Public health Officer (epidemiology)
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) aims to build Member State capacity to manage health risks and lead international responses to outbreaks. This role operates within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture, supporting populations affected by health emergencies and strengthening national capabilities.
Job Purpose
The Public Health Officer (Epidemiology) will contribute to WHO's mission by developing and implementing surveillance and response programs for infectious diseases. This involves creating early warning systems, collecting and verifying outbreak data, managing event databases, and conducting risk assessments. The role supports timely information dissemination to decision-makers, organizes training, and fosters partnerships to enhance public health policies and programs for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, ultimately strengthening national health security.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include developing monitoring tools and indicators for infectious disease surveillance and response programs. The role involves contributing to early warning systems, collecting and verifying outbreak information, and maintaining an event management database. Duties also encompass monitoring and evaluating risk assessments, conducting retrospective analysis of events, and preparing/disseminating outbreak news and assessments. Additionally, the position requires organizing training for healthcare workers, leading technical missions for outbreak investigations, participating in protocol development for disease response, and elaborating epidemic control guidelines. Building and maintaining partnerships with relevant bodies is crucial for implementing public health policies.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required, including proven international exposure in epidemiology. Experience in implementing programs, policies, and guidelines, as well as monitoring and evaluating diseases and public health issues, is essential. International experience in outbreak investigation and response for emerging and re-emerging diseases is desirable.
Skills
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in public health aspects of infectious disease control, monitoring and evaluation, descriptive epidemiology, and communicable disease surveillance and response principles. Ability to write outbreak reports and interpret epidemiological data. Strong presentation and writing skills. WHO competencies include Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Moving forward in a changing environment, and Producing results. Expert knowledge of English is essential.