Epidemiologist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

The Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment Programme Area is responsible for identifying new public health events, assessing risks to public health, conducting epidemiological surveillance and field investigations, monitoring public health interventions, and communicating public health information to technical partners. 

Working with designated epidemiologists assigned to the area of work, the incumbent conducts epidemic intelligence activities, provides technical support in the areas of epidemiology, detection, verification and risk assessment of health in emergencies. The incumbent will be expected to deliver the following outputs\: i) rapid risk assessments (RRA) of acute public health events; ii) updated Event Management System; iii) timeline of events maintained up-to-date and analyzed; iv) support the development of the re-modelled rSIS, and v) scientific articles and reports on best practices and lessons learned on event detection and response.

The incumbent may be deployed to emergencies when required.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following duties which are performed according to the needs and agenda\:

Contribute to all aspects of early detection of acute public health events, including but not limited to event-based surveillance; indicator-based surveillance; verification and risk assessment; monitoring; and information-sharing on events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern;

Analyses to assist in the formulation of briefing documents and materials; situation analyses; and convening multi-disciplinary risk assessments, as appropriate;

Participate in activities including but not limited to supporting the further development and maintenance of WHO Event Management system (EMS) and Event Information System (EIS) and other event-based surveillance systems; supporting the development and future implementation of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) platform; monitoring and evaluation of performance and results of epidemic intelligence activities; elaboration of information sharing products;

Participate in the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for WHO-wide tools for detection, verification and risk assessment of public health data in emergencies, coordinating activities with the Global Health Cluster, Emergency Medical Teams, GOARN and other key partners to set-up strong networks of epidemiologists and other specialists through which WHO tools can be deployed and supported in emergencies;

Perform tasks such as data entry, validation, analysis, and assessments; assist with the design and development of databases, and data analysis using quantitative methods, for inclusion in communication products such as situation reports, bulletins, alerts, and other ad-hoc reports using standard tools and templates, and achieve results based on a multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approach;

As delegated, play a key role in activities such as capacity building and training of colleagues within WHO and partners, including Ministries of Health, with a focus on enhancing epidemiology and information management core competencies, as part of using standardized, innovative information systems and tools;

When required, participate in Field Epidemiology activities, including rapid deployment to areas affected by emergencies and outbreaks to provide technical assistance to the host countries, local or national authorities and key partners and backstop field epidemiology teams in the gathering and analysis of information for public health action using state-of-the-art technologies and/or the  identification and design of suitable surveillance systems in emergencies and implement the standardized WHO Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) where necessary;

Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: University degree in epidemiology, quantitative methods and/or medicine, complemented by degree in public health, international health or a related discipline.

Desirable\: Degree or diploma in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, midwifery, nursing, medical biology or a related discipline.

Advanced degree in epidemiology, public health, international health

In-service training in field epidemiology such as Field Epidemiology (and Laboratory)

Experience

Essential\: At least five years’ experience with successful track record in epidemiology, information management, quantitative methods, surveillance and/or control of outbreaks, with field experience in epidemics or public health emergencies.     

Desirable\: Experience in designing and implementing large databases, and managing complex flows of information at field and global level, with focus on the design, implementation and interpretation of quantitative research activities. Experience in responding to complex humanitarian crises. Experience in WHO or UN, UN Agencies an asset.

Skills

Demonstrated expertise in field epidemiology, quantitative methods, surveillance in the area of emerging/re-emerging diseases in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting environment, as well as of database management.  Proven ability to link routine health information and epidemiology to project planning, service delivery and/or policy-decision making.  Excellent organizational and analytical skills combined with ability to multi-task and produce accurate results under pressure. Excellent interpersonal skills, complemented with ability to synthesize information in a clear and concise manner. Tact, diplomacy and courtesy.

WHO Competencies

1. Moving forward in a changing environment

2. Fostering integration and teamwork

3. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

4.   Producing results

5.   Communicating in a clear and effective way

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: English expert level required, French working level required OR French expert level required, English working level required

Desirable\:

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.