The role – The Pacific Island Public Health Professional – SPRP will specifically strengthen the SPR programme regional epidemic intelligence (EI) system that encompasses the collection, triage, verification and timely dissemination of information on epidemic and emerging disease in the Pacific. Maintain and further develop the epidemic intelligence databases with routine indicator-based and event-based surveillance data and information. Analyse data and produce reports. Contribute to SPR programme capacity development on field epidemiology, operational research and information and communication activities.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Strengthen the Epidemic Intelligence System, and maintain the Epidemic Intelligence databases
Assist with the SPR Programme regional epidemic intelligence system that support timely reporting of epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific.
Assist with screening and filtering selected media and other event-based surveillance information sources every day.
Assist with collecting data/information on signals/potential health events from routine indicator-based surveillance reports and circulate relevant signals to the team.
Participate in weekly meeting of the SPRP team to discuss new signals and ongoing public health events and alerts.
Participate in surveillance and EpiNet meetings with PPHSN partners.
Assist with updating the web-based interactive map and the static map on epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific.
Maintaining and updating the Epidemic Intelligence databases including data entry of historical data.
Analyse data and produce reports or publications
Assist with providing accurate summaries and analyses of information on epidemics and circulation of communicable diseases in the region.
Assisting with the writing of scientific papers, annual reports and publications.
Contribute to capacity development on field epidemiology and operational research
Provide assistance in the organisation and delivery of capacity development programme on field epidemiology and operational research.
Contribute to operational research activities within SPR Programme, including undertaking literature reviews and drafting study protocols.
Provide support to information and communication
Assisting in producing data visualization products for the programme publications/communications.
Assisting in drafting thematic messages, advisories and other communications for PacNet and internal SPC distribution.
Assisting with presentations made at regional or international conferences and forums.
Assisting Pacific risk communication and community engagement community of practice activities.
Assisting with PPHSN website content updates and maintenance.
Contributing to programme, divisional and corporate publications and reports.
Key selection criteria:
Pacific Islands
Only applicants from Pacific Island countries are eligible to apply.
Applicants must be employed in a Pacific Public Health department or a recognised NGO working in the field of Public Health in a Pacific Island country.
Qualifications
University degree or equivalent in public health, epidemiology or other relevant scientific discipline.
Technical expertise
At least three years’ direct relevant experience in Pacific Islands Health sector.
Applied skills in public health surveillance.
Knowledge and understanding of outbreak-prone diseases and ability to analyse trends.
Experience in managing, updating and maintaining databases with large datasets.
Experience in data analysis software.
Experience in writing articles and reports.
High workload management skills with the capacity to work and deliver under pressure.
Experience in producing information and data vizualisation products.
Language skills
Fluency in English is required, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
Good interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
Good organisation skills.
Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.