Surveillance and Epidemiology Officer

Job Summary:

The STRengthening Infectious disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) activity in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is seeking a qualified Surveillance & Epidemiology officer to provide technical support on surveillance and epidemiology related work in country. The officer will support technical requirements of the STRIDES project and will assist in the implementation and monitoring of strategic and technical initiatives and planned activities under the STRIDES PNG workplan/. The officer will provide final authorization and approval of the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership, and will support drafting the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership. The officer will provide higher-level administrative support on core project operations (e.g., updating manuals, tracking activities, providing input on budgets) and will provide technical support related to surveillance and epidemiology services under supervision. The officer will assist and support with project implementation and technical training as required under the STRIDES workplan in country.

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

• Provides technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers related to surveillance and epidemiology work under STRIDES implementation in PNG
• Works closely with STRIDES PNG and STRIDES US teams to ensure activities are implemented according to standard operating procedures
• Assists with material development, publications and presentations.
• Conducts searches of published literature on evolving issues in assigned technical area.
• Monitors and maintains protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and
• reports.
• Responds to requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.
• Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Assists with the implementation of technical/research studies by monitoring and documenting processes.
• Works closely and liaises with STRIDES Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to monitor project implementation in country against relevant surveillance indicators
• Conducts analysis of STRIDES implementation in counry to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines as it related to surveillance and epidemiology
• Delivers presentations at professional meetings and conferences.
• Ensures STRIDES PNG implementation, adheres to organization strategy, and remains technically sound.

Project Design Implementation:

• Implements established project design.
• Tracks project indicators and produces reports for others to act upon.
• Assists with implementing components of the technical portions of the project plan.
• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff.
• Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines
• Tracks project indicators and produces reports for others to act upon.
• Responds to technical requests and inquiries from internal and external staff. Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.):
• Supports monitoring project activities with technical expertise for informing project implementation.
• Collects financial and technical tracking data; prepares reports.
• Coordinates with suppliers for procurements; develops procurement terms of reference. Project/Program Reporting:
• Works with STRIDES MEL team to maintain database of project indicators and activities.
• Assists with collecting data for inclusion in client reports.
• Assists with compiling and creating technical content related to areas of surveillance and epidemiology(e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts).
• Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares technical reports and papers summarizing results of STRIDES implementation in PNG

Quality Assurance:

• Develops broader knowledge of quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
• Helps coordinate and direct activities to meet client/funder and regulatory requirements.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Moderate knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures by providing technical support for research studies.
• Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
• Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required.
• Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
• Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Tok Pisin fluency required
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.
• Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.
• Exercises good judgment with selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
• Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a department.
• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff
• Networks with key internal and external personnel.
• Decision may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Has no supervisory responsibility.
• Receives methods and procedures on new projects and assignments.
• May provide guidance to other lower-level staff.
• Typically reports to an Associate Director or Director.

Education: ** **

• Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Civil Society, Communication and Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, the Environment, Gender, Health, Nutrition, Research, Technology and Youth or Related Field.

Experience: ** **

• Typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience managing data collection and technical assistance experience.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private company.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• 10% - 25%

**Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the key responsibilities of the job. This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

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