Public Health Specialist (Medical Epidemiologist) [5 positions] - US Embassy

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has openings for positions of Public Health Specialist (Medical Epidemiologist). Incumbents of positions will work in “When Actually Employed” (WAE) status on an as-needed basis. The positions will be available immediately. The closing date for this position is August 2, 2013. Note: You will be notified when the decision is made.

Minimum Requirements

Medical Doctor qualification (MBChB, MD or equivalent) degree is required.  

1 - 2 years of medical and/or public health experience in clinical settings; one year managing and participating on surveillance activities is required. 

Level IV (fluent) English ability and  Level III Kiswahili are required.

Other Criteria 

Must have technical knowledge of epidemiology and public health. Technical experience and knowledge of managing programs.

Must have good communication skills, interpersonal relationship skills, training skills, computer skills, data skills, collaborative, cooperative and coordination skills.  Must have ability to guide, motivate staff in conducting influenza program.

Job Specification

Basic Function:

To provide technical support to the Government of Kenya in its efforts to respond to disease outbreaks and work with the Ministries of Health and other partners on the development of a regional surveillance and diagnostic network to enable sharing of information to characterize risk, prevent disease spread, and enhance control efforts. 

Responsibilities

The Medical Epidemiologist will be responsible for all for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate activities related to public health and other surveillance activities as needed.
• Identify research or program related needs as generated by surveillance and outbreak response activities.
• Work with the Ministries of Health and other partners on the development of a regional surveillance and diagnostic network to enable sharing of information to characterize risk, prevent disease spread, and enhance control efforts.
• Assist in outbreak response activities (national and international) as needed.  This may include national and regional assessment and activity participation.
• Maintaining surveillance activities where the same exist and setting up surveillance activities in new areas as needed.  Conduct surveillance on acute febrile illness in hospitals and clinics throughout the region.
• Ensure that correct procedures are applied when collecting necessary specimens and providing guidance on testing algorithms necessary for achieving appropriate results for program success.
• Provide direct guidance and technical assistance to health staff affiliated with disease surveillance activities in the population-based surveillance sites. 
• Work with CDC laboratories and local laboratories to identify appropriate diagnostic mechanisms.
• Assist in laboratory guidance on necessary supplies and reagents.
• Ensure collection, storage, and transportation of specimens are carried out according to laboratory and project’s standard operating procedures.
• Develop a system for recording, managing and analyzing diagnostic and surveillance data.  Ensure data collection and storage for all activities and studies is timely, accurate and complete.
• Write up surveillance and other program activities as abstracts, articles etc. to be presented at conferences or submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Produce training material for various diseases of public health concern and facilitate trainings of field stakeholders.
• Represent the Division at conferences and meetings.

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