EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Epicentre is a non-profit organization, created in 1987 by Médecins Sans Frontières, whose activities include research, field epidemiology and training, which groups health professionals specialised in public health and epidemiology. In 1996, Epicentre became a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Response to Emerging Diseases. Epicentre follows its activities from its headquarters in Paris and from its offices in Geneva, Brussels, Barcelona, New-York and research centres in Uganda and Niger.

Based in the operational department of the Operational Center of Geneva(OCG) of Médecins Sans Frontières and under the supervision of Epicentre’s Director of Intervention Epidemiology & Training the epidemiologist will make the link between the operations and Epicentre. He will: • assist Médecins Sans Frontières’ field teams in the monitoring of health programs • develop new tools for surveillance and surveys adapted to the emergency contexts with limited access and remote control projects • participate in Epicentre’s activities and interventions related to field epidemiology and training • be responsible for the development and management of research projects, conducted with OCG.

Candidate requirements

• At least 3 years relevant working experience with MSF and/or another NGO experience especially in emergency interventions. • Medical Doctor (preferable) or Nurse, with a degree in epidemiology or public health. • At least 3-5 years experience in tropical medicine and/or experience in applied epidemiology. • Fluent in French and English. Knowledge in Spanish or Portuguese would be an advantage. • Good communication skills, both in speech and writing. • Willing to travel 4 to 6 months in the year, sometimes at short notice.

Conditions This position is based in Geneva and is expected to start June 2013 on a short-term contract for 1 year initially. The salary will be commensurate with experience in line with the Epicentre salary scale.

Job profile for the epidemiologist

Epidemiologists employed at Epicentre are involved in the following activities:

1- Research

In the scope of one or several defined research domains, they will: • Identify relevant research issues, review the literature on the subject, and translate them into research questions • Establish and follow the annual research agenda of OCG in collaboration with Epicentre’s General Director, Director of Clinical Research and Director of Intervention Epidemiology and Training, and the medical and operational departments of the different MSF sections. • Develop and write research protocols • Organise and conduct studies in the field • Clean, organise and analyse data sets • Write study reports • Communicate results through presentations at scientific conferences and in publication in the scientific literature • Participate in meetings of experts at international level • Develop and maintain a network of relevant partners

2- Applied epidemiology

• Carry out regularly in the field short-term (1 to 4 weeks) applied epidemiology missions. These missions include surveys, outbreak investigations, rapid health assessments during emergency situations, implementation and evaluation of epidemiological surveillance systems, evaluation of health programs • Write the mission reports in brief delays and publish the results in the scientific literature when relevant • Teach epidemiology and public health during training sessions organised either in Geneva or abroad • Assist the Médecins Sans Frontières field teams in the monitoring of health programmes or other relevant epidemiological interventions • Participate in training sessions

3- Participation in Epicentre’s general operating

• Participate to the exchange of information and know-how within Epicentre: organisation of seminars, coaching of students, international communications. • Participate to the development of the organization, in collaboration with the General Director and the Director of Administration and Operational Support, and submit research proposals for eventual funding.

How to apply:

Applications should be made before April 7 2013 by completing the form available at the following link :http://epicentre.msf.org/recrutement For additional information, please contact: Klaudia Porten (Klaudia.porten@epicentre.msf.org)