Job Description
Main Purpose/Job Summary:-
Assessing, implementing and maintaining the epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring (if needed) according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to contribute to appropriate evidence-based decision making using well managed health data in outbreak and emergency MSF programmes.
General Accountabilities:
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Carrying out key epidemiological activities in outbreak investigation (description including time, place, 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 understanding of the need for consistent case definitions and data recording (briefing of all new staff)
Monitoring and Implementing initial Assessment (for emergency situation), rapid health assessments and (baseline or follow-up) surveys. Where standard protocols are not available or appropriate, developing a protocol seeking extensive feedback and pilot testing of tools to ensure the objectives will be met robustly with support of HQ epidemiologist
Preparing and adapting routine documentation (survey forms, training materials, letters of request/notification, locally appropriate consent forms etc.) with support of HQ epidemiologist. Preparing an appropriate sampling frame and sample selection guidelines with 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; analyzing 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.).
Providing training sessions to medical teams on relevant aspects of epidemiology to enhance team response capacity
Project overview
MSF has been operating in Somali region since 2007. This is among the most neglected and least developed regions in Ethiopia, like other public services in the region is underdeveloped. There are huge health gaps in the health system and disease outbreaks are taking their toll on the health system as much as on the population itself. The region have not been able to experience rainfall since 2021 with last rain observed in 2020. The region is already experiencing the impact of drought with animal’s deaths, scarcity of water and increasing malnutrition among under 5 year and pregnant and lactating women. MSF supported Warder hospital; Yucub and Danod health center for more than 10 years and has left from December 31st 2018. For 2026 SRERU project respond to emergency situations with a focus on 4 scenarios: population displacement, Vaccine preventable diseases mainly outbreaks (Measles), malnutrition and Cholera/water borne diseases. This role is expected to be based in Jigjiga level with frequent travel across the region and participating in all interventions.
Accountability
This position is therefore meant to implement and strengthen the surveillance capacity of MSF to ensure early identification of acute public health events and investigation. The Epidemiologist will be responsible for maintaining the defined epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to contribute to appropriate evidence-based decision making using well-managed health data in outbreaks and emergency responses.
Surveillance/Outbreaks
• Establish, implement, and continuously improve early warning and surveillance systems for epidemic-prone diseases (including active and community-based surveillance) to ensure timely detection, verification, analysis, and response to public health events in SRERU catchment areas, in coordination with the MTL, mission epidemiologist and/or HQ Epidemiology Adviser.
• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of project-level surveillance strategies, SOPs, tools, platforms, and training materials, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities and effective staff capacity building.
• Ensure availability and proper use of surveillance tools, including data collection forms, line lists, and updated databases (e.g., Alert Management Tool), and monitor and improve the performance of surveillance processes.
• Produce concise weekly epidemiological surveillance situation reports (SitReps).
• Participate in emergency preparedness and the strengthening of the Emergency Response Unit through continuous improvement of surveillance systems and response activities.
Investigate and respond to outbreaks
• Conduct alert verification, ( Using the opportunity of airtimes distribution ) initial assessments, and outbreak investigations as required.
• Implement and maintain outbreak surveillance systems (e.g., line lists, case investigation forms), including data analysis, active case finding, and contact tracing.
• Ensure correct application of case definitions, proper specimen collection and testing processes, and training of project staff.
• Provide timely, relevant epidemiological updates and trend analyses to project team/coordination and external partners (e.g., MoH, NGOs).
• Collaborate with project teams to design, implement, and follow up on appropriate response and control interventions to support medical and operational decision-making.
• Participate in different interventions as per need and the project strategy
Operational Research, Surveys and Rapid assessments
• Conduct rapid assessments e.g., rapid nutrition or health assessments as part of verification/investigation activities as needed.
• With support from the HQ Epidemiology Adviser and mission epidemiologist, design, coordinate, and analyze operational research and surveys (e.g., vaccination coverage, mortality, nutrition) to provide timely, high-quality evidence for programmatic decisions and MSF operational priorities.
Networking/advocacy
• As part of surveillance, engage with regional, zonal, District and local public health partners (MoH, WHO, etc.), providing regular updates on epidemic-prone diseases and contributing to emergency response coordination in the SRERU catchment area.
• In collaboration with the MTL Participate regularly in different MoH surveillance meetings(EoC..)
Training/mentoring
• Provide onboarding, mentorship, supervision, and training of the surveillance officers and data entry operator
• In collaboration with the rest of medical team, provide if needed surveillance trainings MoH team)
Health Information System and Reporting
• Contribute to monthly Medical Report (MMRs) and quarterly reports.
• Serving as the focal point for project data collection tools (Excel and DHIS2) to ensure correct use, data quality, completeness, and adherence to MSF and mission data protection standards.
• Identify training needs and plans for data encoders/managers, provide on job training and wider training on epidemic prone diseases and MSF reporting mechanisms, requesting training support from the eHealth team to ensure correct use of data collection tools across the project.
Being able/ready to be deployed out of Somali Region if needed for assessment or intervention.
No. of positions: One (1)
Place of work: Jigjiga
Position holder report to(direct supervisor): Medical Team Leader (MTL)
Length of contract: 12 months with possibility of extension/Fixed term
Remuneration and Benefits:
Starting gross salary(N+0) 1,210 USD. (Payable in Ethiopian Birr)
Medical cover: as per the organization's policy
Job Requirements
Education
Essential: Clinical officer, Nurse, Medical Doctor or public health officer with a major focus or degree in epidemiology.
Desirable: Master’s in Public Health or Epidemiology.
Experience
At least 3 year experience in field epidemiology related activities and disease surveillance (including response).
Language
Knowledge
• Use of epidemiology related analytical software e.g. Excel, Epi-info, Power BI, ENA, DHIS2/Health Information systems, R/STATA, QGIS etc. Willingness to learn R for data analysis and reporting.
Competencies
Results and Quality Orientation L2
Teamwork and Cooperation L2
Behavioural Flexibility L2
Commitment to MSF Principles L2
Stress Management L3
How To Apply
Interested applicants can submit their CV and application letter including photocopies of all supporting documents via www.ethiojobs.net, until application deadline.
please be informed that we do not accept applications in other forms.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Sincerity of Declarations and Documents Submitted to MSF
Use of false documents to gain employment with MSF will lead to automatic cancelation from the recruitment process and if found after employment it will lead to termination.
We strive to promote, create, and maintain a safe organizational culture for all people who work for and with MSF OCA, including our partners. Moreover, we ensure that the workplace, wherever staff are located, is built on respect, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion that delivers a safe and respectful environment.
At Médecins Sans Frontières we are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
