Epidemiologist

Agnes Varraine-Leca/MSF

MSF is an independent international medical relief organisation, with 28 offices worldwide. When large-scale epidemics occur, when areas in crisis are too dangerous for many other organisations, then our medical teams are there to assist the affected population. We organise basic medical care, treat the injured, carry out vaccination campaigns, train local staff and build up medical infrastructure. In long-term aid projects our teams fight diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, sleeping sickness, and HIV/AIDS.

For our international projects we are looking for

Epidemiologists

tasks and responsibilities

When there is a suspected disease outbreak, your initial assessment is often crucial.

As an epidemiologist you can work in a country coordination center or directly in a field project. The tasks here are varied, ranging from mortality surveys to disease mapping. Among other things, MSF epidemiologists collect medical data, evaluate it and ensure good data quality. You will also conduct health-related surveys within communities. On the basis of data analyses, you create reports that form a decision-making basis for project planning.

The tasks of an MSF epidemiologist include supporting the project teams in planning appropriate measures for disease outbreaks, such as active case finding, vaccination campaigns, conducting mortality surveys or WATSAN interventions for meningitis, measles or cholera, for example. You will be responsible for setting up monitoring systems in our hospitals or in the community. Another important task of our epidemiologists is the technical education and training of colleagues on data collection and analysis, as well as guiding them in evidence-based decision-making.

Our Requirements

A degree in epidemiology or a Master in Public Health (MPH) with a focus on epidemiology.

Two years of practical experience as an epidemiologist in the collection and analysis of medical data as well as in quantitative and qualitative research methods.)

Knowledge in setting up and implementing epidemiological control and surveillance programs and in using epidemiological databases and statistical programs

Ideally practical experience in tropical and infectious medicine

Experience in training and supervision of staff is an advantage

Availability for at least 12 months, an even longer period would be desirable

Excellent command of English and A2 in French, additional language skills in Arabic, Spanish, or Russian are highly desirable. Strong French language skills will significantly impact the overall assessment and final selection decision.

Travel or work experience in African, Asian or Latin American countries

Ability to work in a team, cultural sensitivity, organizational and improvisational skills as well as high mental and physical resilience

Willingness to work in accordance with Médecins Sans Frontières humanitarian principles, charter and mission statement

What do we offer

Salary sufficient to cover costs at home while you are in the field

A per diem during assignment to cover food expenses and other local purchases in local currency

Round-trip transportation to and from assignment

Room and board during assignment

A comprehensive insurance package, including health and emergency evacuation insurance

Holiday leave (depending on project)

We strongly recommend that you attend a webinar or HR info event about working with MSF to learn more about responsibilities and requirements before you apply.

As an international organization, we support diversity, openness and mutual respect. In line with our values, incoming applications are only evaluated for their professional qualifications and are considered regardless of ethnic and social origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age.