Field Epidemiologist: Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)new

Overview

The Epidemiologist will provide epidemiological expertise and technical support to training and service activities undertaken by the South Africa Field Epidemiology Training Programme (SAFETP), across Frontline, Intermediate and Advanced tiers. This includes  supporting the strengthening of public health surveillance systems, the investigation and response to public health emergencies, the analysis and use of data for public health decision making, as well as the scientific communication of data to stakeholders. The role will apply specialised epidemiological knowledge and professional judgement to provide technical guidance and mentorship, review and assess the quality of epidemiological and field-based training outputs, and contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations and technical resources that strengthen program effectiveness and public health practice. The incumbent will further support the planning and facilitation of training activities, development and review of scientific reports, and preparation of technical and progress reports.

 

The Field Epidemiologist: Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Position is a full-time fixed-term role ending on 29 September 2027. Any contract renewal will be subject to funding availability and the ongoing needs of the organisation. The position will be seconded to the NICD Office in Sandringham, Johannesburg.   

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input into the planning and delivery of FETP curricula across tiers, ensuring that training activities are informed by epidemiological principles, program objectives and identified public health workforce development needs.
  • Participate in the process of recruitment and selection of participants for FETP trainees.  
  • Schedule and facilitate didactic FETP workshops. Recruit, orient, support and monitor FETP, ensuring they understand and fulfil their roles, responsibilities, and programme expectations.Monitor and evaluate the delivery of classroom training workshops, and assess the technical quality of field-based training outputs, including epidemiological investigations and surveillance data analyses reports, scientific communication outputs, Portfolios of Evidence (PoE) and any training deliverables. and recommend improvements to strengthen learning outcomes and program effectiveness.
  • Schedule field interval check-in meetings, collate mentor-mentee reports, and guide outbreak or case investigations and other field-related activities.  
  • Prepare training reports and disseminate to relevant stakeholders. 
  • Contribute to the development, technical review and adaptation of epidemiological training materials, guidelines, standard operating procedures and other technical resources to support evidence-based public health practice.
• Maintain an updated databases for FETP trainees and graduates
  • Compile trainees’ biographies, PoE, Pre-& Post-tests, Exercises, workshop evaluations, etc. 
  • Provide technical guidance, training and mentorship FETP participants, and participate in teaching and training activities within and outside the FETP.
  • Participate in internal and external training of FETP participants, health officials, surveillance staff, response teams, etc . 
  • Provide technical mentorship and supervision to assigned FETP trainees and public health professionals, including reviewing field investigation protocols, epidemiological analyses, technical reports and other scientific outputs, and providing recommendations to strengthen their technical quality.
• Provide technical guidance and support to FETP trainees and relevant public health professionals in the application of epidemiological methods to disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, data analysis and evidence-informed public health decision-making.
• Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of scientific and technical outputs, including epidemiological reports, presentations, conference abstracts and other relevant publications, and participate in technical engagements with public health stakeholders as needed.
• Support with other administrative tasks/duties as needed. 

Required Qualifications

• Postgraduate Degree, preferably a Master’s Degree in public health or a related Field majoring in Epidemiology through the South African Field Epidemiology Training Programme (SAFETP), with a minimum of 3+ years of progressive work in epidemiology OR Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of progressively responsible and directly relevant experience.
• Graduate of the SAFETP or equivalent Field Epidemiology Programme preferred.  
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience working in the health system as well as disease surveillance.  
• Strong experience in curriculum adaptation, training, and mentorship systems.  
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience across One Health sectors (Also known as multidisciplinary). 
• Strong coordination, stakeholder engagement, and technical writing skills. 
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines. 
• Prior experience in contributing to the FETP workforce advancement. 
• Strong scientific writing skills and research methodology. 
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. 
• Ability to travel up to 50% to fulfil the project’s mandate. 
• Valid driver’s license [Code 10]. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NDoH and/or NICD, and other partners. 
• Be a South African Citizen or hold a permanent resident permit. 
• Familiarity working with donor projects, regulations, compliance, and reporting, primarily U.S. agencies. 
• Familiarity with USG: USG or CDC project reporting, compliance, and operational procedures. 
• Previous work with Jhpiego or similar global health organizations. 

Core Competencies 

• Program management and coordination 
• Epidemiology and Surveillance, and outbreak response expertise 
• Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy 
• Technical writing and reporting 
• Adaptability, resilience, and innovation mindset 

 

 

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.

 

RECRUITMENT SCAMS AND FRAUD WARNING

Jhpiego has become aware of scams involving false job offers. Please be advised:

Recruiters will never ask for a fee during any stage of the recruitment process.

All active jobs are advertised directly on our careers page.

Official Jhpiego emails will always arrive from a @Jhpiego.org email address.

Please report any suspicious communications to Info@jhpiego.org