Epidemiologist , World Health Organization

The Mission of WHO is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health
DATE OF ISSUANCE : 20th November 2015
POSITION TITLE Epidemiologist
GRADE LEVEL NOC as per United Nations salary scele
TYPE OF CONTRACT Special Service Agreement (SSA)
DURATION 6 months -
DUTY STATION Dar es Salaam
CLOSING DATE 4th December 2015

Background
Following the detection of the initial cases of cholera in Dar es Salaam in August 2015, the outbreak has now spread to other regions of Tanzania. The majority of cholera cases detected so far are from the city of Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with partners has reviewed technical and financial assistance needs for an effective outbreak response.
A National Cholera Task Force led by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is the major multisectoral coordination body for the response involving development partners, NGOs and other line ministries and government departments. The outbreak response has focused on the following interventions: social mobilization on personal hygiene, safe water and sanitation, chlorination and treatment of water sources and storage tanks, strengthening of case management in treatment centres and risk management during burials of the deceased.
The primary focus of the community interventions is public sensitization, water treatment at household level and disease surveillance. These community-based interventions engage community input through existing community structures to assist local government authorities in tailoring interventions to the community needs.
The Epidemiologist will mainly support the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other implementing partners to contribute to the successful containment of cholera outbreak.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the guidance and supervision of the WHO Representative, the incumbent will work closely with the MOHSW and partners to undertake the following tasks:
Support high quality data collection, management, analysis and reporting.
Ensure organization supervision and coordination of an effective contact tracing;
Ensuring an effective alert monitoring and response system;
Ensuring that laboratory data is systematically captured and incorporated into the Ebola database in a timely and accurate manner;
Conducting surveillance training and supervision when necessary;
Supporting the development and implementation of analytical studies; liaising and collaborating with partners involved in surveillance activities.
Depending on needs, performs other tasks as defined by the National Surveillance Coordinator.
Undertake any other task assigned by the WHO Representative

KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATION
Education:
First degree in medicine, nursing or any other health related field and post graduate qualifications in epidemiology or communicable diseases epidemiology

Experience:
At least 5 years relevant experience in information management;
Field experience in public health, tropical medicine
Experience in communicable disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies
Experience working with multiple partners including Ministries of Health, UN or a reputable international NGO will be an added advantage

Skills and competencies:
Good understanding of health delivery, health systems and emergency context, policies, planning and management issues in Tanzania
Excellent oral and written communication (report writing), computer and data analysis skills with ability to use MS Word, Epi Info, Excel and PowerPoint
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with all relevant regional and international stakeholders and partners involved with the response
Organized and flexible with working hours and ready to work for long hours when required
Communication: Excellent knowledge of English and Kiswahili

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants will initially be evaluated based on documentation submitted with the application letter, then high ranked applicants will be invited for interview. Therefore, it is essential that applicants submit hard copies of application letter, plus copies of a detailed CV, passport size photograph, copies of degree only to WHO Representative, Attention:
Operations
Officer, P.O. Box 9292, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Female applicants are encouraged to apply. Only candidates who meet the stated requirements will be considered and shortlisted for interviews.