Research Scientist (Economic Evaluation) Job in Rwanda 2026 – PIH Kirehe Career Guide, Salary & How to Apply

 

Research Scientist, Focus: Economic Evaluation at Partners In Health (PIH) – Kirehe, Rwanda

If you are a graduate in public health, economics, or statistics and you want to build a strong career in global health research in Rwanda, this opportunity could shape your future.

Partners In Health (PIH), locally known as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB), is recruiting a Research Scientist (Focus: Economic Evaluation) based in Kirehe District. The deadline to apply is 9 March 2026.

This guide explains everything you need to know: what the job really involves, expected salary range in Rwanda, required skills, career growth opportunities, and how to prepare for the interview.

About Partners In Health (PIH) in Rwanda

Partners In Health is an international non-profit organization that works to improve healthcare access for vulnerable communities. In Rwanda, PIH/IMB collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health to strengthen public hospitals, health centers, and community health systems.

PIH operates in 11 countries globally and is known for:

• Evidence-based health interventions
• Strong partnerships with governments
• Focus on equity and social justice
• Investment in research and health system strengthening

Working at PIH in Rwanda gives you exposure to high-level global health research while operating within real-world rural healthcare settings like Kirehe.

Job Overview: What Does a Research Scientist (Economic Evaluation) Do?

This role focuses on costing and cost-effectiveness analysis within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating a digital Community Health Worker (CHW) intervention.

In Simple Terms

You will answer questions like:

• How much does this health intervention cost?
• Is the intervention worth the money?
• Does it save lives or improve health outcomes compared to its cost?
• Can the government afford to scale it nationwide?

You will collect financial data, analyze it, and help determine whether a health program provides value for money.

This is not just a desk job; it is field-based in Kirehe, meaning you will visit health facilities and communities.

Key Responsibilities Explained

1. Costing & Cost-Effectiveness Implementation

You will:

• Develop costing data collection tools
• Train data collectors
• Collect cost data from facilities and communities
• Analyze cost data
• Support cost-effectiveness modeling

Real-Life Example

Imagine PIH introduces a digital tool for Community Health Workers.

You will:

• Calculate how many tablets cost
• Include training expenses
• Estimate supervision costs
• Measure changes in patient outcomes
• Determine cost per life saved or cost per improved health outcome

This helps policymakers decide whether to expand the program nationwide.

2. Research Operations & Data Management

You must:

• Keep datasets clean and organized
• Ensure data security
• Conduct data quality checks
• Coordinate with field data collectors

In Rwanda’s rural districts, like Kirehe, strong organizational skills are essential because field data can be complex and sensitive.

3. Analytical Support

You will support:

• Descriptive statistical analysis
• Preparation of tables and figures
• Progress tracking reports
• Manuscript writing support

If you are skilled in Stata or Excel, this is where your skills will shine.

Required Qualifications Explained

To qualify, you must have:

Education

Master’s degree (or final year) in:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Economics
• Statistics
• Global Health
• Related field

Technical Skills

• Training in costing or economic evaluation
• Strong quantitative analysis skills
• Familiarity with Stata or Excel
• Understanding of health financing

Field Skills

• Ability to work in rural settings
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Fluency in English
• Kinyarwanda strongly preferred

Salary Expectations in Rwanda (2026 Estimate)

Although PIH did not publish the salary, based on Rwanda NGO salary benchmarks:

• Early-career Research Scientist roles typically range between:
• RWF 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 per month

• Field-based roles with Master's degree and international NGO exposure may reach:

• RWF 2,200,000+ per month

Additional benefits often include:

• Health insurance
• Transport support
• Professional development opportunities
• Exposure to international collaborators

For a young researcher in Rwanda, this is a competitive and career-building salary level.

Why This Job Is Strategic for Your Career

This position offers:

1. Hands-On Economic Evaluation Experience

You will gain direct experience in cost-effectiveness modeling — a highly demanded skill globally.

