Working as Epidemiological Activity Manager in the field
MSF epidemiologists work in three areas: outbreak response and control, surveys and research. You may be called upon to establish a surveillance system for a meningitis or cholera outbreak, while also taking part in active case finding and in planning vaccination campaigns or water and sanitation interventions. You might also be asked to conduct a mortality survey or to design and implement a monitoring and evaluation plan for targeted diseases. MSF epidemiologists develop data collection system, for a wide range of project health services and serve as the data focal point for a project.
This is an exciting and diverse role involving some or all of the following.
Responsibilities:
- Lead implementation of the epidemiological protocols and methodology, and ensure that all staff comply with MSF protocol
- Supervise the epidemiological research activity, and ensure that community groups, the authorities and those participating in the data collection are informed and aligned with the objectives of the research
- Report on the progress of data collection and on-going research matters
- Advise the MSF medical team on epidemiological matters that arise during their research activities and, if necessary, design and implement epidemiological tools and data collection
- Define, schedule and organise, in collaboration with other medical team members, the annual epidemiological activity plan, including its budget, with a view to improving early detection of risk factors and, subsequently, treatment approaches
- Ensure, in collaboration with the logistics department, that national or international shipment of laboratory samples acquired for research purposes is carried out within deadlines and in compliance with protocols
- Ensure that equipment and materials are properly maintained and stocks are above the minimum levels
- Supervise data filing procedures and ensure that all epidemiology software tools are used properly
- Manage, train and supervise the epidemiology team through activities such as recruitment, defining job descriptions, capacity-building, briefing/debriefing and evaluation of staff
- Participate in operational monthly reports and organising and/or assisting medical staff with the preparation of epidemiological reports
Depending on our activities and needs, your responsibilities may be adapted and evolve according to the specific projects.
Requirements:
You will not face these challenges alone; other MSF team members (both international and locally hired staff) will provide technical support, including comprehensive guidelines and protocols.
- Qualification in epidemiology, public health or biostatistics
- At least two years’ relevant professional experience in epidemiology, including data management, data collection, surveys or outbreak investigations
- IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Fluency in English and/or French; any other languages are an asset (Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian)
- Available for a minimum two months or six months
- Commitment to MSF’s work and values
- Strong team player
- Willingness to work in all kinds of contexts worldwide, including unstable areas
- Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
- Flexible and able to manage stress
- Self-driven with a solution-oriented approach
- Ability to train others
Assets:
- Experience working in developing countries
- People management experience
- Qualification as a medical doctor or paramedic
- Knowledge of statistical package such as R or Stata
We encourage applications from people of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, abilities and all other characteristics of diversity.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference and criminal record checks.
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