Epidemiologist

Job posted by: International Rescue Committee (IRC)-USA - Tue, 14 Oct 2014

Job Details:

Organisation: International Rescue Committee (IRC)-USA

Deadline Sat, 13 Dec 2014

Job type: Permanent

Location: Liberia

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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Epidemiologist, Ebola Treatment Centre in Monrovia, Liberia

The International Rescue Committee is in discussions to run a 100-bed, Ebola Treatment Centre in Monrovia, Liberia. The Centre will be a high-capacity, isolated unit which will require the oversight of 240 staff including 14 international staff, over a period of 6-9 months. Given the magnitude of the need, the plan is to set up the Centre immediately.  Staff safety is an absolute priority and strict adherence to infection control procedures with be undertaken to protect staff. Given the tedious nature of the work, personal protective equipment which must be worn at all times in the heat and need for strict adherence to infection control protocols, staff will have ample rest time.

The IRC will prioritize health workers who are available immediately for 4 to 6 months and clinicians and who have experience with safety practices in highly contagious areas. This is not a position that would enter the treatment area of the ETU. However, candidates with previous experience working with isolation units (i.e. Ebola, Marburg or cholera treatment centers) would be preferred.

The Epidemiologist will be responsible for:

  • Establish the link between the clinical situation at the ETU and public health and laboratory activities in Monrovia using data to inform the public health response
  • Establish the health information system for the ETU (data collection, training of nurses, patient registration/line-listing, quality control)
  • Compile, analyze and interpret daily and weekly data in an epidemiological bulletin
  • Provide on-the-job training and supportive supervision for ETU staff including data managers and contact tracing teams
  • Based on the outcomes of the data analysis and investigations, provide technical advice and guidance to IRC, health officials and partners on surveillance and disease control efforts
  • Represent IRC in external forums (ie surveillance or case management meetings)

Qualifications:

  • Masters level degree in Epidemiology or Public Health with emphasis on epidemiology.
  • Completion of a field epidemiology training program or demonstrated experience in epidemic response in developing countries an asset. 
  • At least 3 years of prior professional experience in public health in a relief/development context.
  • Advanced knowledge of data entry and statistical software (EpiData, EpiInfo, STATA etc).
  • Must be able to function effectively in complex work environment, set appropriate priorities and deal effectively with numerous simultaneous requirements.
  • Experience working with a range of partners including with Ministries of Health, WHO and INGOs.
  • Experience supervising and building capacity of national staff.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=c3RldmVueS42MTgwOS40ODEwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20


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