Epidemiologist

Job Posting Organization:
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Established in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries, delivering emergency medical care and advocating for the rights of those in need. The organization is known for its commitment to impartiality, neutrality, and independence, and employs thousands of staff worldwide, including medical professionals, logistical experts, and support staff, all dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
As an epidemiologist with MSF, you will be integral to both immediate emergency responses and ongoing public health initiatives. Your primary responsibilities will include coordinating the collection of vital epidemiological data, which is crucial for understanding disease outbreaks and planning effective control measures. This includes active case finding, conducting mortality studies, and implementing surveillance systems. You will also be involved in planning and executing vaccination campaigns and water and sanitation interventions, which are essential for controlling outbreaks. Your analytical skills will be put to use in evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions and ensuring that decisions are based on solid evidence. Additionally, you will supervise and train local staff, providing them with the necessary epidemiological guidance to enhance their capabilities and support MSF's strategic planning efforts. Your role will not only contribute to immediate health responses but also to the long-term health outcomes of the communities served by MSF.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the collection and analysis of epidemiological data during disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
• Conduct mortality studies and evaluate existing surveillance systems to improve data quality and relevance.
• Implement epidemiological surveys to inform decision-making and health interventions.
• Supervise and train local staff in data collection and analysis techniques.
• Provide technical support to project teams to ensure high-quality data collection methods are employed.
• Assist in the planning and execution of vaccination campaigns and other outbreak control activities.
• Contribute to the development of policies and strategic plans based on epidemiological evidence.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with other team members and stakeholders.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of epidemiological trends and best practices in public health.

Required Qualifications:

• A degree in epidemiology or a master’s degree in public health with extensive training in epidemiology.
• A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification work experience in epidemiology or public health.
• Practical skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating both quantitative and qualitative epidemiological research.
• Experience in outbreak control and the ability to design and implement surveillance systems for monitoring diseases and outbreaks.
• Proficiency in training others in data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with epidemiological databases and statistical analysis software, including Microsoft Excel and at least one statistics program.
• Experience managing staff in a multicultural environment, including supervision and training.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a degree in epidemiology or a master’s degree in public health, with a strong emphasis on epidemiological training. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of disease dynamics and the methodologies used in public health research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification work experience. Candidates should have practical experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of epidemiological research, particularly in outbreak control scenarios. Experience in managing staff and working in multicultural teams is also essential, as the role involves supervision and training of local personnel.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory, with a minimum level of B2 in both languages. Other languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese are considered valuable but are not required for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last between six to twelve months, depending on the needs of the organization and the specific projects involved. This role may require travel to various locations, often in challenging environments, and candidates should be prepared for the demands of working in humanitarian contexts. MSF offers competitive compensation and benefits, including support for international staff and opportunities for professional development.