Position Description
Background
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is an apex public health institute of India providing leadership in developing science-based policy and interventions to strengthen disease surveillance and public health response at the country level. One of the primary mandates of NCDC is developing field epidemiology capacity. Skilled field epidemiologists are integral to move forward disease surveillance and response capacity for new emerging public health threats. NCDC in collaboration with United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started the India Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) training programme in 2012, on lines of the successful US CDC EIS programme.
The India Epidemic Intelligence Services (EIS) Programme is a two-year training programme in applied epidemiology based at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi. The programme is implemented in collaboration with US CDC technical and financial support. India EIS trains officers to develop public health skills while working with various state/national agencies/programmes. It is a high-quality mentor-based on-the-job field epidemiology training programme, which differs from regular classroom-based training.
The US CDC and SAFETYNET are committed to supporting the NCDC in running this programme and thus are looking forward to recruit highly qualified persons with skills in field epidemiology for the position of Consultant – Epidemiology Workforce Development.
Job Summary
Consultant– Epidemiology Workforce Development, under the guidance of Head Epidemiology/EIS Resident Advisor, will work in close collaboration with CDC, SAFETYNET, and NCDC to provide techno-managerial support to India EIS Program for smooth running of the program. As a technical member, s/he is expected to undertake activities related to the field work, mentorship and for India EIS Officers. S/he is expected to fulfil the below mentioned responsibilities:
Provide technical support to the India EIS officers on their Core Activity of Learning (CAL)
Mentor India EIS officers related to outbreak investigations, evaluations of public health surveillance system and epidemiological studies
Review EIS reports related to public health response technically and facilitate administrative approval
Review scientific abstracts for conferences and scientific presentations at national/international forums
Review manuscripts for administrative submission and publications
Review progress of the EIS trainees on their CALs and support NCDC in updating database of EIS officer projects
Coordinate with the EIS cell for Thursday Afternoon Seminar (TAS)
Coordinate common EIS hub activities like monthly seminars, field investigations, EIS annual conference, hub meetings and other activities as assigned.
Develop an epidemiological analysis plan, conduct descriptive and analytical epidemiological studies
Plan surveillance to assess disease/ health condition/ risk factor burden of public health importance
Support in documenting EIS program guidelines, standard operating procedures and required program monthly and quarterly reports
Visit to placement sites and field investigation sites to mentor and monitor EIS Officers activities.
Any other work assigned by the Head Epidemiology or CDC Resident Advisor
Qualifications
Essential
MBBS with postgraduation in Community Medicine (MD)/ public health (MPH)/ postgraduate diploma in public health
Two year Public Health experience
Desirable
FETP/EIS training program graduate
Experience and Skills
Minimum 2 years’ experience in public health; field epidemiology, implementation of public health projects and programmes at state/national level. Preference will be given to those with India EIS Training
Experience of designing, implementing and managing epidemiological studies and other research projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Knowledge of public health issues, epidemiology, research methodology, and scientific writing
Excellent interpersonal relations; ability to network, work in multi-cultural team environment, and work harmoniously with multiple partners
Good working knowledge of computer applications, especially MS office, Epi Info
Strong and proven documentation and organizational skills
Ability to travel extensively at short notice
How to apply
After reviewing the job description and responsibilities, submit your application with latest CV, documents supporting education and experience to SAFETYNET under the following details:
email: safetynet.webteam@gmail.com
address the email to Dr. Conky Quizon
Remuneration
The remuneration will be between 1.25-1.50 lakhs (including all allowances) per month (taxable as per GOI rules) depending on qualification and experience. Additionally travel allowance and per diem (during official filed visits) will be as per Government of India norms (Grade pay 6600, equivalent to assistant director, GOI). Laptop will be provided by SAFETYNET.