
Website IGADsecretariat Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
Job Title | Medical Epidemiologist |
Reference | PREPARE – EPI |
Project/ Programme | Pandemic preparedness and response in the IGAD region |
Division/ Specialized institution | Health and Social Development Division |
Reports To | Senior Programme Coordinator |
Duty Station | Nairobi, with frequent travel in the IGAD region |
Staff Category | Professional |
Contract type | One year with possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds |
Deadline for Applications | 13th February 2025 |
Background
Pandemics are increasingly frequent, impacting vast regions and millions of people globally. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has secured funding from the Pandemic Fund to implement a multi-sectoral pandemic preparedness and response (PPR) initiative in the IGAD region. The PREPARE project is a multi-year regional initiative aimed at strengthening PPR activities across the seven IGAD countries—Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda—within the One Health framework. This initiative involves collaboration among ministries of health, livestock, environment, and other relevant sectors in the target countries. It will enhance the capacities of IGAD member states, with a focus on cross-border and mobile populations (CBMPs). IGAD will lead the execution of PPR interventions under the One Health framework, coordinating and harmonizing support for integrated cross-border efforts in surveillance, laboratory capacity building, human resource development, and partner coordination. IGAD will partner with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which will facilitate community-level activities through its national societies. With its extensive experience and expertise in PPR, risk communication, and community engagement (RCCE), the IFRC will leverage its Red Cross and Red Crescent network to support these efforts.
The PREPARE project has four outcomes:
- Established/strengthened holistic cross-border surveillance and functioning early warning and early response mechanisms in border areas of IGAD member states.
- Strengthened capacities of laboratories supporting cross-border areas to characterize and confirm existing diseases outbreak and other diseases with epidemic potential including Mpox and Marburg
- Strengthened regional cross-border health workforce and community systems capacity to prepare and respond to One Health emergencies and engage communities effectively.
- Effective, evidence-based advocacy and coordination for inclusive and sustainable epidemic/pandemic preparedness and response with a priority focus on active outbreaks including Mpox and Marburg.
IGAD is therefore seeking to recruit a Medical Epidemiologist to support the surveillance efforts and other Pandemic Preparedness, and response functions the IGAD-Pandemic Fund PREPARE project.
Responsibilities and Functions of MEDICAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST
The PREPARE Project Medical Epidemiologist, based at the IGAD ICEN office in Nairobi, Kenya, shall support the regional pandemic/epidemic preparedness and response interventions in the IGAD region, guided by the One Health framework. The specific duties will be as follows:
- Develop and guide the implementation of the One Health (multisectoral) approach in the Pandemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE) project.
- Lead the implementation of activities under the PREPARE project components of surveillance and laboratory capacity strengthening.
- Support the development and use of surveillance tools and guidelines for Mpox and other pandemics/epidemics.
- Support in the design and implementation of operational research in public health emergencies in the IGAD member states.
- Develop and review data analysis plans, provide interpretation for analysis, and write up results as needed by the project.
- Provide technical assistance, capacity building, and mentorship to stakeholders on epidemiologic and surveillance methods, survey design, data collection, management, analysis, and use.
- Support the strengthening of laboratory capacity and systems for pandemic/epidemic response.
- Build capacity in IGAD Member States in simulation exercises on emergency preparedness, jointly with PREPARE project partners, including WHO and IFRC.
- Support the operationalization of the Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) in the IGAD region for pandemic preparedness and response.
- Support IGAD Member States’ capacity development and sustainability in emergency preparedness during watch time in the region.
- Prepare project reports and publications, including the technical briefs, policy briefs, and advocacy briefs.
- Facilitate and/or coordinate the dissemination of surveillance data through the preparation of presentations, reports, and scientific manuscripts.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Project Coordinator.
Academic Requirements and relevant experience
-
- Academic Qualification
- An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in the field of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases or Public Health
- Additional post graduate training in Public Health Program management is desirable.
- Experience and capacity in publication of research work in peer reviewed journals will be an added advantage
Professional Work Experience
- At least 10 years of experience including at national and international level in area of emergencies preparedness and response.
- Designing and executing public health research, with prior experience in health surveys as an added advantage.
- Experience managing and implementing large-scale public health projects at national or international level.
- Trained as a trainer in Public Health Emergency management and Incident Management System (IMS).
- Experience in working in IMS during an outbreak is an added advantage.
- Experience of working in the regional level (IGAD) or other international level is preferred.
Skills and Competences
- Demonstrable technical expertise and experience in supporting and/or managing complex, public health programs
- Demonstrable skills to conceptualize, plan, develop, implement, track and follow up on project and demonstrable skills in resource management
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills and a proven ability to deliver under tight deadlines and works well under pressure
- Excellent skills and abilities applied to translating technical information into presentations, briefings and report for both technical and lay audiences
- Knowledge of oral communication techniques and skill in presentation delivery,
- Skills in program monitoring and evaluation is an asset
- Computer and data management literate, proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
- Knowledge and skills in data processing and information analysis including knowledge of statistical packages and applications such as EPI INFO, SAS, SPSS, STATA, ACCESS
- Excellent diplomatic and negotiation skills
- Ability to work in a multicultural setting
- Language requirements
Fluency in English is required. French is an added advantage
- How to apply
Qualified applicants from IGAD Member States are eligible to apply.
Interested candidates should send their applications in PDF accompanied by cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, academic credentials, copy of passports/ ID cards biometric page and three reference persons including the last employer.
Applications should be sent by E-mail to the following addresses: recruitment@igad.int with subject line “PREPARE – EPI”
Closing date for application will be 10th February 2025. Due to the large number of applications we expect to receive; only successful candidates who meet the required experience & qualifications for this position will be contacted. Contact: + 25321354050
IGAD is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Download the attached TOR document in PDF below.
Vacancy Announcement – Epidemiologist – PREPARE – EPI
To apply for this job email your details to recruitment@igad.in