View all jobs
WHO-Epidemiologist-P3-Juba, South Sudan
Juba, South SudanPosition Title: Epidemiologist
Receiving Agency: WHO
P Level: P3
Location: Juba, South Sudan
Duration: 6 months
Language: English required
Background and Justification
Purpose of the Position
In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the country level, the incumbent will implement and coordinate WHO strategies for the monitoring and implementation of public health surveillance and response programmes with special focus on early detection, verification and rapid response to the cholera health emergency in South Sudan. The incumbent will provide technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and other partners in strengthening surveillance and response for cholera in the context of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) and for capacity building of national experts, in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objectives
The mission of the Division of Health Emergencies is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks, and lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.
The WHE Division brings together and enhances WHO's operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. The Programme is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities.
Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on work environment within and outside the organization)
Under the supervision of the Incident Manager, and with the overall guidance of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Lead and Head of the WHO Country Office, the incumbent will serve as an Epidemiologist focusing on cholera response. They will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and health partners, other cholera response pillars (RCCE, Logistics, Vaccines, and WASH) collaborating closely with WHO Regional Office and liaising with other units and teams within the Country Office to coordinate the implementation of approved activities. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for reporting on activities conducted and ensuring effective communication within the team.
Summary of Assigned Duties
During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme.
1. Conduct real-time analysis of outbreak intelligence data, with other team members, for epidemic forecasting and detection, guide team members on data quality improvement, use of data for monitoring of trends, ALERT and ACTION thresholds (triggers), as well as methodologies for performing data quality audit (DQA).
2. Provide technical leadership to each of the cholera response pillars (health, logistics, RCCE, WASH, and vaccines) to ensure that epidemiological data is informing the response and interventions of all partners, and across sectors, to disrupt transmission.
3. Oversee data entry, data validation, analysis and reporting of assessments and surveys. Synergize data received from multiple sources including health information systems, death registries, vertical reporting programmes, community Based Surveillance and IDSR.
4. Coordinate the establishment and functionality of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), early warning systems (including event based and indicator-based surveillance) for epidemic and pandemic-prone diseases for early detection and response to public health events.
5. Lead the development, consolidation and maintenance of a country-specific repository of information (at the highest geographic resolution possible) on core public health indicators for cholera response; standards indicators and values used by partners for monitoring needs and response; vulnerability mapping; and health needs assessment reports.
6. Design, in cooperation with technical partners, surveillance guidelines, protocols, surveys and monitoring/surveillance systems for detection, verification and response to public health incidents at the national level; ensuring efficiency of data collection, correlation, analysis, interpretation, timely reporting and coordinate the work of a network of subregional monitors, as well as provide technical guidance to the epidemiologists assigned, as required.
7. Contribute to the preparation of other WHO communication products (situation reports, donors alerts, and other ad-hoc reports).
8. Represent WHO in coordination meeting with partners involved in epidemiology and monitoring.
9. Develop appropriate training plans for building the core surveillance, alert and response national capacities in accordance with the requirement for IHR 2005. Oversee the capacity building of health management teams and health facility staff.
10. Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor
Recruitment Profile Competencies
1.Creating an empowering and motivating environment
2.Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Ensuring the effective use of resources
4. Teamwork
5.Communication
Functional Knowledge and Skills
- Sound knowledge and skills in database management and statistical analysis, secondary data review, survey designing and implementation, monitoring and evaluation systems design or use, and public health information management.
- Proven ability to multitask across various planning and implementation processes within a highly demanding environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge, competency and professional skills on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response with particular attention to application of an all-hazard approach in the context of the International Health Regulations and the use of event based and indicator-based surveillance, as well as descriptive epidemiology and principles of public health in communicable disease surveillance and response.
Education Qualifications
Essential
An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in epidemiology, statistics, database management or public health from an accredited/recognized institute
Desirable
First university degree in health-related field. Specialized training in communicable diseases.
Experience
At least seven years’ related experience, at the national and international levels, in quantitative epidemiology and the implementation of public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and response in humanitarian settings. Previous experience in implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR).
Use of Language Skills
Excellent knowledge of English.
Other Skills (e.g. IT)
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Working knowledge of online data collection applications, statistical analysis packages (Stata, SPSS, etc).
