Epidemiologist – LEARN

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Local Engagement and Response Network (LEARN): Strengthening Localized Multi-sectoral Readiness and Response to Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Humanitarian Settings ( LEARN) project, is a capacity building project of LNNGOs, to improve the capacity of local first responders, by establishing and supporting networks of representative of all sectors; and working to contextualize, localize, and strengthen their capacity to respond to infectious diseases outbreak and emergencies. The project aims to (i) support LNNGOs as they engage and coordinate with critical ID coordination platforms and public health institutions; (ii) improve LNNGO readiness and multi-sectoral response to ID outbreaks; and (iii) improve LNNGO ability to ensure the capacity of community-based structures and workforces are strengthened, so that there will be an overall improvement in the timeliness, reach, and coverage of readiness and multi-sectoral responses to ID outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic potential in humanitarian settings. The project will target 80 L/NNGOs across 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and MENA.

JOB SUMMARY
The Epidemiologist within the LEARN project serves as a key subject matter expert with a primary focus on capacity-strengthening activities. This role involves establishing and managing health information management systems in accordance with donor and program requirements. The Epidemiologist actively shares expertise by providing tailored capacity-strengthening training, collaborating closely with field teams to implement clinical management systems, and analyzing epidemiological trends. Moreover, the position plays a pivotal role in interpreting and effectively communicating information to facilitate informed decision-making. The Epidemiologist’s expertise extends to monitoring infection outbreaks, advising the response team, and actively contributing to the enhancement of outbreak response efforts through shared knowledge and skill-building activities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze the epidemiological landscape and trends related to infectious disease outbreaks, providing critical and timely assessments of their evolution. Offer prioritized recommendations for program interventions based on the observed trends and emerging situations, as needed.
• Support the STS and consortium members in the development of capacity building tools for ID emergency response and contextualizing process of target country.
• Support the LNNGo capacity building that is aligned with the project’s focus areas in humanitarian response in accordance with GHSA guidelines and NAPHS of the impact country (which includes EOC linkage, multisectoral response, surveillance and IHR exercises (JEE, SimEX etc..).
• Based on organizational needs assessments and program priorities, lead capacity-strengthening activities and deliver training and supportive supervision for targeted LNNGOs
• Support the M&E Officer in establishing data collection mechanisms. Compile, analyze and disseminate quantitative and qualitative information for improved program decision-making,
• Support the collection and timely reporting of data and statistics for health and protection programs in line with IMC guidelines and according to internal and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with the International Medical Corps program team and external actors to report on the provision of services effectively and accurately for beneficiaries.
• Implement and train (technical) IMC and partner staff on program monitoring tools (e.g., patient records, contact tracing, data reporting / management SoPs, etc.).
• Coordinate with technical focal points on the interpretation and use of data.
• Support the development and management of feedback mechanisms (with health facilities, project sites) of program results to facilitate and actively contribute to programmatic decision-making.
• Ensure documentation of organizational learning by capturing IMC’s approach and results, particularly around case management and clinical outcomes
• Support the writing and submission of reports to stakeholders, including donors and relevant ministries.
• As needed and in coordination with other project sector leads represent IMC in inter-agency forums and discussions.
• Actively assist in the capture of lessons learned and best practices for replication and posterity.

Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s level or higher degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of applied experience in an emergency context with a humanitarian organization designing, implementing, and overseeing M&E (monitoring and evaluation) tasks in the health sector or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing logical frameworks and results-based frameworks and associated performance monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Experience in clinical / field epidemiological methodologies and approaches.
• Extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Experience in operational research designs and methodologies, database design, and tools for information management.
• Ability to quickly assess priorities and effectively balance a variety of activities at a time while paying appropriate attention to detail.
• Good writing and editing skills, including the ability to effectively write and edit grant proposals and reports.
• Competency in MS Office and statistical packages EPI-Info, SPSS, or STATA, is essential. GIS and other applications are a plus.
• Ability to relate to and motivate local staff effectively.
• Creativity and the ability to work with limited resources.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; Proficiency in Arabic is not required but is considered valuable.

Additional Technical or Language Requirements

English, French

CODE OF CONDUCT

As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report. If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.

SAFEGUARDING

It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE SCHEME

All offers of employment at International Medical Corps are subject to satisfactory references and background checks. International Medical Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme from the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR). In accordance with this, we will request information from an applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.