Public Health Specialist (Epidemiology) - CPCP

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Position Title: Public Health Specialist (Epidemiology) - CPCP
Location: Tehrān
Country: Iran
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and ensure that everyone can enjoy better health and well-being.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Specialist (Epidemiology) will play a crucial role in managing WHO's access to and analysis of country-specific health data. The incumbent will work closely with national authorities to enhance the analysis and provision of data-driven evidence that informs public health policy and decision-making. This position is vital for strengthening national capacities in disease prevention and control, particularly in developing and implementing public health programs and strategies focused on surveillance and response to emerging infectious diseases. The specialist will also contribute to improving early detection, verification, and rapid response to public health events of national or international concern, thereby enhancing the overall health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including coordinating with technical focal points at regional and headquarters levels, advising national public health authorities, and managing the epidemiological work of the WHO country office. Key responsibilities include ensuring access to relevant health-related data, analyzing datasets to provide insights into the country's health context, serving as the focal point for internal and external data requests, assisting the government in enhancing epidemic forecasting and detection systems, coordinating training courses for public health professionals, managing field investigations of public health events, collaborating with Health Emergency teams, participating in risk assessments, and developing a national system for comprehensive data collection and trend analysis. The specialist will also manage the analysis and interpretation of surveillance data and encourage collaboration for resource mobilization to enhance national responses to public health events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field. A postgraduate training in epidemiology (EPIET) or a similar program is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in epidemiology, including the development and implementation of programs, policies, and guidelines, as well as monitoring and evaluation of diseases and public health issues. Experience in public health responses in complex emergencies and humanitarian crises is also desirable, along with relevant experience in a developing country context and familiarity with WHO or UN systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification in epidemiology or a similar program is considered an asset, as it demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in epidemiology, which should include developing and implementing public health programs, policies, and guidelines. Some of this experience should be obtained in an international context, indicating the ability to work in diverse environments and understand global health challenges. Experience in public health responses during complex emergencies and humanitarian crises is also highly valued, as it reflects the candidate's ability to operate under pressure and in challenging situations.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly languages relevant to the region or the populations served.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 64,121, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in the duty station. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO, and they may be assigned to various duty stations worldwide. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abusive conduct.