IDSR Technical Coordinator (Epidemiologist)

Jhpiego Inc.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

Jhpiego is seeking two Technical Coordinators (Epidemiologists) to enhance pandemic preparedness in South Africa. The role involves supporting surveillance systems, analyzing data, and collaborating with various sectors. Candidates should have a Master's in Public Health or Epidemiology and extensive experience in disease surveillance.

Qualifications

• 6 to 7 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience delivering training and capacity-building programs.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of integrated surveillance systems.
• Analyze surveillance data to identify trends and threats.
• Conduct regular field visits for IDSR implementation.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Project management

Problem-solving

Education

Master’s degree in Public Health

Master’s degree in Epidemiology

Job description

Overview

Project Oveiew

The Pandemic Fund South Africa Project supports the strengthening of national systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Through investments in surveillance and human resources for health, the project aims to enhance early warning systems, improve disease detection and reporting, and build capacity for coordinated emergency response. Implemented in collaboration with the National Department of Health, Jhpiego, and other key stakeholders, the project contributes to building a resilient health system aligned with South Africa’s National Action Plan for Health Security

Role Overview

Jhpiego is seeking two skilled and motivated Technical Coordinators (Epidemiologists) to be seconded to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Directorate at the National Department of Health (NDoH). The Technical Coordinators will play a pivotal role in supporting the integration of surveillance and response mechanisms across key sectors, including Health (DoH), Agriculture (DARDLA), and Environment (DFFE). They will support the implementation of Event-Based Surveillance (EBS), strengthen Indicator-Based Surveillance (IBS), and drive initiatives to enhance early detection, outbreak monitoring, public health intelligence, and pandemic preparedness. The role demands strong technical expertise in disease surveillance, data analysis, field operations, capacity building, and epidemiology.

This position (X2 posts) is supported through a donor-funded project with an anticipated implementation period of three years. The successful candidates will be appointed on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract, which may be renewed or extended subject to funding availability, operational requirements of the organisation, and/or satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and standardization of integrated surveillance systems, including data collection tools.
• Participate in improving the quality, completeness, and timeliness of surveillance data across the health system.
• Support the timely detection, verification, and identification of disease outbreaks and progression.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the IDSR Strategic Plan.
• Support the development of policies and guidelines aligned with national and international standards (e.g., IHR 2005).
• Monitor disease outbreaks and strengthen surveillance initiatives for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Analyze surveillance data to identify trends and emerging public health threats, providing timely insights for decision-making.
• Support capacity-building initiatives focused on the use of surveillance data for public health risk assessment and response.
• Effectively communicate disease profiles, health threats, and public health intelligence findings.
• Develop and disseminate reports, bulletins, and best practice guidelines to inform public health strategies and policies.
• Conduct regular field visits to provinces and districts to ensure IDSR implementation fidelity.
• Provide technical support to local health authorities during field operations and outbreak responses.
• Support the cascading of training on IDSR core functions at provincial and district levels.
• Develop and monitor the IDSR implementation plan and associated Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework.
• Regularly update the implementation plan and M&E framework based on feedback and changing surveillance needs.
• Support the implementation and operationalization of Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) and Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) systems.
• Support the strengthening of pandemic preparedness by implementing surveillance, reporting, and response core capacities under IHR (2005).
• Assist the NDoH Emergency Operations Centre with EBS technical assistance as needed.
• Perform any other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• 6 to 7 years of progressively responsible and directly relevant experience required; extensive experience in disease surveillance, epidemiology, and public health program implementation, with at least three (3) years at a supervisory or coordination level.
• Demonstrated experience delivering training and capacity-building programs.
• Strong ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to conduct fieldwork and willingness to travel extensively.
• Strong leadership and coordination capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a multisectoral context (Health, Animal Health, Environment).
• Familiarity with international surveillance standards such as the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
• Experience supporting the operationalization of Public Health Emergency Operations Centers
• Previous involvement in Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) implementation.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Analytical thinking and data interpretation
• Project management and field coordination
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership management
• Risk management and emergency preparedness
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Budget management and resource planning
• Adaptability and resilience

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

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