Epidemiologist - WHO - Manila, Philippines

Vacancy Notice No: WPRO/13/FT61
Title: Epidemiologist
Grade: P4
Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment
Duration of contract:  One year
Date: 14 February 2013
Application Deadline: 7 March 2013
Duty Station:  Manila, Philippines
Organization unit: WP/DSE Health Security and Emergencies (WP/DSE) / WP/ESR Emerging Disease Surveillance and Response (WP/ESR)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : The Emerging Disease Surveillance and Response Unit (ESR) has the task of assisting Member States of the WHO Western Pacific Region to meet their obligations under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005. The IHR require countries to develop the capacity to detect and report to WHO public health events of international concern. In recent years, the threat of an influenza pandemic has highlighted the need for strong public health infrastructure and the need for careful planning on how to respond to public health emergencies. ESR, in conjunction with the WHO South-East Asia Region, has developed the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED) as a framework to guide Member States to strengthen these capacities. The Strategy covers the areas of surveillance and response, laboratory, zoonoses, infection control, and risk communication. In addition to supporting Member States' response to the threat of emerging and re-emerging diseases, ESR also provides technical assistance in the response to outbreaks of known diseases. To have a comprehensive approach to strengthening laboratories as an integral part of health systems and to harmonize efforts with communicable diseases units, implementation of the Asia Pacific Strategy for Strengthening Health Laboratory Services is vital.
Description of duties: Under the guidance and supervision of the Team Leader/ESR, the incumbent will perform the following functions: 1. Support, facilitate and coordinate intercountry alert and response networks, both existing and to be introduced; 2. Provide technical and managerial support to national alert and response teams and networks, especially on national capacity-building; 3. In collaboration with other members of ESR, provide technical assistance in the planning, implementation and analysis of epidemiological studies and other information of infectious diseases, including new and emerging diseases; 4. Conduct site visits related to epidemiological investigations of emerging and identified outbreaks of infectious diseases, and provide field based technical support and programmatic guidance; 5. Support planning and Outbreak Management Team activities with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) Epidemic and Pandemic Response at WHO Headquarters and ESR focal points in WHO country offices; 6. Identify epidemiological training needs within the Region and work with national health authorities in developing, delivering and evaluating training programmes; and 7. Perform other duties as required. Main Achievement: Strengthening of the capacity for surveillance, training assessment and response in the Region; developing a plan of overall preparedness for avian influenza, any other emerging infectious diseases or infectious diseases of major public health interest; regional capabilities to detect and contain any further outbreaks of avian influenza, any other emerging infectious diseases or infectious diseases of major public health interest that may occur.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: University degree in health science and postgraduate degree in public health, epidemiology or communicable diseases.
Skills: Broad knowledge of communicable disease prevention and control and epidemiology. Good management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to deal diplomatically with senior-level national counterparts. Working knowledge in the use of database, spreadsheet and statistical programmes. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct. Competencies: 1. Producing results 2. Communicating in a credible and effective way 3. Moving forward in a changing environment 4. Ensuring the effective use of resources 5. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Experience: At least seven years' experience in developing and implementing communicable disease control activities, including experience at international level is essential. Previous international experience in working with WHO in a developing country context is desirable. Previous work experience in Asia is an asset.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English
Additional Information: This vacancy notice is published in English only.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD67 483 at single rate USD72 467 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 59.1 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

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