FLYING EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF – Doctors Without Borders) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural or man-made disasters to populations in danger in more than 70 countries.

Duration: Initially 2 months, with extension if probation period is passed well

Workplace:

This is a shared position based in Kyiv coordination office and travel to project location in Vinnytsia; Repartition of the time is 40% in coordination and 60% in the field/projects.

Main purpose: 

Assessing, implementing and maintaining the epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring (if needed) according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to contribute to appropriate evidence-based decision making using well managed health data in outbreak and emergency MSF programmes.

Accountabilities

• Carrying out key epidemiological activities in outbreak investigation (description including time, place, people with emphasis on mapping when it is needed) and advising on the operational response 
• Implementing and maintaining a surveillance system to monitor epidemiological trends of relevant outbreak-prone diseases. Guiding activities of medical staff for surveillance and/or active case finding, including ensuring understanding of the need for consistent case definitions and data recording (briefing of all new staff)
• Monitoring and Implementing initial Assessment (for emergency situation), rapid health assessments and (baseline or follow-up) surveys. Where standard protocols are not available or appropriate, developing a protocol seeking extensive feedback and pilot testing of tools to ensure the objectives will be met robustly with support of HQ epidemiologist
• Preparing and adapting routine documentation (survey forms, training materials, letters of request/notification, locally appropriate consent forms etc.) with support of HQ epidemiologist. Preparing an appropriate sampling frame and sample selection guidelines with support of HQ epidemiologist
• Planning and supervising the associated HR processes of the staff under his/her responsibility (recruitment, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and communication) and ensuring that staff exhibits required skills after training and pilot test
• Managing data systems and ensuring accurate, high quality databases; analyzing results and preparing regular written reports on progress and findings for medical coordinator/HQ and when appropriate to external collaborators/networks (MoH, other NGOs, etc.)
• Providing training sessions to medical teams on relevant aspects of epidemiology to enhance team response capacity

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• MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

1. Role: This is a flying position that will cover all the projects of MSFOCG in Ukraine, including emergency interventions in any part of the country. The position will be based in Kyiv coordination office with frequent travel to Vinnytsia project.

2. Technical Support and Capacity Building

•  Provide technical guidance to project teams on the collection, management, and analysis of medical and mental health data.
• Mentor medical team on epidemiological methods and data interpretation.
• Ensure the collection, storage, and analysis of high-quality data using advanced statistical methods and software.
• Regularly assess program outcomes using validated mental health tools (e.g., PCL-5, PHQ-9) and other tools defined in the project.

3. Health (including mental health) Assessments and Surveys

• Participate in Health Assessment & Surveys: provide technical advice and support on rapid health assessment tools, methodology, data analysis, and data reporting.
• Contribute to designing and implementing protocols for health/mental Health surveys, including data collection tools, sampling methods, and ethical considerations.

4. Reporting and Dissemination of Findings

• Writing detailed reports, scientific/concept papers, and publications summarizing research findings, program performance, and recommendations.
• Contribute to the dissemination of findings at conferences, workshops, and in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ensure that all communication adheres to ethical standards and protects the confidentiality of participants.

5. Ethical Standards and Compliance

• Ensure that all epidemiological activities comply with ethical research standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection.
• Oversee adherence to relevant local and international regulations for mental health research and program implementation.
• Ensure compliance with research ethics and data protection standards is maintained.

6. Emergency and Epidemic Response

• Advise the Mission on epidemiological matters that arise in the course of epidemics and, when necessary, design and implement epidemiological tools and data collection for new epidemiological needs.

7. Quality Assurance and Standardization

• Ensure that MSF standard operating procedures are in place for all aspects related to routine data collection, reporting, medical assessment tools, registers, etc.

Education

• Essential degree or diploma in Psychology (preferable), medical doctor, psychiatrist, or nurse background with a degree in epidemiology.
• Specialization in mental health epidemiology, or trauma-focused research is an added advantage.

Experience

• At least 2-3 years of experience in epidemiology, or mental health research.
• Previous experience working with mental health programs and with trauma-affected populations is essential.
• Experience with program design, and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) for mental health interventions.

Languages              

• English and Ukrainian essential.

Knowledge

• Use of epidemiology related analytical software (excel, Epi-info, STATA or SPSS)

Competencies

• Results and Quality Orientation L2
• Teamwork and Cooperation L2
• Behavioural Flexibility L2
• Commitment to MSF Principles L2 
• Stress Management L3

Monthly gross salary 59 564 UAH.

The interested candidates should submit their application in English before 16.02.2025 (CV+ motivation letter)  Subject: FLYING EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.