Epidemiologist Consultant - Ebola Response

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a related organization of the United Nations, serving as the leading UN agency in the field of migration. The IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization saves lives and protects the rights of people on the move, implements solutions to address population displacement, and facilitates regular migration pathways while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and enhance its support for displaced persons. IOM invites candidates from all backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process when necessary. For more information about IOM's workplace culture, please refer to the IOM workplace culture page.

Job Overview:
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), IOM supports the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare in strengthening health services at border posts to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases and other public health threats. IOM provides integrated surveillance and disease control training for frontline health personnel working in border areas, necessary medical and health supplies to border posts, analyses, and reports on population mobility trends in priority health areas to inform preparedness efforts, as well as risk communication assistance to raise awareness among cross-border populations and neighboring communities. The DRC continues to face multiple outbreaks of diseases with epidemic potential. Since May 15, 2026, the Minister of Public Health has declared the 17th outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Ituri province. In line with its mandate, IOM has positioned itself to support the response alongside the National Hygiene at Borders Program (PNHF) as a co-lead in the entry points/control points pillar. Under the general supervision of the Migration coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Health Coordinator and the technical supervision of the Field Coordinator Preparedness, the incumbent will work closely with governmental partners involved in the response to the 17th outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Ituri. The scope of the response to the 17th outbreak necessitates the presence of an experienced epidemiologist on the ground, capable of representing the organization in the local Incident Management System (SGI), establishing, supporting, and supervising health surveillance activities at entry points and control points, as well as managing collaboration and supporting border health areas in epidemiological surveillance activities of mobile populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will contribute to the direct supervision of emergency health interventions, including planning and implementing project activities, and directly supervising health teams at all PoEs/PoCs supported by IOM. They will supervise and train provincial and local partners to ensure that control and quality assurance are integrated into the coordination and implementation of planned activities on the ground. The incumbent will ensure coordination with other technical experts in the response to guarantee the integration of specific migration health interventions required in their respective technical thematic areas. They will conduct field assessments and provide technical support for the implementation of interventions and propose improvement plans. The incumbent will ensure that all entry points (PoE) and control points (PoC) correctly submit their reports to the incident management system (SGI) as well as to national health information management systems (EWARS and DHIS 2), and develop and analyze regular epidemiological reports in collaboration with the National Migration Health Officer. They will propose and collaborate in the development of emergency preparedness training programs at PoEs, assist in the preparation of communications, technical reports, bulletins, SitReps, and other information products specific to the MVE 17 response, represent IOM at local pillar/coordination meetings of the SGI of the MVE 17 response, identify opportunities for sharing experiences in epidemic preparedness for PoEs in DRC and neighboring countries, conduct field assessments and implement preparedness response interventions in the provinces according to the SGI plan, and perform any other tasks assigned by their supervisor as needed for the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a higher university degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or Health Sciences. A Master's degree in Public Health or Epidemiology is highly desirable. The incumbent must have at least 5 years of professional experience in the field of epidemiological surveillance with a focus on epidemic response. Proven experience in epidemic responses, particularly in MVE, is preferred. Knowledge of public health, specifically epidemiological surveillance, is essential. The ability to work in a multicultural, multilingual, and multidisciplinary environment is crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a higher university degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or Health Sciences. A Master's degree in Public Health or Epidemiology is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of epidemiological surveillance, with a strong emphasis on epidemic response. Proven experience in responding to epidemics, particularly in the context of MVE, is highly desirable and will be a significant asset for the candidate.

Languages:
For this consultancy, proficiency in French and English is required. The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. However, IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, or other fees). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. No late applications will be accepted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, candidates are encouraged to visit the IOM Careers and Job Vacancies page. Special Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may be closed before the stated closing date if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received, or the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.