Technical Director, Epidemiology

OVERVIEW:

The incumbent is required to coordinate operations and activities of all Sub- Units within the Epidemiology Division, Ministry of Health. Determine policies and formulates plans for the execution of the epidemiologic surveillance and activities both at the level of the Epidemiology Division, Ministry of Health and at the level of the health care facilities which generate and collect health data. Provide information on trends in disease and provide technical advice on the epidemiologic matters to the Chief Medical Officer and other policy/decision makers for disease prevention, impact mitigation.

REPORTS TO:

• Chief Medical Officer

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO:

• Bio-Statistical Officer
• Non-Medical Epidemiologist
• Senior Clinical Auditor
• Specialist Health Information Systems
• Country Health Visitor
• Clerk IV

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, directs and coordinates the activities of the Epidemiology Division.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of policies and systems for sound epidemiological practices.
• Devises, develops and implements plans to improve national surveillance systems for both Communicable and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.
• Establishes and maintains effective linkages between the Trinidad Public Health Laboratory and the Epidemiology Unit.
• Plans and directs the development of appropriate information systems for efficient surveillance.
• Establishes systems and strategies to promote the interchange of technical information on diseases between key stakeholders.
• Advises on streamlining data collection processes at health centers, hospitals, and vertical health programmes.
• Facilitates periodic reviews of data collection and collation activities.
• Communicates with County Medical Officers of Health and Regional Health Authority Epidemiologists on observed disease trends.
• Provides timely support and facilitates outbreak investigation and control activities during disease outbreaks.
• Coordinates outbreak investigation activities between multiple counties.
• Plans and organizes training programmes for health personnel.
• Provides technical assistance in public health, programme monitoring and evaluation.
• Coordinates the Division's work with other Health Sector Units and programmes (e.g., National TB, HIV, STI, Vector Control, Chronic Disease programmes).
• Supervises staff, evaluates performance, and implements staff development programmes.
• Coordinates and supervises the production and dissemination of technical health trend bulletins.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of public health issues, epidemiological theory, principles, practices, surveillance techniques, systems, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of scientific procedures for disease prevention and control.
• Broad knowledge of management principles, practices, planning, and budgeting.
• Clear understanding of Ministry of Health policies/procedures and Public Health Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent managerial, interpersonal, oral, written, and proposal development skills.
• Good leadership and analytical skills.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with word processing, database management, and statistical software.
• Ability to recognize the larger organizational context, translate decisions into action, engender teamwork, and adapt to a changing environment.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• A Medical Degree from an accredited University.
• A Masters Degree in Epidemiology or Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience in the design, implementation and management of surveillance systems, including outbreak identification, response, and epidemiologic analysis.
• Qualification in Project Management would be an asset.