Spécialiste en épidémiologie et surveillance (Epidemiology and Surveillance Specialist)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 has grown to employ over 4,000 staff across more than 60 countries. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, and economic development, and aims to create a positive impact on communities worldwide through innovative programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Epidemiology and Surveillance Specialist will provide technical support, manage personnel, and oversee activities aimed at strengthening epidemiological surveillance as part of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) initiative in Senegal. This role involves providing technical assistance to the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment, as well as their structural divisions, for the development and/or updating of infectious disease detection and surveillance strategies. The specialist will lead the planning and implementation of activities to enhance the quality and performance of epidemiology and surveillance services. They will also provide technical support and guidance on issues, challenges, and strategies to improve access to quality services within the project framework. Additionally, the specialist will contribute technically to the annual work planning at the national level, lead the development of guidelines and policies for strengthening epidemiology and surveillance activities, participate in technical meetings, and ensure informed leadership at the national level. Close collaboration with project teams and headquarters will be essential in assessing program effectiveness and overseeing the epidemiological and surveillance aspects of the STRIDES initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide project staff with general technical guidance and direction on epidemiological surveillance in line with project expected outcomes.
• Ensure strategic leadership and direction for the epidemiology and public health surveillance component of the project, coordinating with other technical areas.
• Support the design and implementation of technical activities to establish or strengthen event-based surveillance (EBS), indicator-based surveillance (IBS), and community-based surveillance (CBS) for priority pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
• Provide technical expertise for the preparation of training materials, standard operating procedures, and tools, and conduct training for epidemiologists, disease surveillance officers, project staff, and partners.
• Monitor and update protocols, tools, datasets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to technical expertise areas.
• Work closely with counterparts and national teams to provide necessary technical assistance to achieve national objectives and targets, particularly those related to strategies, policies, plans, and procedures for epidemiological surveillance of emerging infectious diseases, zoonoses, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Develop technical notes, reports, or any other materials necessary to facilitate and document research, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure close coordination with the global surveillance team to guarantee synergies and experience sharing among countries participating in the global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security program.
• Provide on-site and ongoing technical assistance to epidemiologists and other stakeholders as needed and requested within general capacity strengthening and continuous improvement programs. 1
• Assist in developing and implementing plans to extend passive surveillance systems to active surveillance of priority diseases and serve as a strengthened surveillance and early warning system. 1
• Provide technical assistance to enhance real-time data communication, data quality, data sharing, and coupling of surveillance and laboratory data. 1
• Assist in strengthening the coupling of epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data, data analysis, and interpretation. 1
• Help implement the technical elements of the project plan. 1
• Collaborate with project management teams and technical teams to define, develop, implement, monitor, and adapt technical work plans, budgets, presentations, and reports. 1
• Utilize evidence-based methods and best practices to implement epidemiological and surveillance activities. 1
• Participate in meetings with clients/donors and prepare reports/presentations.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of epidemiological research and public health surveillance.
• Experience in developing terms of reference with deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
• Extensive knowledge of quality standards.
• Proficiency in database management software and online research tools required.
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and positively with clients and staff.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Proven project management skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with others. 1
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. 1
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. 1
• Problem-solving skills and ability to implement corrective measures as necessary. 1
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and French.

Educational Background:
Master's degree or equivalent international qualification in epidemiology, public health, or other health-related fields relevant to the functions of the position.

Experience:
At least six years of experience, including a combination of national and international experience in epidemiology and public health programs related to infectious disease control, health analysis, and statistics. Previous professional experience, knowledge, and practical expertise in applying the International Health Regulations and best practices, as well as in responding to epidemics at the national level. In-depth knowledge and experience of monitoring and evaluation systems in project implementation. Mastery of data quality assurance, data analysis, and interpretation. Relevant training in epidemiology and surveillance, acquired either through formal education or participation in training programs such as field epidemiology training programs (e.g., advanced, intermediate, or frontline courses), is desirable. Knowledge and experience in implementing 'One Health' approaches, including experience in managing zoonotic diseases, strengthening health systems, and intersectoral collaboration, are preferred. Proven knowledge and experience in implementing methodologies for infectious disease surveillance, including analyzing epidemiological survey data using new methodologies or existing techniques. Ability to analyze current public health surveillance systems and develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement. Proven skills in creative problem-solving. Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff and others. Proven experience collaborating with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and/or the Ministry of Environment, is highly desirable to support the development of strategies, implementation plans, and decision-making. Previous professional experience in U.S. government-funded projects and a good understanding of U.S. government reporting regulations and requirements are preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, with excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local fixed-term contract for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal. The role is full-time and may require national travel representing between 10% and 50% of the working time. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to safeguarding and preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks.