Epidémiologiste

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO), the UN's specialized agency for public health, operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to improve population health and strengthen the national health system. The DRC faces recurrent outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases, including Ebola, measles, cholera, and polio. WHO supports the government's response efforts, with a particular focus on epidemiological surveillance as a key pillar for epidemic control, especially during the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the eastern regions.

Job Purpose

This role supports public health emergency response in the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to prevent and manage epidemics and other health emergencies. The epidemiologist will strengthen surveillance capacities, provide data analysis to inform Ministry of Health interventions, and build the capacity of local response teams. By ensuring effective coordination and liaison with technical partners, the volunteer will contribute to the strategic implementation of WHO's response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, providing crucial epidemiological data for outbreak dynamics assessment and control measure adaptation.

Responsibilities

The epidemiologist will strengthen public health surveillance systems for epidemic response and other health emergencies. Key duties include supporting Ministry of Health interventions based on epidemiological data analysis and building the capacity of local actors and response teams. The role involves liaising with technical partners to ensure coherent implementation of WHO strategies and serving as a focal point for surveillance coordination. Responsibilities include implementing and supervising contact tracing and case investigation systems, ensuring accurate data integration from laboratories and clinical sources, and overseeing community death surveillance. Training national partners, supporting community-based surveillance, and liaising with involved partners are also critical. The position requires supporting epidemiological studies, contributing to epidemic management coordination committees, and maintaining close links with laboratory, burial, infection control, and social mobilization teams. The role also involves contributing to outbreak management and situation reports (SITREPs), with potential for other tasks as defined by WHO.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of general and relevant professional experience is required, with at least 1 year specifically in epidemiological surveillance. Proficiency in computer skills, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, is essential.

Skills

Required competencies include fostering integration and teamwork, respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, communicating credibly and effectively, producing results, and serving as a role model. Expertise in public health and immunization is also necessary.

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