The Epidemiologist works under the direct supervision of the relevant Coordinator on Surveillance, Forecasting and Response or in small to medium-sized Country Offices under the WHO Representative directly. S/he is expected to perform his/her duties and responsibilities with highest degree of efficiency and sound judgment.

The incumbent coordinates activities in the designated areas and may supervise directly a small team of Special Service Agreement holders.

FUNCTION 1 (INCL. EXPECTED RESULTS)

Manages data collection and evaluates the evolving health situation with respect to infectious diseases, achieving results such as:

•  Secure data from a broad range of sources on reported outbreaks or rumours from emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
• Assessment of the validity of information and data received.
•  Preparation of consolidated reports on disease outbreak situations.
•  Set up and maintenance of an early warning response system and/or event management system database of reported outbreaks and public health events and documentation of all steps taken in the verification and response process.
• Substantive technical input in the development of guidelines for epidemic control.

FUNCTION 2 (INCL. EXPECTED RESULTS)

Monitors and coordinates the implementation of programmes and activities in the designated area, achieving results such as:

• Coordination of the preparation and dissemination of disease outbreak news, technical documents, guidelines and protocols on prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, updates and assessments to key decision makers in the organizational hierarchy or to the national health authorities.
• Organisation of technical missions for field investigation of outbreaks.
• Rapid field assessments of the present health and general condition of the affected population.
• Active participation in the development of a sustainable system for epidemic forecasting, alert and response for emerging, re-emerging and epidemic-prone infectious diseases in the designated area.
• Development of progress reports during implementation and the final project reports and dissemination of results.

FUNCTION 3 (INCL. EXPECTED RESULTS)

Manages training activities to strengthen capacity at various levels, achieving results such as:

• Identification of training and capacity building needs for respective target audiences and development of comprehensive and competency-based training plans for capacity building for different categories of health personnel at provincial, district and facility levels.
•  Preparation of training material tailored to the specific needs.
• Organisation and delivery of an array of training activities to various target groups, e.g. for health care workers on field investigation, surveillance and response to outbreaks.
• Assessment of impact of training and capacity building activities.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
First level university degree in medicine is required. Training in Epidemiology.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
At least 2 years of experience required in public health programmes for communicable disease control.
Ability to write reports on outbreaks and interpret epidemiological surveillance data.
Good Presentation and writing skills.
Desirable: Relevant international work experience in the areas of communicable disease control and
Good knowledge of WHO procedures and policies.

Interested Applicants should send their up to date personal history form or an updated CV/PHF ONLY! in English to emacosudhr@who.int
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for interview and test.