Applied Modelling (April–September 2026) Collaborate with national immunization program teams to define key policy questions. Use immunity estimation and outbreak models to simulate scenarios and generate policy-relevant findings. Draft and refine a policy brief summarizing recommendations for vaccination strategies. 4. Dissemination and Impact (October–November 2026) Visit SACEMA in October to finalize models, presentations, and policy outputs. Organize an in-country stakeholder meeting with Ministry of Health officials, where findings are presented and discussed. SACEMA staff will attend and support this dissemination process. Indicative Timeline ActivityModalityTimingContracts, initial policy question draftingRemoteby mid-March 2026Data acquisition (vaccination and incidence data)Remoteby mid-March 2026Preparatory training coursesRemoteby end-April 2026Needs assessments and stakeholder meetingsRemoteby end-April 2026MMED WorkshopIn-person, Cape Townmid-June 2026 (2 weeks)Immunity estimation and modelling trainingIn-person, StellenboschJuly–August 2026 (4–6 weeks)Policy brief developmentRemoteAugust–October 2026Final presentation and policy outputsIn-person, StellenboschOctober 2026 (2 weeks)In-country dissemination meetingIn-person, led by Fellowby end-November 2026 Fellowship Benefits Fully funded travel, accommodation, and meals during visits to South Africa. Generous stipend tied to the completion of fellowship milestones. Childcare support stipend available during in-person training periods. Funding for in-country dissemination events. All training courses and materials fully covered by SACEMA. Eligibility Criteria Required Qualifications Academic or professional background in a quantitative discipline (e.g., statistics, mathematics, epidemiology, public health, or related field). An established partnership or ongoing collaboration with your country’s Ministry of Health (MoH). Ability to access—or to obtain access to—sub-national measles or polio vaccination and incidence data through MoH surveillance systems. Identification of a “champion” within the MoH to support data access and engagement if not directly affiliated with the ministry. Basic programming or data analysis experience. Availability for approximately 8–10 hours per week of fellowship engagement from February to November 2026. Willingness to travel to South Africa for 6–8 weeks mid-year and 2 weeks in early October 2026. Awareness of and commitment to addressing public health challenges in Africa. Recommended Experience Experience handling public health or surveillance data. Familiarity with disease modelling or statistical analysis. Demonstrated interest in applying data science to inform health policy. Women are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with SACEMA’s commitment to gender equity in modelling and data science. Key Deliverables Acquisition and cleaning of national/sub-national disease surveillance data. Application of immunity estimation and outbreak modelling methods to country-specific data. Preparation of a policy brief summarizing model insights and actionable recommendations. Presentation of findings to national health authorities and other key stakeholders. Application Process Applications must include the following materials: Comprehensive CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining quantitative and analytical experience. Letter of support for data access from a Ministry of Health official, or a documented plan detailing how access will be secured and who will facilitate it. Letter of support from your employer or institution, confirming availability to participate (or a written explanation of how approval will be obtained). Submit your application via the SACEMA online portal (link available on the official SACEMA website). Application Deadline: December 1, 2025Shortlisting Notification: December 15, 2025Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a brief technical exercise evaluating programming, data analysis, and communication skills. LEARN MORE Contact Information For inquiries, contact:Shadé Horn, Fellowship ManagerEmail: shade@sun.ac.za The Policy Modelling Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop the next generation of policy-oriented modellers in Africa. By combining hands-on data analysis, mentorship, and direct engagement with health policymakers, the program empowers fellows to turn evidence into action—building stronger, data-driven health systems across the continent. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.