Regional Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance?

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of the Regional Technical Director through the Regional Non-communicable Disease Coordinator, the officer is responsible for organizing, planning, coordinating, and evaluating strategies and programs to reduce the incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Injuries in the Region.  

Key Outputs:

• Verified reports from NCD registries.  
• NCD case investigation and case abstraction.  
• Monthly/quarterly/annual reports on surveillance and registry programs submitted to the RHA and Ministry of Health.  
• Quality Assurance Audits conducted and reports submitted.  
• Regional NCD Plan and Programs consistent with national policies.  
• Technically sound advice provided.  
• Confidentiality of information maintained.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop Regional plans and programs for reducing NCD and injury incidence.  
• Maintain and operate surveillance systems for NCD and injuries at Regional and Parish levels.  
• Ensure NCD databases and registers are up-to-date.  
• Collaborate with Technical Officers to collect, compile, and generate timely reports.  
• Conduct audits of NCD and Injury Prevention Programs.  
• Train service providers for NCD case abstractions.  
• Review/conduct NCD case investigations and improve data quality.  
• Provide guidance on NCD epidemiology.  
• Use surveillance data for trend analysis and forecasting.  
• Collaborate with Regional staff on program indicators and report writing.  
• Compile narrative and statistical reports for submission.  
• Design and develop surveillance systems for NCD.  
• Liaise with other agencies on epidemiology and surveillance.  
• Provide information to health workers on NCD programs.  
• Assist in training Public Health Officers and field staff.  
• Use surveillance data to guide health promotion strategies.  
• Stay updated on disease trends regionally and internationally.  
• Represent the Regional Health Authority at national meetings.  
• Participate in research on select cancers and NCDs.  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  

Performance Standards:

• Deadlines consistently met.  
• Work Plans completed accurately and timely.  
• Quality assurance mechanisms established and monitored.  
• Reports are technically correct, comprehensive, and timely.  
• Consistently high performance level.  

Competencies:

Functional/Technical:

•   Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work.  
•   Knowledge of National Cancer Registry Guidelines, IARC Guidelines, CARPHA, and National Surveillance Guidelines.  
•   Understanding of ICD-10 Coding and ICD-O-3.  
•   Knowledge of Quality Assurance principles and management practices.  
•   Proficiency in technology and medical records management.  

Core Competencies:

•   Strong written and oral communication skills.  
•   Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  
•   Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills.  
•   Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.  
•   High integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.  

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Health-Related Science.  
• Five years’ experience in health, including three years in disease surveillance.  
• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or equivalent preferred.  
• Registration with the Relevant Registering Body.  
• Experience in primary and secondary health care is an asset.  

Special Conditions:

• Travel across parishes, regions, and nationally for meetings and consultations.  
• Work extensive hours for manual search, recording, and registration.  

Authority:

• Recommend and implement norms and standards for surveillance.  
• Visit any Parish or health institution within the Regional Health Authority.  
• Participate in budget preparation for NCD programs.