Field Epidemiologist/Public Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees worldwide, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working with governments and other partners to address health challenges and improve health systems. WHO's work includes responding to health emergencies, combating communicable diseases, and promoting health and well-being across populations.

Job Overview:
The Field Epidemiologist/Public Health Officer position is crucial for providing field epidemiology and public health support in South Sudan, particularly in response to the Bundibugyo Virus Disease and other public health emergencies. The incumbent will be embedded at the county level, working closely with the County Health Department and various partners to operationalize national health guidance. This role involves strengthening surveillance systems, managing alerts, conducting investigations, and ensuring that epidemiological data is utilized for timely public health actions. The position requires a proactive approach to public health challenges, particularly in high-risk areas characterized by conflict, displacement, and limited health service functionality. The officer will play a key role in enhancing the capacity for early warning and response to health threats, thereby contributing to the overall health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: establishing and maintaining county-level surveillance systems for Bundibugyo Virus Disease and other health threats; ensuring the use of approved case definitions and reporting tools by health facilities and partners; verifying and documenting alerts, and escalating high-risk alerts for immediate action; leading epidemiological investigations of suspected cases and unusual public health events; strengthening indicator-based surveillance and data quality reviews; maintaining databases and records for case investigations and contact tracing; training and mentoring health workers and surveillance personnel; conducting routine data analysis and producing epidemiological reports; and collaborating with various teams to ensure coordinated public health responses. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring the availability and use of surveillance tools and reporting any gaps for corrective action.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree in epidemiology, public health, medicine, nursing, environmental health, or a related field from a recognized institution. An advanced degree or postgraduate training in field epidemiology or public health is desirable. Completion of a Field Epidemiology Training Programme or equivalent training is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have strong knowledge of disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and emergency risk assessment, along with the ability to analyze and interpret epidemiological data effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a first university degree in a relevant discipline such as epidemiology, public health, or health sciences. An advanced degree or postgraduate training in related fields is highly desirable, as is completion of specialized training programs in field epidemiology or public health.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in public health surveillance, epidemiology, outbreak investigation, or emergency response. Practical experience in alert verification, case investigation, and data analysis is essential. Experience working with health authorities and communities at the state or county level is also required. Desirable experience includes working with WHO, national public health institutes, or humanitarian organizations, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected settings.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is required, and a good working knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset. Familiarity with local languages used in the duty station is also desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of South Sudan will be accepted. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. Applicants must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications in advance of an interview. WHO is committed to workforce diversity and offers a range of benefits, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance. The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65, and WHO maintains a smoke-free environment.