2. Exposure to Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

RCT experience is valuable for:

• PhD applications
• International research careers
• WHO or global health roles

3. Networking with Global Researchers

PIH collaborates with top universities worldwide.

4. Pathway to Senior Research Roles

After 1–3 years, you could move into:

• Senior Research Scientist
• Health Economist
• Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
• PhD Scholarship Opportunities

Rwanda-Specific Insights

Economic evaluation is becoming increasingly important in Rwanda because:

• The government is prioritizing efficient use of health budgets.
• Donors require cost-effectiveness evidence.
• Digital health programs are expanding.
• Community health worker programs are central to Rwanda’s health system.

Professionals with health economics skills are still limited in Rwanda, making this a niche, high-demand career path.

Essential Skills You Must Develop

If you want to stand out:

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, regression tools)
• Stata statistical modeling
• Cost-effectiveness analysis frameworks
• Data visualization

Soft Skills

• Clear communication
• Report writing
• Field coordination
• Stakeholder engagement

Bonus Skills

• Knowledge of Rwanda’s health system
• Understanding of CHW programs
• Budget tracking experience

How to Prepare for the Interview

Expect technical and behavioral questions.

Technical Questions You May Face

• What is cost-effectiveness analysis?
• Difference between financial cost and economic cost?
• How would you calculate cost per DALY averted?
• How do you ensure data quality in rural settings?

Behavioral Questions

• Describe a time you worked in a rural setting.
• How do you manage multiple research tasks?
• How do you handle data errors?

Interview Preparation Strategy

1. Review basic health economics concepts.
2. Practice explaining cost-effectiveness in simple language.
3. Prepare examples from internships or academic projects.
4. Study Rwanda’s community health worker model.
5. Be ready to discuss field challenges.

What Makes a Strong Candidate?

A strong candidate:

• Understands both theory and practical field realities.
• Can communicate complex economic concepts simply.
• Is comfortable working in rural districts.
• Demonstrates commitment to equity and health system strengthening.
• Embodies PIH core values such as compassion and integrity.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Prepare:

• CV
• Application letter

2. Education documents (PDF or Word format only)

3. Submit via PIH’s official employment portal before:

• 9 March 2026

Make sure your CV highlights:

• Economic evaluation coursework
• Research projects
• Statistical software proficiency
• Field research experience

Career Growth Advice for Young Researchers in Rwanda

If you are serious about health economics:

Short-Term (1–2 Years)

• Master Stata
• Publish at least one research paper
• Attend research conferences in East Africa

Medium-Term (3–5 Years)

• Apply for PhD scholarships
• Move into senior economist roles
• Consult for Ministry of Health projects

Long-Term

• Become a national health financing expert
• Work with the WHO or global institutions
• Lead national policy research

This role can be your launchpad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this job suitable for fresh graduates?

Yes, if you are in the final year of your Master’s or recently graduated and have strong quantitative skills.

2. Do I need prior economic evaluation experience?

Formal training or coursework is required. Field experience is preferred but not mandatory.

3. Is Kirehe a challenging location?

Yes, it is rural. You must be adaptable and comfortable with fieldwork.

4. What software should I know?

Stata and Excel are strongly preferred.

5. Is this a permanent position?

The role is 9–12 months, but it may open doors to longer-term opportunities.

6. Can this role help me apply for a PhD?

Absolutely. RCT and economic evaluation experience is highly valuable for PhD applications.

Final Thoughts

The Research Scientist (Economic Evaluation) position at PIH in Kirehe is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to:

• Build rare health economics expertise in Rwanda

• Contribute to strengthening national health systems

• Gain hands-on RCT experience

• Position yourself for international research careers

If you are passionate about data, health systems, and social impact, this role could be a turning point in your professional journey.

Application Deadline: 9 March 2026
Prepare early. Apply strategically. Stand out professionally.

Click Here To Learn More and Apply