Officer, CGPP Surveil - Health at International Medical Corps

JOB SUMMARY  

The purpose of this role is to manage surveillance activities. To do this, the postholder will work closely with the local implementing partners, surveillance working groups and relevant key stakeholders as directed. The incumbent to this post would be accountable for the management and oversight of all surveillance related activities and associated databases, as well as other specialized surveillance systems; and ensuring full implementation of the Surveillance-specific Work Plan.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in coordinating Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) surveillance activities to support the State Epidemiologist and the Disease Surveillance Notification Officer Coordinator.
• Support outbreak investigations with the LGA-surveillance officers within the scope of the health emergencies program.
• Collaborate with other team members and partners, real-time analysis of outbreak intelligence data, from a broad range of sources including non-health sectors, for epidemic forecasting and detection.
• Strengthen the capacities of the surveillance teams for the effective and sustained surveillance of epidemic prone diseases through training courses on field investigation, detection, data management, and rapid response to epidemics and health outbreaks.
• Work closely with counterparts in local and national health entities and other international health partners including WHO and NGOs to support surveillance, rapid assessment, and response activities for epidemic-prone diseases.
• Undertake regular field supervision visits to assess and evaluate the implementation of surveillance activities, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions based on key performance indicators. 
• Support the implementation of the Health Regulations in the process of detection, verification, and risk assessment of reported public health events.
• Support the development of technical documents for integrated disease surveillance including tools and indicators at the subnational and community levels.
• Technically review reports and other technical documents relevant to surveillance activities and programs, within the context of outbreaks and health emergencies at the country level.
• Carry out public health intelligence activities through the collection of relevant information from a broad range of sources including non-health sectors, to enhance real-time detection of outbreaks and forecasting.
• Closely follow up with the Ministry of Health and Population and other partners on the proper and timely implementation of the surveillance activities.
• Assist MEAL team in regular field monitoring and evaluation visits to provide feedback, and technical advice on the implementation of surveillance activities.
• Assist to assure a line-list of AFP cases is maintained by each LGA and an updated list is disseminated as directed.
• Strengthen the capacities of the surveillance teams for the effective and sustained surveillance of epidemic prone diseases through training courses on field investigation, detection, data management, and rapid response to epidemics and health outbreaks.
•  Assist in maintaining regular contact with the partner organizations and/or bodies for AFP surveillance.
• Assist communication team to prepare and submit timely and quality activity reports, including field notes and success stories, to effectively capture lessons learnt on the ground from the projects.
• Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically, a bachelor’s degree in Epidemiology, Social Science or Public Health 
• Master’s degree in public health will be an added advantage.
• Strong technical knowledge in public health, epidemiology, infectious disease surveillance, disease outbreak investigation and data management, including analysis and interpretation of infectious disease surveillance data.
• At least 3 years’ related experience, at the state levels required, of which 3 years should be specific to surveillance of infectious diseases and other vaccine preventable diseases.
• Efficient use of computer software applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Epi Info or similar software.
• Understanding of local communities and cultures in the relevant states of operations and ability to communicate fluently in Hausa.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to travel and work in difficult settings, including remote rural areas.
• Well-organized, with ability to track multiple activities and deadlines.
• Experience in providing administrative support to work teams.
• Ability to work successfully in a cross-cultural, team-based environment.