Medical Epidemiologist

Position: Medical Epidemiologist, Chronic Disease, Injury, Health Care Associated Infections, Perinatal, Event-based and Death Surveillance (HPC/MO 4)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Principal Medical Officer, National Epidemiologist, the Medical Epidemiologist formulates policies, develop and implement plans and programmes related to surveillance of chronic diseases, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance.

The officer will be responsible to ensure the ongoing collection, analysis, reporting and dissemination of information. The officer will also review and analyse public health sector data to inform on burden of disease.

Qualifications

• A qualified Medical Doctor plus
• Master degree in Public Health or Epidemiology or equivalent plus
• Five (5) years experience in the fields of Epidemiology, Public Health or experience in infections disease control

Key Responsibility Areas

• Formulates national policies and plans for the surveillance of chronic diseases, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance.
• Plans, directs, oversees, and manages epidemiologic studies and urgent outbreak investigations.
• Oversees the design and use of databases for analysis of health problems. Oversees the design and management of surveillance systems for diseases of public health importance. Oversees the design of instruments for the collection of surveillance information and data.
• Leads the development and conduct of epidemiologic studies for program planning.
• Conducts and develops methods for descriptive and comprehensive analyses of surveillance data for multiple purposes.
• Provides technical guidance and support for the investigation of unusual events identified through surveillance.
• Ensures an effective system of surveillance of chronic disease, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance. This would include meeting the requirements of International Health Regulations.
• Establishes and maintains contact with national and international agencies in the development and implementation of programmes related to of chronic disease, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance.
• Collaborates with the National Epidemiologist in determining priority programmes to be developed/implemented
• Prepares and reviews project proposals, takes required action to obtain approval as well as financial and technical assistance
• Reviews and monitors implementation of surveillance (of chronic disease, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance) programmes and provides periodic reports, as required.
• Monitors and analyses epidemiological data to determine trends and patterns related to of chronic disease, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance.
• Keeps abreast of trends and development regionally and internationally in relation to the surveillance of chronic disease, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance.
• Utilizes field data to assist in preparing health alerts
• Collaborates with the Director, Health Promotion and Education in planning and implementing Health Education Programmes on the Diseases for schools and at the Community level, aimed at behaviour modification
• Liaises with the Director, Health Promotion and Education concerning mass communication operations.
• Provides technical support and guidance to the Regional Health Authorities in the design and implementation of surveillance programmes.
• Assists in the development and implementation of training programme to ensure that health staff has the knowledge and skills required for the management of surveillance system for of chronic disease, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance.
• Maintains a database on communicable diseases programmes in Jamaica
• Advises on staffing norms and standards for the delivery of surveillance programmes according to levels of care
• Initiates the development of legislation pertaining to of chronic disease, injuries, health care associated infections, perinatal, event-based and mortality surveillance in Jamaica
• Represents the Ministry at regional and international conferences and seminars.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the National Epidemiologist

Note

Interested persons may apply in writing accompanied by resumes. Applications must be submitted no later than June 16, 2017.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

Director
Human Resource Management & Development
Ministry of Health

10A Chelsea Avenue
Kingston 10.
Jamaica

Email: jobs@moh.gov.jm

Base Salary: Undisclosed