Epidemiologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) – France Full Time

Job Title: Epidemiologist

Location: Katsina
Contract: Fixed Term
Contract: 208 working hours per month

Overview

• MSF has been active in Katsina since February 2021 after carrying an exploratory mission that end up with an opening of the project under the Emergency-Cell.
• Currently, MSF is running an ITFC (Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centre) in Katsina in the KofarSauri PHCC and TuraiYar’AduaHospital and 8 ATFC (Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centre) including four in Jibia LGA (Magama, Daddara, GubiMagaria,Riko, Mashi, Majigiri and Sonkaya) and one in Katsina City (KofarMarusa).

Main Purpose

• Assessing, implementing, and maintaining epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring according to MSF protocols, standards, and procedures, to contribute to evidence-based decision-making, using well-managed health data in the outbreak and emergency MSF programs

Accountabilities
Main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Carrying out key epidemiological activities in outbreak investigation (description including time, place, and people with emphasis on mapping when it is needed) and advising on the operational response
• Implementing and maintaining a surveillance system to monitor epidemiological trends of relevant outbreak-prone diseases. Guiding activities of medical staff for surveillance and/or active case finding, including ensuring the use of consistent case definitions and data recording (briefing of all new staff)
• Monitoring and implementing initial assessment (for the emergency situation), rapid health assessments, and (baseline or follow-up) surveys. Where standard protocols are not available or appropriate, developing a protocol and pilot testing of tools to ensure objectives will be met with the support of HQ epidemiologist
• Preparing and adapting routine documentation (survey forms, training materials, letters of request/notification, locally appropriate consent forms, etc.). Preparing an appropriate sampling frame and sample selection guidelines, with the support of HQ epidemiologist
• Planning and supervising the associated HR processes of the staff under his/her responsibility (recruitment, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development, and communication) and ensuring that staff exhibits required skills after training and pilot test
• Managing data systems and ensuring accurate, high-quality databases; analysing results and preparing regular written reports on progress and findings for medical coordinator/HQ and when appropriate to external collaborators/networks (MoH, other NGOs, etc.)
• Provide training sessions to medical teams on epidemiologic aspects to enhance team response capacity.

Minimum Requirements
Education:

• Medical Doctor (preferable), Biomedical background with a Degree in Epidemiology.
• MBBS / B.N. Sc / B.Sc Degree in Biomedical Science

Experience:

• At least 2 years relevant professional experience including at least 1 years’ relevant experience with MSF or other NGOs.
• At least a few years of tropical medicine experience (having assumed a coordination position is a plus)
• Experience in field epidemiology

Languages:

• Fluency in English Essential and any local language desirable

Competences/Skills:

• Literacy in Microsoft Packages (Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet), Commitment, flexibility, result and quality oriented, teamwork and stress management skills are essential
• Use of epidemiology-related analytical software (excel, Epi-info, STATA or SPSS)

Application Closing Date
6th June, 2023; 3:00PM

Application Instruction
The application must include:

• Complete CV with Cover letter and copies of all certificates and diplomas mentioned in the CV
• Applicant Contact details and ID, and contact of references mentioned in the application

Note

• Please make sure to submit your application on or before the closing date.
• Only successful applicants will be called for next steps and are obligated to disclose any information about family member(s) currently in the employ of MSF-France in any location.
• No monetary transactions, neither demands of favours in kind, nor other types of favouritism will be tolerated in the MSF recruitment process.
• MSF reserves the right to refuse hiring a candidate having benefitted from any such acts. All illicit demands may be pursued through the judicial system.
• MSF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages any Nigerian citizen to apply irrespective of race, gender, religion, creed, political affiliation.