Epidemiologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main Purpose

• Carry out investigation, implement assessment and epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring (if needed) according to MSF protocols in order to contribute to appropriate evidence-based decision making using well managed health data in emergency MSF France programs in Borno State.

Job Description (Shortened)

• Carry out key epidemiological activities in community based surveillance (mortality, malnutrition) and in outbreak investigation and advise on the operational response
• Maintain and develop if required community based surveillance to monitor demography, mortality, malnutrition
• Monitor epidemiological trends of relevant outbreak-prone diseases
• Guide activities of medical staff and community staff for surveillance and/or active case finding, including ensuring understanding of the need for consistent case definitions and data recording
• Manage data systems and ensure accurate, high quality databases
• Prepare regular written reports on progress and findings for medical coordinator/HQ and when appropriate to external collaborators/networks (MoH, other NGOs)
• Implement initial Assessment (for emergency situation), rapid health assessment and surveys:
• Where standard protocols are not available or appropriate, develop a protocol seeking extensive feedback and pilot testing of tools to ensure the objectives will be met robustly with support of HQ epidemiologist
• Prepare / adapt routine documentation (survey forms, training materials, letters of request/notification, locally appropriate consent forms etc) with support of HQ epidemiologist
• Prepare an appropriate sampling frame and sample selection guidelines with support of HQ epidemiologist
• Hire, train and supervise survey staff, including ensuring staff exhibit required skills after training and pilot test
• Manage data systems and ensure accurate, high quality databases
• Analyze results and report on findings
• Implement/maintain relevant epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring
• Provide training sessions to medical teams on relevant aspects of epidemiology to enhance team response capacity

REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• Medical doctor preferable (open to nurses) with a degree in epidemiology or public health.

Experience

• Experience in field epidemiology
• Experience in community based surveillance system

Languages

• English fluent
• Asset, good command of one or more of the following: Hausa, Kanori, Shuwa, Arabic

Knowledge

• Use of epidemiology related analytical software (excel, Epi-info, STATA or SPSS)

Competencies 

• People Management. Commitment. Flexibility. Reactivity. Communication (oral and written). Results. Teamwork.

Work Location

• Maiduguri, Borno state (Nigeria).

Contract

• Fixed-term contract.
• Working hours according to Nigerian law.