Epidemiologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Context

• 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 Kofar Sauri PHCC and 5 ATFC (Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centre) including four in Jibia LGA (Magama, Daddara, Gubi Magaria and Riko) and one in Katsina City (Kofar Marusa).

Main Purpose

• Implementing and analyzing data collected during MSF activities (including nutrition and malaria) and main-taining epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring according to MSF protocols, standards and proce-dures in order to contribute to appropriate evidence-based decision-making making using of well managed health data in outbreak and emergency MSF programs.

Job Description

• 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, as necessary. 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), 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.
• Managing data systems and ensuring accurate, high quality databases; analyzing results and preparing regular written reports on progress and findings for project and 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 and on data tools and line lists to enhance team response capacity
• Performing any other task, specific to his/her area of specialty, as defined in his/her job description and according to the line manager.

Requirements
Education:

• Medical Doctor (preferable), Nurse or Biomedical Background with a Degree in Epidemi-ology (not in public health).

Experience:

• Desirable: 1-2 years in of tropical medicine experience (having assumed coordination position is a plus).

Essential:

• Experience in field epidemiology.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (Read, Speak and Write), Hausa and Fulani (Speak) required.

Knowledge:

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

Competencies:

• Results and Quality Orientation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Commitment to MSF Participles
• Stress Management.

Remuneration

• According to MSF France salary grid.