ompany Description

Epicentre is an organisation created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. We conduct field epidemiology, training and research activities for MSF interventions. Our activities for populations in precarious situations are led from Uganda, Niger, and France, and through the programs of MSF and others.

Job Description

CONTEXT

Based in Médecins Sans Frontières’ Geneva Operations Center (OCG), under the supervision of Epicentre’s Director of Response Epidemiology and Training, the epidemiologist will be integrated into the OCG field epidemiology support team. As such, he/she will act as a link between medical and operations departments in OCG and Epicentre. Within the field epidemiological support team, the epidemiologist will provide expertise in mixed approaches combining quantitative and qualitative analysis.

• Assist Médecins Sans Frontières’ field teams in the monitoring and evaluation of health programs.
• Participate in Epicentre’s activities and interventions related to field epidemiology and training.
• Be responsible for the development and management of research projects, conducted with OCG.

MISSION & RESPONSABILITIES

Epidemiologists employed at Epicentre are involved in the following activities:

1. RESEARCH

In the scope of one or several defined research domains, they will:

• Identify relevant research issues, review the literature on the subject, and translate them into research questions.
• Establish and follow the annual research agenda of OCG in collaboration with Epicentre’s General Director, Director of Clinical Research and Director of Intervention Epidemiology and Training, and the medical and operational departments of the different MSF sections.
• Develop and write research protocols.
• Organise and conduct studies in the field.
• Clean, organise and analyse data sets.
• Write study reports.
• Communicate results through presentations at scientific conferences and in publication in the scientific literature.
• Participate in meetings of experts at international level.
• Develop and maintain a network of relevant partners.

2. APPLIED EPIDEMIOLOGY

• Carry out regularly in the field short-term (1 to 4 weeks) applied epidemiology missions. These missions include surveys, outbreak investigations, rapid health assessments during emergency situations, implementation and evaluation of epidemiological surveillance systems, evaluation of health programs.
• Write the mission reports in brief delays and publish the results in the scientific literature when relevant.
• Teach epidemiology and public health during training sessions organized either in Geneva or abroad.
• Assist the Médecins Sans Frontières field teams in the monitoring of health programs or other relevant epidemiological interventions.
• Participate in training sessions.

3. PARTICIPATION IN EPICENTRE’S GENERAL OPERATING

• Participate to the exchange of information and know-how within Epicentre: organisation of seminars, coaching of students, international communications.
• Participate to the development of the organization, in collaboration with the General Director and the Director of Administration and Operational Support and submit research proposals for eventual funding.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years relevant working experience with MSF and/or another NGO experience and/or in low-income countries.
• Degree in epidemiology or public health.
• Mixed methods background – epidemiology with some qualitative skills.
• Proven record of designing, implementing, and finalizing mixed-methods studies including publications.
• At least 3-5 years experience in operational research and/or experience in applied epidemiology.
• Fluent in English with working knowledge in French. Knowledge in Spanish or Portuguese would be an advantage.
• Good communication skills, both in speech and writing.
• Willing to travel 2 to 6 months in the year, sometimes at short notice.
• Medical or paramedical profile would be an asset.