Mozambique is prone to natural disasters (cyclone and flooding following cyclone and heavy rains) and disease outbreaks (cholera, dysentery, and malaria. Cholera outbreak has been reported since September 14 in Lago district, Niassa province. MOH is responding the cholera outbreak and partners are supporting the response actions.

Following the recent heavy rains in

Maputo City and Maputo Province has resulted flooding which has resulted displacement of people and damage houses and infrastructures and more likely to increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

The tropical system FREDDY has evolved to the category of very intense tropical cyclone persisting with the trajectory towards the east coast of Madagascar, its land fall is expected to reach Madagascar by the end of 21 February 2023. In addition, the same system is expected to enter the Mozambique channel on 22 February and likely to affect the provinces of Sofala, Zambezia and Inhambane

WHO is supporting provinces on cholera outbreak response and also is intends to support on the health consequences of the upcoming events in all affected provinces.

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support to districts and provinces reporting cholera outbreak and with health consequences of extreme weather events.

Objective

Provide technical assistance to strengthen disease early warning / surveillance for timely detection and response to disease outbreaks, other health emergencies and the International Health Regulations.
Strengthen emergency response and resilience and preparedness activities to reduce mortality and morbidity, especially due to the impact of outbreaks and / or public health emergencies.
Liaising with other sectors to provide a public health response in emergencies and outbreaks.
Production and analysis of epidemiological information on outbreaks or other public health events for decision making
Strengthening the health system, enhancing health equity, tackling the social determinants of health and envisioning the achievement of universal health coverage,
Providing technical public health input for planning, project management and reporting

Descriptions of duties

Ensure multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms for disease prevention and control and/or event management established at provincial and district levels;
- Collaborate with national, provincial and district authorities and health partners to coordinate and implement public health response activities as part of the Health Cluster’s strategic response; analyze existing coordination mechanisms, designing and recommending improvements;
Provide technical assistance in surveillance, outbreak investigation and/or risk assessment activities of an event;
Ensure use of case definition in outbreaks and laboratory capacity for outbreak confirmation;
Support capacity building of health professionals in integrated disease surveillance and response and management of public health emergencies in provinces and district health services;
Strengthen support systems for monitoring and evaluation, data collection, data analysis and interpretation for decision-making;
Provide technical support and on-site guidance to health professionals in terms of quality patient care and relevant infection prevention and control practices;
Provide support on case management of the different diseases and conditions;
Support the immunization campaigns (OCV, polio, measles, etc)
Ensuring the availability of appropriate emergency medical supplies, including relevant equipment, drugs and supplies;
Assess PCI capabilities and practices in emergency healthcare units, hospitals and health facilities Provide technical recommendations for improvement actions and monitor implementation;
Coordinate with other responders and partners in the field to provide technical guidance for outbreak or other event management and in post-outbreak recovery efforts
Prepare a consolidated weekly report to the WHO IM/TL on the progress of the epidemic
- Participate in the weekly epidemiological bulletin production, conference call and share updates on outbreaks and emergency activities in the country,
- Document lessons learnt in the field,
- Conduct any other tasks/assignment authorized by IM/TL, WHE cluster and WR.

Competencies (Generic)

- Producing results
- Fostering integration and teamwork
- Communicating in a credible and effective way
- Moving forward in changing environment
- Knowing and managing yourself

Competencies (Functional)

Proven experience to function within multi-disciplinary and multi-national teams. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Extensive knowledge of electronic data analysis tools.

Education

Essential: • First degree in Medicine, Health Officer, Laboratory, Nursing, Environmental Health,

Desirable: Masters in Field Epidemiology or MPH

Experience

Essential: • 5 years of relevant experience in field epidemiology, disease surveillance, public health emergency management or related field. Working experience with national authorities and or previous work in health emergencies will be an asset

Desirable: Working experience with WHO or previous international experience would be an asset

Languages: Portuguese: Excellent, English: good knowledge;

Other Skills (e.g. IT): Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point,)

Duty station: different provinces