Medical Epidemiologist (HPC/MO 4)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Medical Epidemiologist – Communicable Diseases, the Medical Officer (Health) Surveillance manages the activities of the assigned Communicable Disease Cluster with primary responsibility for influenza and other respiratory infections, vaccine preventable diseases, and health care acquired infections (HCAIs).

The officer will be responsible for liaison with the field to provide guidance and technical oversight to the field – especially regarding outbreak investigations – as well as the analysis, reporting and dissemination of information to inform relevant public health and other programmes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities   

• Manages the influenza and other respiratory infections, vaccine preventable diseases, and health care acquired infections (HCAIs). portfolio of the National Surveillance Unit;  
• Prepares and disseminates monthly/quarterly/annual/special reports on influenza and other respiratory infections, vaccine preventable diseases, and health care acquired infections (HCAIs); 
• Represents the National Surveillance Unit at internal and external meetings, conferences and seminars;
• Represents the Ministry at regional and international conferences and seminars.
• Prepares and oversees preparation of Reports to the Medical Epidemiologist – Communicable Diseases; 
• Participates in the planning, development and implementation of the National Surveillance Unit Strategic Business /Operational Plans, Budget and Individual Work Plans;  

Technical/Professional Responsibilities  

• Ensures an effective system of surveillance of assigned communicable diseases (including meeting international requirements).
• Prepare and update manuals, guidelines, protocols and other documents related to epidemiological surveillance for selected conditions.
• Designs and updates data collection instruments
• Guides the design and use of databases as appropriate
• Reviews incoming disease notifications and case investigation reports relating to influenza and other respiratory infections, vaccine preventable diseases, and health care acquired infections (HCAIs) surveillance;
• Liaises with field teams regarding the clinical details of notified cases.
• Provides technical guidance to field teams regarding outbreak investigation

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A qualified Medical Doctor plus
• Master’s degree in public health or Epidemiology or equivalent plus
• Training in Health Service Management is an asset.
• A minimum of five (5) years’’ progressive experience in the fields of Epidemiology or Public Health.
• Peer Approval

The Ministry of Health thanks all applicants for their interest; however, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.