Epidemiologist

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The current assignment is proposed by the Health emergency information and risk assessment Unit (HIM) of the WHE Programme. HIM provides authoritative information for public health decision making in emergencies, with responsibility for identifying new public health events, assessing risks to public health, conducting epidemiological surveillance and field investigations, monitoring public health interventions, and communicating public health information to technical partners: event-based surveillance is a core activity, as it enables the WHE Programme to identify new events that may have adverse public health impacts; assessing the public health risks of new events is important for the initiation of preparedness and response measures; epidemiological surveillance and investigation, as well as monitoring of public health interventions, is critical for effective management of the health consequences of new and ongoing emergencies; being able to communicate technical information to partners within the emergencies and public health community is needed so that coordination of joint interventions and capacities can be optimized. HIM works closely with the other units in the WHE Programme, WHO disease specific departments, WHO departments providing support to national health systems, WHO country offices, and partner organizations and non-governmental organizations that contribute to the collection of health information or to the response to public health events.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of [PHI Team Lead] or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV [Specialist]:

• Performs the detection and verification of signals through EIOS, social media, official websites or other platforms or informal sources; • Proactively manages public health events under IHR2005; managing the events, including its analysis and ensuring that events are updated in the EMS • Collects and reviews Country Sit Reps • Conducts risk assessments • Develops event bulletins and Sit Reps • Keeps track of country situation in regard to outbreaks, including COVID-19 and/or other pandemics • Supports the member states in COVID-19 epidemiological analysis, and other outbreaks epidemiological analysis • Supporting other PHI & data analysis related activities (emroihr weekly officer, event manager, country manager, etc) • Supports and strengthens country offices in public health intelligence process, including EMS, RRA trainings, development of IHR communication products • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• As an active [WHO] team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to [WHO] and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Results/Outputs can be modified as appropriate; should not entirely mirror the task description but serve as a basis for work plan and deliverables] o Detection of acute public health events o Reviewed and analyzed Country situation tracked and shared with Detection Team lead o Risk assessments finalized o Acute public health events communicated through bulletins and Sit Reps o Country missions conducted o Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO]; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferable to [WHO] procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [WHO] in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity; • Commitment to continuous learning; • Planning and organizing; • Communication; • Flexibility; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards [WHO]’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• At least 3-10 years work in Public health, epidemiology, communicable diseases in Public or Private sector. -Has been working mainly with issues on communicable and non-communicable diseases and its relation to public health in general.
• Has experience in writing technical reports
• Experience in Public Health Intelligence and/or a graduate of Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is an advantage;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; -Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision;
• ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in X [surveillance, information management], volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The duty station will be Cairo, which is a family duty station with a wide range of services (health, education, and leisure) and good living conditions. Cairo (and Egypt) has long been a center of the region’s political and cultural life, with high levels of tourism. Like other similar cities, Cairo offers good quality of life in terms of access to shopping centers, banks, medical services, educational facilities, cultural events, etc.

The Arab Republic of Egypt has a unique geographical position in Northeast Africa, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and its connection to Sub Saharan Africa through the Nile Valley. The country is defined by desert and the Nile, the longest river on Earth. Egypt is bordered by the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Gulf of Aqaba to the east, the Red Sea to the east and south, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west.

With over 90 million inhabitants, two-thirds of which are below 30 years, Egypt is Africa's third most populous country after Nigeria and Ethiopia and has the highest population in the Arab world's most densely populated areas, especially in greater Cairo, Alexandria and other major cities in the Nile Delta. The country has witnessed significant political and economic changes since 2011. Through this transition, which includes periods of political unrest, the main income sources of the economy have been negatively impacted, particularly in the tourism sector, as well as revenues from the Suez Canal, oil and remittances from Egyptians working abroad, affected by the global economy. However, with the current political stability, tourism is getting improved, and touristic activities are going back to normal. UN staffs are not directly targeted in Egypt and for the most are vulnerable to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is recommended to keep dwell time in the immediate vicinity of military, police and other prominent official installations to the minimum.