Epidemiologist Grade: P4

Within WHO Strategic Objective 1 'To reduce the health, social and economic burden of communicable diseases', the overarching objective of Global Capacities, Alert and Response is to reduce the threats to health security through development of global strategies, networks and partnerships for surveillance, capacity strengthening, risk reduction, preparedness and targeted scientific research.
Description of duties: Under the supervision and guidance of the Coordinator, and as a key member of the team, the incumbent contributes to the strengthening of national alert, surveillance and response systems and networks through technical support and implementation of training strategies and programmes. He/she participates in the development and implementation of surveillance and epidemiology partnership projects and activities. He/she works in close collaboration with WHO Regional Offices and supports the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, the incumbent will: Develop standards, guidelines, tools and training materials for national early warning, surveillance, and response systems. Provide support to countries through WHO Regional Offices for the development of core epidemiology capacities required by the International Health Regulations (2005). Provide technical support to the strengthening of early warning and alert systems, surveillance systems including for event based surveillance, and syndromic surveillance. Provide technical support to Regional Offices and Member States in strengthening existing field epidemiology training and setting-up new training programmes. Advise, document and possibly publish on early warning, surveillance and response experiences, strategy, tools and research activities. Perform any other duties, within the team, including duties as determined by the Team Leader. These tasks require regular travel.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential Medical degree or equivalent with specialization in public health and/or epidemiology. Desirable Additional post-graduate training in advanced or applied epidemiology.
Skills: Essential Familiarity with health problems in developing countries. Capacity to collaborate and communicate with partners. Great availability in order to, notably, travel very frequently. Good knowledge of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools for Health. Ability to write reports and scientific articles. Desirable Knowledge of quality management systems. Ability to use epidemiological and statistical computerized software. WHO Competencies: 1. Producing results 2. Fostering integration and teamwork 3. Moving forward in a changing environment 4. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.
Experience: Essential At least seven years' experience in epidemiological surveillance (including 5 years' field experience in various developing countries). Experience in outbreak investigation in developing countries and in project management. Experience in capacity building and working in the context of the IHR. Desirable Experience in epidemiology training, in surveillance of communicable diseases.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English, French and Spanish are essential.
Additional Information: Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this Vacancy Notice. This vacancy is published in English only. Only applications from WHO candidates will be considered.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 67483 at single rate USD 72467 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 55 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.