Background:
TEPHINET Background: Training Programs in Epidemiology & Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) is a global network of field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) founded in June 1997 with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Foundation Merieux. With a secretariat based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, TEPHINET is the only global network of field epidemiology training programs, spanning multiple regional networks, sub-regional programs, and national programs around the world. Overall, TEPHINET comprises 71 programs in more than 100 countries. Currently, there are more than 12,000 FETP graduates around the world. For more information, visit TEPHINET’s website: https://www.tephinet.org
CDC is a core technical partner of the GPEI along with WHO, UNICEF, BMGF, and Rotary International. In Afghanistan the NEOC serves as the coordinating body for polio eradication activities. Along with representatives of the Government of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the core GPEI technical partners form the Strategic Working Group (SWG) which serves as the Unified Management Body of the NEOC and coordinates to oversee all polio program activities in Afghanistan. CDC does not have an office in Afghanistan, but instead maintains a team of eight national consultants in country, two at the NEOC and six others throughout the polio priority districts in the country (Helmand, Kandahar, Paktika, Nangarhar/Laghman, Kunar/Nuristan, and Balkh/Kunduz). The incumbent will collaborate with the two national CDC polio consultants and other CDC staff on TDY or assigned to Afghanistan permanently to provide technical support to the NEOC on polio activities.
Specific Duties:**
- Provide technical assistance to GPEI and Government of Afghanistan on the implementation of the National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) which serves as the principle document guiding polio eradication activities in Afghanistan.
- Support Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) and environmental surveillance activities in Afghanistan, including analysis and reporting of key surveillance indicators.
- Coordinate and with CDC’s national senior polio consultants, [SK2] on CDC input and support to the polio program.
- Coordinate with CDC staff in country based at the US Embassy compound on EMRO team and EOC activities.
- Serve as liaison between CDC consultants who support the MoPH and the GPEI UN partners (WHO, UNICEF).
- Represent CDC along with the CDC’s national senior polio consultant at polio donor meetings.
- Maintain awareness of USAID polio and RI activities in country. Liaise with the in-country USAID Health Team on USG polio activities to support a harmonized approach.
- Maintain awareness of programmatic issues related to polio eradication in the country and advise the CDC EMRO team on technical issues and areas for advocacy and strategic engagement in Afghanistan.
- Assist with oversight and implementation of CDC led activities including polio and RI technical and research projects in country with GPEI partners and EMPHNET/GHD.
- Design, implement, and analyze evaluations of supplemental immunization campaigns, routine immunization, and other interventions to increase the uptake of immunization services as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years in international public health including significant time working for or collaborating with the US government, United Nations agencies, and GPEI partners (CDC, WHO, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International)
- Technical expertise on vaccine preventable diseases, especially polio
- Experience working on routine immunization and systems strengthening in the Middle East
- Advanced public health degree, MD or PhD in epidemiology or equivalent preferred
- Demonstrated skills in diplomacy for engagement with multiple international partners and Ministries of Health to solve complex health issues
- Experience working in security challenged contexts
TRAVEL: Temporary duty travel(TDY) or assigned to Afghanistan permanently to provide technical support to the NEOC on polio activities.
How to apply:
For any clarification related to this position, please contact Lisandro Torre, at ltorre@taskforce.org
How to apply
Submit application materials and/or any questions you may have to Lisandro Torre, Project Manager, at ltorre@taskforce.org
What to submit
- Background/qualifications (CV, organizational profile; relevant portfolio samples)
- Cover Letter including summary of work experience
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until appropriate consultant is hired.