MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.

We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.

People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they work together.

Epidemiologist

Main Purpose

You carry out investigation, implement assessment and epidemiological surveillance systems. Furthermore, you contribute to appropriate evidence-based decision making using well managed health data in outbreak and emergency programmes.

This could be for diseases as Ebola, meningitis, measles or cholera. Your work will help direct teams in their responses, including case management, vaccination and/or water and sanitation interventions. You may also conduct mortality, vaccination coverage and nutrition surveys, set up and evaluate surveillance systems, carry out operational research, and provide epidemiological support to complex projects to enhance evidence-based decision-making.

 

Generic Job Accountabilities

This job description provides a framework for the main responsibilities and primary activities of the position, it is not all-encompassing. Therefore, the responsibilities and activities of the position may differ from those described in this job description due to organizational and operational needs.

• Carry out key epidemiological activities in outbreak investigation and advise on the operational response
• Design, maintain and evaluate a surveillance system to monitor epidemiological trends of relevant outbreak-prone diseases
• Guide activities of medical 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

Implement initial Assessment (for emergency situation), rapid health assessment and (baseline or follow-up) 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
• Analyse results and report on findings

Implement/maintain relevant epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring ü

Provide training sessions to medical teams on relevant aspects of epidemiology to enhance team response capacity

 

Candidate profile

• Training in epidemiology or in public health with extensive experience in epidemiology
• A minimum of 2 years relevant post-qualification work experience
• Ability to design and implement surveillance systems for disease and outbreak monitoring, mortality, vaccination coverage and nutritional surveys, and to train others in appropriate methods of data collection and analysis
• Practical skills in database management and software for epidemiological and statistical analysis (Microsoft Excel and at least one statistical program)
• Ability to design, implement and evaluate quantitative and qualitative epidemiological research
• Experience in training, coaching and supervision
• Work or travel experience in low resource countries
• A good command of the English language (B2)
• Ability to cope with stress and to organize and prioritize workload
• Ability to work in an international team
• Willingness to work in an unstable and insecure environment
• Availability of at least 9 to 12 months

 

 

Strong Assets

• A medical or biomedical background is an advantage
• Familiarity with tropical and infectious diseases
• Experience with a similar non-governmental organization
• A good command of the French and Arabic language

Only applications that meet the above requirements will be considered.

 

Information and Application

If you recognise yourself in this profile and meet the requirements, we welcome you to apply directly via the Apply button on this page and upload the following documents:

• Your most recent English CV not exceeding 3 pages
• A cover letter explaining your motivation to work with MSF and your practical experience as an epidemiologist
• A clear scan of your relevant diplomas and certificates

If you are interested and would like to have additional information, please contact Recruitment, recruitment@amsterdam.msf.org.