Epidemiology Fellowship Programme

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Position Title: Epidemiology Fellowship Programme
Location: Cairo
Country: Egypt
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Epidemiology Fellowship Programme in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EpiFellows) is an initiative designed to enhance the capacity of young epidemiologists from low- and middle-income countries. The program is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts to strengthen public health systems and outbreak management capabilities in the region. The WHO, established in 1948, operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to improving global health. The EpiFellows program aims to provide practical experience and exposure to WHO's technical programs, thereby contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in public health.

Job Overview:
The Epidemiology Fellowship Programme is structured to provide young professionals with hands-on experience in public health and outbreak management. The fellows will be assigned to WHO country offices in their home countries for a six-month period, where they will engage in various technical programs. The fellowship is designed to enhance their skills, knowledge, and understanding of outbreak management at national, regional, and global levels. The program emphasizes practical assignments that allow fellows to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice in public health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of a technical expert, fellows will undertake a range of responsibilities tailored to their skills and the needs of the WHO. These responsibilities may include: conducting literature reviews and surveys, performing web research and data collection, organizing and analyzing data, contributing to the development of tools and guidance documents, assisting in drafting and editing policy briefs, toolkits, guides, manuals, handouts, brochures, and reports, helping to organize workshops, meetings, conferences, and other events, and participating in ongoing departmental projects. The fellows are expected to work collaboratively with WHO staff and contribute to the overall objectives of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in a field relevant to public health, outbreak management, or epidemiology. They should demonstrate core competencies as outlined by the WHO global competencies model, which includes producing quality results, teamwork, respect for cultural differences, effective communication, and adaptability in changing environments. Familiarity with commonly used computer programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential, and knowledge of specialized software, particularly statistical programs like XLStat, is advantageous.

Educational Background:
A postgraduate degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field is required for this fellowship. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of public health principles and practices, which they will apply during their fellowship experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant experience, which may include research, report drafting, or academic work in the field of public health or epidemiology. Experience in outbreak management or health emergency management is particularly valuable. Additionally, familiarity with data analysis, statistical packages, and the design of graphical displays for health information is important. Field experience in developing countries is also beneficial, as it provides insight into the challenges faced in public health settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking skills. Knowledge of French or Arabic is considered an asset, as it enhances communication capabilities within the diverse contexts of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Additional Notes:
The fellowship is competitive, with only a limited number of candidates accepted each year. Candidates must be under 35 years of age to be eligible for the program. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend and may have official travel to their duty station covered. It is important to note that fellows are not eligible for appointment to any position within WHO for three months following the completion of their fellowship. Applications are encouraged from women and nationals of underrepresented member states in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which includes countries such as Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen. WHO is committed to diversity and maintaining a smoke-free environment.