Term of Reference for Consultant Epidemiologist for Workforce Development
Position Description
Position Name: Consultant Epidemiologist
Position type: Full-time
No. of Positions: 1
Organization: SAFETYNET
Reporting to: National Centre for Disease Control, Program coordinator and National Institute of Public Health Training & Research, Mumbai, program coordinator
Location: National Institute of Public Health Training & Research, Mumbai
Background
National Institute of Public Health Training & Research (NIPHTR), Mumbai, in collaboration with National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is starting a one-year in-service Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (I-FETP) in Maharashtra State on lines of the successful three tiered India Field Epidemiology Training Program model in India and globally. Since 2017, SAFETYNET has partnered with CDC India office to support India FETP.
I-FETP is aimed at building essential epidemiological capacity of public health professionals working in the state health department of Maharashtra at district and State headquarters in various public health programs, strengthening public health surveillance, providing epidemiologic services, and developing district/state capacity for outbreak or public health response. Objective of the program is to create highly competent field epidemiologists within the public health sector to meet the national and state need for skilled public health workforce.
The US CDC and SAFETYNET are committed to supporting the NCDC and NIPHTR in running this program and thus are looking forward to recruit highly qualified persons with skills in field epidemiology for the position of Consultant Epidemiologist.
Job Summary
Consultant– Epidemiologist, under the guidance of FETP coordinator NCDC/NIPHTR will work in close collaboration with CDC, and SAFETYNET provide technical support to I-FETP for smooth implementation and running of the program. As a technical member, s/he is expected to undertake activities related to the FETP induction training, field work, and mentorship of I-FETP Officers. S/he is expected to fulfill the below-mentioned responsibilities:
Provide technical support to the I-FETP officers on their Core Activity of Learning (CAL)
Mentor I-FETP officers related to outbreak investigations, evaluations of public health surveillance system and epidemiological studies
Review 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 FETP trainees on their CALs and support NIPHTR in updating database of FETP officer projects
Coordinate and manage Weekly Afternoon Seminar (TAS) and other online training sessions
Coordinate hub activities like seminars, field investigations, conferences, hub meetings, and other activities as assigned.
Develop an epidemiological analysis plan, conduct descriptive and analytical epidemiological studies
Support in documenting FETP guidelines, standard operating procedures, and required program monthly and quarterly reports.
Visit to placement sites and field investigation sites to mentor and monitor FETP Officer’s activities and Frontline Epidemiology Training Activities.
Effectively support FETP participants in the field to ensure the acquisition of essential skills
Conduct or assist with routine review of the program and of the work conducted by FETP trainees
Maintain regular communication with partner agencies
Provide frequent reports and meet regularly with CDC technical staff and partners.
Any other work assigned by the NIPHTR / NCDC FETP coordinator.
Supporting the I-FETP officers and mentors to use the India FETP learning management system and update their course progress on LMS.
Draft course calendar and also the preparations for contact sessions including drafting agenda, and arranging course material.
Qualifications
Essential
MBBS with postgraduation in Community Medicine (MD)/ public health (MPH)/ postgraduate diploma in public health/Field Epidemiology Training Program or EIS training program graduate.
Minimum of two years of public health experience
Desired
Intermediate FETP or advanced 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.
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 the latest CV, and documents supporting education and experience to SAFETYNET at s.choudhary@safetynet-web.org and n.mandhi@safetynet-web.org. Please note that the last date for applying is 20 December 2023 at 5 PM (India Time).
Remuneration
USD 2000-2250/per month.