The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Cooperative Agreement supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims at supporting the strengthening of the Institute’s capacity to provide Leadership to the Nation on Health Security through its mandate. ZNPHI seeks to recruit suitably qualified and experienced persons to be appointed in the underlisted positions under this project:
1. Job Title: Epidemiologist-Mortality Surveillance Sample Registration System
Reports to: Mortality Surveillance Coordinator
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute
Job Purpose
To effectively oversee the implementation of the SRS protocols and ensuring regulatory approvals and developing data collection tools for accurate data gathering, while also conducting statistical analysis to identify mortality trends and risk factors.Additionally,the Epidemiologist will provide training on epidemiological principles, lead data management procedures, implement quality control measures, and ensure ethical compliance in surveillance activities, while also developing monitoring and evaluation plans to assess the system’s effectiveness and impact.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities
- Ensure that the protocol obtains all regulatory and statutory approvals before its implementation
- Oversee the development of data collection tools and protocols to ensure accurate and reliable data collection
- Develop data management procedures to ensure the secure storage and analysis of surveillance data.
- Conduct statistical analysis of mortality data to identify trends, patterns, and risk factors.
- Train provincial staff, mortality surveillance officers, and other team members on epidemiological principles, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations.
- Build the capacity of provincial SRS staff in epidemiological methods and surveillance techniques.
- Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data collected during surveillance activities.
- Conduct regular data quality assessments and provide feedback for improvement.
- Ensure that all surveillance activities adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations for the protection of human subjects.
- Review and approve informed consent procedures and data handling protocols.
- Develop monitoring and evaluation plans to assess the effectiveness and impact of the surveillance system.
- Monitor data collection processes, data quality, and adherence to protocol throughout the project.
- Prepare regular reports on surveillance activities, data analysis, and key findings for stakeholders and funding agencies.
- Disseminate surveillance findings to relevant audiences, including policymakers, public health professionals, and the scientific community.
- Collaborate with other team members, partner organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the success of the surveillance system.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external partners to coordinate activities and share information.
- Ensure that all epidemiological activities are conducted according to the project timeline.
- Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed to meet project milestones
- Regulatory and Institutional approvals obtained for the finalized and approved SRS protocol detailing the methodology, data collection procedures, and analysis plan.
- Data Collection Tools:
- Validated data collection tools, including verbal autopsy questionnaires and other instruments for capturing mortality data.
- Comprehensive data management plan ensuring secure storage, quality control, and analysis of surveillance data.
- Training materials for field staff, data collectors, and other team members on epidemiological principles and data collection techniques.
- Implemented quality assurance procedures to monitor and improve the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
- Ethical approval documentation ensuring that all surveillance activities adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations.
- Monitoring and evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness and impact of the surveillance system throughout the project.
- Regular data analysis reports identifying trends, patterns, and risk factors related to mortality in the surveillance population.
- Quarterly progress reports on surveillance activities, data quality, and key findings for stakeholders and funding agencies.
- Dissemination materials for sharing surveillance findings with policymakers, public health professionals, and the scientific community.
- Timely completion of all epidemiological activities according to the project timeline to meet project milestones.
Qualifications & Experience
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with minimum five O level credits including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Public health or related field
- Master of Science in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in epidemiological research, mortality data analysis, and mortality surveillance systems.
- Minimum of five(5) years of work experience in a similar or related role
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of mortality data sources, mortality data collection methodologies, and mortality data quality assessment techniques.
- Working knowledge of either R statistical software or STATA.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
- Experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders.
- Understanding of data privacy and ethical considerations in epidemiological research.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks within specified timelines.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in data analysis and reporting.
Desired Skills
- Excellent field onsite training skills at both national and sub-national levels
- Ability to read, understand, retain and transmit information about public health emergencies
- Ability to capacity build others in risk communication and community engagement in public health events
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Competent at Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
2. Job Title: Mortality Surveillance Officer (04)
Reports to: Regional Data Manager
Location: Zambia National Public Health Institute
Job Purpose
Effectively conduct verbal autopsy interviews on deceased individuals within specified districts, collaborating closely with local health authorities, community leaders, and bereaved families to collect comprehensive data on the circumstances and causes of death through structured interviews and medical history reviews. The Mortality Surveillance Officer will also ensure accurate and detailed information is gathered to contribute to the understanding of mortality patterns and inform public health interventions in the province.
Responsibilities/Principal Accountabilities
- Conduct verbal autopsy interviews on deaths occurring within selected districts in the province.
- Coordinate with local health authorities, community leaders, and bereaved families to gather detailed information about the circumstances and causes of death through structured interviews and medical history reviews.
- Conduct social autopsy interviews on a subset of deaths occurring within selected districts in the province.
- Coordinate with local health authorities, community leaders, and bereaved families to gather detailed information about the social determinants and contextual factors surrounding a representative sample of stillbirths, neonatal, under-five and maternal deaths.
- Collect and record mortality data accurately and efficiently using standardized data collection tools and protocols.
- Ensure the completeness and quality of data collected during verbal social autopsy interviews.
- Assist in data analysis by providing accurate and detailed information from verbal and social autopsy interviews and other sources.
- Collaborate with the Provincial Epidemiologist and Regional Data Manager to ensure data integrity and reliability.
- Engage with the community to educate and inform them about the project’s goals and activities.
- Address community concerns, encourage participation in data collection, and promote awareness of the importance of mortality surveillance.
- Prepare regular reports on mortality data collected, including key findings, trends, and patterns.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting of mortality data at the provincial levels.
- Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data collected during surveillance activities.
- Participate in data quality assessments and provide feedback for improvement.
- Adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations for the protection of human subjects during data collection and reporting.
- Ensure informed consent procedures are followed during verbal autopsy interviews.
- Provide training and support to Community Surveillance Assistants and other field staff involved in mortality surveillance activities.
- Build the capacity of local staff in conducting verbal autopsy interviews and data collection techniques.
- Collaborate with team members, local health authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure the success of mortality surveillance activities.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external partners to coordinate activities and share information.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Full Grade 12 School Certificate with five O level credits including English and Mathematics
- Bachelor of Public Health or any related field
- At least three (3) years’ experience in mortality surveillance, public health or related field
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of mortality data sources, mortality data collection methodologies, and mortality data quality assessment techniques.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex social environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
All interested persons meeting the above qualifications and experience should send their written applications to the undersigned with verified copies of academic and professional qualifications, detailed Curriculum Vitae and three references including their contact numbers.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 16th October, 2024. All applications must be clearly marked on the envelope indicating the position one is applying for. Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Interested candidates should address their application letters to:
Director General
Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI)
Stand 1186, Corner Addis Ababa Drive & Chaholi Road,
LUSAKA
