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 strengthening 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 Infectious Disease (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 the Middle East and North Africa (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 LEARN consortium partners, Schools of Public Health, and field teams to design and implement clinical management systems, and analyze 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 LEARN leadership, and the response team, and actively contributing to the enhancement of outbreak response efforts through shared knowledge and skill-building activities to support LNNGOs.

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 Senior Technical Specialist (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 project priorities, lead capacity-strengthening activities and deliver training and supportive supervision for targeted LNNGOs.

• Lead in the development of Rapid Response Team (RRT) strategy for LNNGOs, providing technical support to L/NNGOs to create RRTs and roll out a training plan for each RRT with LEARN partners.

• Support the M&E Officer in establishing data collection mechanisms. Compile, analyze and disseminate quantitative and qualitative information for improved project 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 rapid response teams, 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.

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.

• Applied experience in supporting response to infectious disease outbreaks in humanitarian settings

• 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 Kobo Toolbox, 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 French and/or Arabic required.