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 Department 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.

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 needs\:

1. Contribute to all aspects of early detection of acute public health events, including but not limited to event-based surveillance; verification and risk assessment; monitoring; and information-sharing on events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern; the analysis linked to the formulation of briefing documents and materials; situation analyses; and convening multi-disciplinary risk assessment, as appropriate.

2. Participate in activities such as but not limited to\:

a) support the further development and maintenance of WHO Event Management system (EMS) and Event Information System (EIS) and other event-based surveillance systems;

b) monitoring and evaluation of performance and results of epidemic intelligence activities;

c) elaboration of information sharing information products.

3. Participate to emergency epidemiological field missions as required.

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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: First university degree in epidemiology, public health, international health, or related field.
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, complemented by degree or diploma in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, midwifery, nursing, medical biology or a related discipline.In-service training in field epidemiology such as Field Epidemiology (and Laboratory)

Experience

Essential\: At least 2 years of experience with successful track record in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events; epidemic intelligence at the national and/or international levels plus demonstrated field experience in the context of large epidemics or public health crisis at the national and international levels.
Desirable\: Field experience in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events experience in resource limited countries; experience of working with event-based surveillance and risk assessment;

Skills

Experience in surveillance, field epidemiology and emerging diseases in international context. Ability to interact multi-disciplinarily and cross-cutting environment in involving technical, cultural and political elements. Sound analytical and organizational skills. Willingness to deploy at short notice in support of international emergency health interventions. Excellent presentation and communication skills, with emphasis on writing skills. Proven ability to work and produce results under pressure in critical situations. 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 credible and effective way

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Other WHO language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 46,472 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2908 per month for the duty station indicated above. 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.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.
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