EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Job Description

Job Description

Main Purpose:

Defining, coordinating and monitoring the epidemiological activities, ensuring the development of appropriate methodology and the quality of studies according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to identify risk factors for diseases and to determine the optimal treatment approaches to clinical practice and the preventive medicine to be used in the missions.

Other tasks include, but are not limited to:

Defining, scheduling and organizing, in close collaboration with other medical team members, the annual epidemiological activity plan as well as its associated budget, in order to improve early detection of risk factors to better define treatment approaches and preventive practices. Leading the implementation of the protocols and epidemiological methodology, ensuring all related staff follows them in order to improve research efficiency.

Supervising, according to annual plan, the epidemiological research activity ensuring that contacts with community groups and authorities are aligned with the objectives of the research and that the population participating in the research is properly informed. Reporting on the progress of data collection, on ongoing analysis of research or on any issue causing delay, in order to achieve epidemiological goals on time.

Advising the MSF medical team on epidemiological matters that arise in the course of their activity research, and when necessary, designing and implementing epidemiological tools and data collection to meet new epidemiological needs.

Ensuring, in coordination with logistics department, that national or international shipment of laboratory samples acquired for research purposes is done within datelines and according to protocols, following security rules and keeping conditions needed for the sample

Supervising data filing procedures, ensuring that all epidemiology software tools are properly used and are updated regularly, in order to ensure full data traceability and availability

Planning and supervising, in close coordination with the HR department and the MSF vision, policies and values, the associated processes (job description, training, performance evaluation, development and internal/external communication) of the epidemiological staff in order to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required, to improve staff technical capabilities, contribution and commitment to MSF values.

Supervising, in close coordination with the Logistic Manager that research equipment and materials are properly maintained and stock level is above minimum point in order to ensure availability and research activity continuity.

Participating in operational monthly reports and organizing and/or assisting medical staff in preparing epidemiological reports related to health facilities and to researched areas.

Ensure accurate and timely data collection and entry by training the medical team to properly fill out tally sheets, confirming accurate and timely data entry by encoders, and managing the overall Health Management Information System (HMIS) to maintain data accuracy and operational efficiency. Monitor new cases of epidemic diseases daily at health facilities by checking registers and tally sheets.

Prepare weekly Punto Info reports, weekly surveillance reports, monthly Situation Reports (SitRep), and monthly medical reports within established deadlines, ensuring data accuracy and providing comprehensive analyses to enhance understanding and decision-making.

Ensure the line lists for notifiable diseases are updated and sent out by the 5th of each month. Monitor data from the 7 health centers daily, ensuring timely submission, and develop a database for maternal mortality monitoring.

Conduct weekly data accuracy checks by randomly selecting and supervising two tally sheets. Perform monthly data audits, sending reports to the PMR and managers, and prepare any additional reports required by the PMR or Medical Coordinator, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.

Responsible for the timely and efficient reporting of the entire medical program, including MMR and SitRep. Contribute to improving the quality of medical services by identifying shortfalls through research.

Supervise and enhance the skills of data encoders and surveillance officers by identifying training needs and participating in/facilitating training sessions in collaboration with the designated support team.

Reflect, discuss, and contribute to advocacy activities in the project, upholding MSF identity, values, and principles. Ensure timely PSS surveys are conducted in the project.

Maintain updated mapping of health and nutrition activities in the greater South West State (SWS). Establish a strong surveillance system in SWS to ensure early detection of outbreaks.

Monitor epidemiological trends of notifiable diseases in the region.

Keep different project line lists and databases up-to-date for timely decision-making.

Liaise with Ministry of Health (MOH) surveillance officers to monitor disease trends and possible outbreaks.

Coordinate with other medical managers, including the epidemiology advisor based in Baidoa and Nairobi, for the management of medical data and research activities.

Train, coach, and supervise medical data encoders in the project.

Implement ad hoc databases relevant to the context of Somalia, outside of the HMIS system. Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities

Skills and Qualifications

How to apply
If you meet the above requirements, please email your CV & motivation letter , Certificate as a single file no later than 16th June 2024 under the subject “EPIDEMIOLOGIST-BAIDOA” to: jobs@somalia.msf.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

(MSF is an equal Employer and does not charge any application/recruitment or training)