- Working knowledge of GIS mapping software (or similar) would be an asset.
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.
Receiving Agency: WHO
P Level: P3
Location: Juba, South Sudan
Duration: 6 months
Language: English required
Background and Justification
Purpose of the Position
In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the country level, the incumbent will implement and coordinate WHO strategies for the monitoring and implementation of public health surveillance and response programmes with special focus on early detection, verification and rapid response to the cholera health emergency in South Sudan. The incumbent will provide technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and other partners in strengthening surveillance and response for cholera in the context of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) and for capacity building of national experts, in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objectives
The mission of the Division of Health Emergencies is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks, and lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.
The WHE Division brings together and enhances WHO's operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. The Programme is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities.
Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on work environment within and outside the organization)
Under the supervision of the Incident Manager, and with the overall guidance of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Lead and Head of the WHO Country Office, the incumbent will serve as an Epidemiologist focusing on cholera response. They will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and health partners, other cholera response pillars (RCCE, Logistics, Vaccines, and WASH) collaborating closely with WHO Regional Office and liaising with other units and teams within the Country Office to coordinate the implementation of approved activities. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for reporting on activities conducted and ensuring effective communication within the team.
Summary of Assigned Duties
During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme.
1. Conduct real-time analysis of outbreak intelligence data, with other team members, for epidemic forecasting and detection, guide team members on data quality improvement, use of data for monitoring of trends, ALERT and ACTION thresholds (triggers), as well as methodologies for performing data quality audit (DQA).
2. Provide technical leadership to each of the cholera response pillars (health, logistics, RCCE, WASH, and vaccines) to ensure that epidemiological data is informing the response and interventions of all partners, and across sectors, to disrupt transmission.
3. Oversee data entry, data validation, analysis and reporting of assessments and surveys. Synergize data received from multiple sources including health information systems, death registries, vertical reporting programmes, community Based Surveillance and IDSR.
4. Coordinate the establishment and functionality of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), early warning systems (including event based and indicator-based surveillance) for epidemic and pandemic-prone diseases for early detection and response to public health events.
5. Lead the development, consolidation and maintenance of a country-specific repository of information (at the highest geographic resolution possible) on core public health indicators for cholera response; standards indicators and values used by partners for monitoring needs and response; vulnerability mapping; and health needs assessment reports.
6. Design, in cooperation with technical partners, surveillance guidelines, protocols, surveys and monitoring/surveillance systems for detection, verification and response to public health incidents at the national level; ensuring efficiency of data collection, correlation, analysis, interpretation, timely reporting and coordinate the work of a network of subregional monitors, as well as provide technical guidance to the epidemiologists assigned, as required.
7. Contribute to the preparation of other WHO communication products (situation reports, donors alerts, and other ad-hoc reports).
8. Represent WHO in coordination meeting with partners involved in epidemiology and monitoring.
9. Develop appropriate training plans for building the core surveillance, alert and response national capacities in accordance with the requirement for IHR 2005. Oversee the capacity building of health management teams and health facility staff.
10. Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor
Recruitment Profile Competencies
1.Creating an empowering and motivating environment
2.Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Ensuring the effective use of resources
4. Teamwork
5.Communication
Functional Knowledge and Skills
- Sound knowledge and skills in database management and statistical analysis, secondary data review, survey designing and implementation, monitoring and evaluation systems design or use, and public health information management.
- Proven ability to multitask across various planning and implementation processes within a highly demanding environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge, competency and professional skills on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response with particular attention to application of an all-hazard approach in the context of the International Health Regulations and the use of event based and indicator-based surveillance, as well as descriptive epidemiology and principles of public health in communicable disease surveillance and response.
Education Qualifications
Essential
An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in epidemiology, statistics, database management or public health from an accredited/recognized institute
Desirable
First university degree in health-related field. Specialized training in communicable diseases.
Experience
At least seven years’ related experience, at the national and international levels, in quantitative epidemiology and the implementation of public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and response in humanitarian settings. Previous experience in implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR).
Use of Language Skills
Excellent knowledge of English.
Other Skills (e.g. IT)
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Working knowledge of online data collection applications, statistical analysis packages (Stata, SPSS, etc).
- Working knowledge of GIS mapping software (or similar) would be an asset.
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.