MS01802 EPIDEMIOLOGIST

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

Accountabilities

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

Education

Medical doctor (preferable), nurse or biomedical background with a degree in epidemiology (not in public health

Experience

At least few years of tropical medicine experience (having assumed coordination position is a plus)
Experience in field epidemiology

Language Level Description

B1 Independent User

Threshold or intermediate

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Technical Skills

Data management

Expert

Able to elaborate, manage and analyze a vast database (medical and non medical)

Mastery of statistical formulas and tools

Able to design data collection toolsL4 Able to elaborate, manage and analyze a vast database (medical and non medical)

Mastery of statistical formulas and tools

Able to design data collection tools

Person / material hygiene

Autonomous

Able to supervise use of PPE in a service or department

Infection control

Master

Understanding of bio-hazard risk (secure waste disposal)

Appropriation of MSF Infection control protocols and proceduresL3 Understanding of bio-hazard risk (secure waste disposal)

Appropriation of MSF Infection control protocols and procedures

Pharmacy

Master

Able to issue accurate drug prescriptions

Epidemiology

Autonomous

Master techniques about epidemiological surveillance system monitoring and investigations

Transversal Competencies

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Commitment to MSF’s Principles

Demonstrates loyalty, awareness and respect for MSF’s values

Expresses his/her interest by talking/asking/giving informed opinions about MSF’s activities.
Expresses he/she wants to work with MSF because of its principles and mission.
Overtly expresses his/her satisfaction at belonging to MSF and defends MSF’s social mission.
Refers to beneficiaries* when speaking about his/her own work.
Always transmits a positive image of MSF in front of both colleagues and external people.
Translates the principles of MSF into actions.

Behavioural Flexibility

Adapts behaviour to the needs of the situation

Accepts decisions which are not completely in line with his/her personal opinions.
Is flexible in applying and adapting procedures.
Adapts his/her behaviour to the characteristics of the interlocutor and/or situation.
Learns from problems and difficulties, becoming more competent at resolving similar situations in the future.
Looks for adaptable solutions in order to achieve objectives.
Reassesses priorities when circumstances change, focusing on objectives.

Stress Management

Understands other people’ s stress

Has an understanding attitude towards other people’s mistakes and shortcomings.
Gives calm and polite answers and repeats them patiently if necessary.
Uses techniques or plans activities to manage his/her own stress.
Responds and acts constructively in conflictive situations.

Results and Quality Orientation

Works towards objectives, preserving established standards

Perseveres until the objectives of the job and the team have been met.
Complies with the procedures, processes and rules set by MSF.
Is aware that the purpose of his/her job is to meet the specified objectives.
Is autonomous.
Mobilizes resources.
Analyses problems and constraints.

Teamwork and Cooperation

Shares information and coordinates with team and/or others

Shares significant information in a timely manner and actively seeks the opinion of team members or others through empathetic communication.
Allows others to question work/input if this leads to improvement.
Coordinates with other team members to ensure that common objectives are achieved.
Shows interest in and empathy with team members.

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