The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)in Nairobi has an opening for the position of Public Health Specialist (Medical Epidemiologist). The closing date for this position is May 24, 2013.
Minimum Requirements
- Medical Doctor qualification (MBChB, MD or equivalent) degree is required. A Masters degree in Public Health or Epidemiology is also required.
- A minimum of at least 3 years of medical and/or public health experience in clinical settings; two years managing and participating on surveillance activities; is required.
- Level IV (fluent) English ability and Level IV (fluent) Kiswahili are required.
Other Criteria
Must have technical knowledge of clinical medicine, epidemiology, and public health.
Must have technical experience and knowledge of independently conducting data analysis using SAS, and SPSS. Must have strong computer skills and be able to produce high-quality written reports and effectively use spreadsheets, database software packages.
Must have ability to collaborate closely with refugee partners; International NGOs, UN agencies, local health staff and camp administrators; and CDC-Kenya and CDC in Atlanta.
Job Specification
Basic Function:
The medical epidemiologist will provide technical assistance and management for surveillance activities that improve detection of communicable diseases in refugee camps throughout the African region. These activities include developing and implementing mechanisms to investigate outbreaks of infectious diseases and implement surveillance activities where necessary to prevent importation of infectious diseases into the United States. In addition, performing diagnostic testing for suspected pathogens; increasing capacity of local health staff by training them in disease outbreak management and surveillance.
Major Duties and Responsibilities 100 % of time
The Medical Epidemiologist will be responsible for all for the following duties and responsibilities:
1.Serve as the Refugee Health Program Surveillance Team Lead and coordinate activities related to public health and other surveillance activities as needed.
2. Maintain surveillance activities where the same exist while at the same time setting up surveillance activities in new areas as needed.
3. Provide work allocation and guidance to Refugee Health Program Dadaab laboratory and surveillance staff; ensure that correct procedures are applied when collecting necessary data and specimens; provide guidance on testing algorithms necessary for achieving appropriate results for program success
4. Provide guidance and technical assistance to partner health staff affiliated with disease surveillance activities in the following refugee locations: Dadaab and Kakuma (Kenya), Shimelba (Ethiopia), Eastleigh (Kenya), and in any other location under the jurisdiction of Africa field office.
5. Work with CDC laboratories and local laboratories to identify appropriate diagnostic mechanisms; assist in laboratory guidance on necessary supplies and reagents
6. Ensure collection, storage, and transportation of specimens are carried out according to laboratory and project SOPs
7. Ensure data collection, storage for all activities and studies is timely, accurate and complete.
8. Maintain complete and accurate records using developed data collection instruments and report back to CDC – Kenya/Atlanta, UN agencies and WHO, and implementing partners.
9. Collaborate with UNHCR on incorporating study findings into their Health Information Systems.
10. Identify research or program related needs as generated by surveillance and outbreak response activities
11. Assist in outbreak response activities (national and international) as needed
12. National and International travel for assessment, supervision, activity participation, and conference attendance as necessary
13. Monitor surveillance activities of selected implementing partners and technical officers assisting in the implementation of these activities.
14. Draft and share monthly surveillance reports for partners in the field
15. Write up surveillance and other program activities as abstracts, articles etc. to be presented at conferences or submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals
16. Produce training material for various diseases of public health concern and facilitate trainings of field stakeholders
17. Any other duties as assigned.
