Immunizations Epidemiology Specialist (IES)

JOB PURPOSE: The Immunizations Epidemiology Specialist (IES) – LOCAL will be a key resource for supporting the immunization programs towards data management and analysis, providing a link to the current database along with other key epidemiological functions, including outbreak investigation and response. This is a succession planning consultancy wherein the roles and functions will be guided by the MIIS-Public Health Immunization Information Systems Specialist (PH-IIS) under the direction of the National Immunization Director and the leadership of the Deputy Secretary, Bureau of Primary Health Care.

Additional technical and operational guidance will be provided by the PHIG PMTS Team Lead (TL), and the RMI-MOHHS Deputy Secretary (DS), Office of Health Planning, Policy, Preparedness, Personnel and Epidemiology (OHPPPE)/Health Informatics Director, the RMI-MOHHS Ministry Leadership Team (MLT), and the RMI MOHHS’ OE22-2203 Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU is comprised of designated RMI MOHHS staff and OE22-2203-funded consultant technical leads. The PMU will be responsible for the daily management oversight, planning, coordination, and monitoring of OE22-2203-funded activities. The PMU will be further supported by the RMI MOHHS’ OE22-2203 bona fide agent, the Pacific Islands Health Officers’ Association (PIHOA), who will provide administrative and fiscal support for the RMI MOHHS’ OE22-2203 grant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direction of the RMI MOHHS National Immunization Program Director, and the guidance of the Public Health Immunization Information Systems Specialist (PH-IISS), the Immunization Epidemiology Specialist (IES) will:

1. Develop strategic guidance and standards for data management and analysis related to outbreaks of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) and, where appropriate, link this with existing databases.
2. Provide guidance, tools, and templates for the analysis of data related to VPDs and other public health emergencies.
3. Analyze situation reports, generate and publish analytical reports and profiles of priority actions, and provide training and technical support to staff for data analysis, interpretation, and use in partnership with relevant institutions, including academia.
4. Provide technical advice for conducting rapid epidemiological assessments of the health and general condition of affected populations during outbreaks.
5. Build capacity to collect data related to VPDs and other public health emergencies and work with other units of MOHHS to analyze it to anticipate outbreaks, alert, and respond when they occur.
6. Develop, analyze, and maintain up-to-date VPDs and other public health emergencies trajectories, trends, etc., to the MOHHS and Outbreak Taskforce for early warning.
7. Support capacity building initiatives for MOHHS and implementing partners on surveillance and early warning systems and collection, analysis, use and dissemination of data for action.
8. Any other assignment as assigned by the supervisor related to the job functions.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

1. Education: An advanced university degree is required in public health (MD, nursing or other relevant health discipline), epidemiology, or another relevant field.
2. Work Experience: A minimum of 3 (three) years of experience in planning, monitoring and implementing VPD control or other public health emergencies as part of outbreak response teams.
3. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required. Good written and spoken skills in the Marshallese language will be an asset.

Skills

1. Must have experience in Immunization Programming and best practices.
2. Experience with drafting policies to address national immunization issues and standards.
3. Must have knowledge of immunization policies and standards
4. Must have knowledge vaccine cold chain maintenance and vaccine storage.
5. Must have demonstrated experience working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and leadership in a team-based environment.
6. Must have advanced interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to facilitate effective, professional, and compassionate communication and consultations with health agency leadership and program staff, community stakeholders, partners, and funders.
7. Must have computer skills, including familiarity with MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and fluency in a variety of applicable programming languages, software, and systems.
8. Must have advanced English-speaking and writing skills.
9. Must have excellent observational skills and attention to detail, including high-level critical thinking and timely, effective decision-making to adapt to and resolve problems as they arise.
10. Must be self-motivated, disciplined, and able to operate with limited supervision.
11. Must demonstrate compassion, patience, and ability to adapt to less-than-ideal, complex, and intense working conditions, including environments with little or no English-speaking skills and diverse cultural/ideological beliefs and practices.
12. Must have a valid passport to be able to travel domestically and internationally.
13. When requested, must be able to submit Police and Medical Clearance Reports, including TB and HIV tests, as part of entry requirements into the RMI.
14. Must have a valid driver's license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Office and program equipment and supplies needed to conduct contract work will be provided by PIHOA and the RMI MOHHS, including but not limited to a desk and chair, laptop, relevant software subscriptions and laptop accessories, and general office supplies (PIHOA) and office space (RMI MOHHS).
• Any local, RMI domestic travel required in the conduct of work within the RMI will be covered by PIHOA using the RMI MOHHS Travel Policy. All other trips not associated with contracted work will be at the expense of the candidate.
• No other benefits will be provided by PIHOA or the RMI MOHHS. Any medical or other insurance expenses, local and home-based taxes, etc., will be the sole responsibility of the candidate. The RMI MOHHS can provide information regarding applying for local medical insurance through the RMI Government's medical insurance scheme

How to apply

Submit the following electronically to the Contracts Management Officer at contracts@pihoa.org:

1. Letter of Interest that outlines your overall qualifications and professional experience in response to the Primary Qualifications listed above;
2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume; and
3. A minimum of three (3) professional references—these references must be from current and past employment supervisors based on the last five years of employment.