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WHO-Surveillance (Epidemiologist) Officer-P3/P4-Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon
Position Title: Surveillance Officer/Epidemiologist 
Receiving Agency: WHO
P Level: P3/P4
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Duration: 3 months
Start date: 1 July 2026
Language: Fluency in English required, working proficiency in Arabic an asset
 
  1. Purpose of the position

The technical officer (epidemiologist) is expected to support the health authorities and partners in strengthening the early warning and integrated disease surveillance as well as overall capacity of disease outbreak preparedness and response.
 
  1. Background and Justification
In response to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and its impact on public health, the WHO seeks to deploy surveillance officer to support in addressing critical epidemiological needs. The surveillance officer will be crucial in enhancing surveillance, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating response efforts amidst the complex and challenging environment of conflict. This role will involve coordination with the Emergency Surveillance Unit (ESU) and providing technical assistance in outbreak management.
  1. Organizational Context
Reporting to the Incident Manager or Deputy Incident Manager, the surveillance officer will work closely with national health authorities, local and international partners, and field teams. The role involves implementing strategies, protocols, and response plans to manage and mitigate the impact of disease outbreaks and other public health crises in Lebanon during the conflict.
 
  1. Work to be performed
Under the supervision of the Incident manager, the epidemiologist will perform following duties and responsibilities






Output 1:           Strengthen the early warning and integrated disease surveillance capacities to health authorities and partners through training, mentoring, supervising, and monitoring
    1. Provide technical support in the collection, collation, and analysis of early warning surveillance data and diseases outbreak data. Identify trends, risk factors, and distribution patterns.
    2. Support the development/adaptation of training materials and guidelines relating to the early warning surveillance
    3. Monitor the early prevention, detection, verification, assessment and investigation of any risks of outbreaks and the dissemination of data related to the occurrence of outbreaks
    4. Building the capacity of surveillance teams and partners capacity for early detection and response to potential disease outbreaks.
    5. Regular visits for monitoring the status of sentinel surveillance sites for cholera and others.
    6. Analyze and report on epidemiological data to inform response strategies and decision-making.
    7. Contribute to the production on weekly situation reports during epidemics and monthly reports
OUTPUT 2: Strengthen health authorities and partners capacity to respond to emerging infectious disease outbreaks (water-borne, VPD, respiratory, etc) response interventions through training, mentoring, supervising and monitoring
    1. Provide technical assistance to the ESU and partners in scaling up the preparedness and response plan for water-borne (such as cholera, hep A) and other disease outbreaks.
    2. Facilitate real-time outbreak information sharing and generate analytical reports to support ongoing public health events.
    3. Assist in risk assessments to identify risk factors, possible sources of infection, response capacities, training needs and appropriate recommendations to overcome the challenges
    4. Provide technical assistance for the functionality of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at central and subnational levels for potential epidemic-prone diseases
    5. Support the field investigations to verify outbreaks, assess risk, and support rapid response efforts.
    6. Provide technical assistance to outbreak management teams and Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at national and subnational levels
    7. Work in collaboration with WHO team, national health authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure effective outbreak management and response.
    8. Maintain an updated database of reported outbreaks and public health incidents. Document all actions taken during the response process.
    9. Extend support the implementation of the relevant areas for the national emergency preparedness and response plan
 
  1. Functional Knowledge and Skills
  • Expertise in Epidemiology: Knowledge in outbreak management, statistical analysis, data review, and public health information management.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proven ability to develop and implement surveillance protocols, analyze epidemiological data, and support public health interventions.
  • Multitasking and Flexibility: Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a high-pressure environment, adapting to rapidly changing circumstances.
 
  1.  Education Qualifications
  • Essential: University degree in health sciences, epidemiology, statistics, or public health from an accredited institution.
  • Desirable: Advanced degree in public health or quantitative epidemiology. Specialized training in communicable diseases.
 
  1. Experience
  • Essential: Minimum of five years of experience in public health surveillance, outbreak investigation, and response at both national and international levels.
  • Desirable: Experience working in conflict or emergency settings. Previous collaboration with international health organizations and expertise in disaster and outbreak response is advantageous.
 
  1.  Language Skills
  • Essential: Excellent proficiency in English (written and spoken)
  • Desirable: Working proficiency in Arabic an asset.
10. Other Skills
  • IT Proficiency: Skills in database management, statistical software (e.g., EPI Info, SPSS), and Microsoft Office.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings and demonstrate respect for local customs and practices.

 
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.

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