Technical coordinator - Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR)

The Technical Coordinator will play a pivotal role in disease outbreak response and institutionalizing integrated surveillance systems and response mechanisms within the country at various levels of DoH. This includes supporting the collection, collation, reporting, analysis, and interpretation of  surveillance data to facilitate the timely detection, identification, and response to priority events and conditions . The role also involves the development and implementation of surveillance and epidemiology strategies, monitoring disease outbreaks, and strengthening surveillance initiatives for both communicable and non-communicable diseases in the country. Additionally, the Technical  coordinator will ensure effective communication of data, support field operations, and support capacity-building efforts. Furthermore, the IDSR Technical coordinator will report to the Senior Technical Advisor will be seconded to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Directorate at the National Department of Health.

• Support the development and standardization of integrated surveillance systems including surveillance data collection tools to ensure comprehensive data collection, collation, reporting, analysis, and interpretation.
• Participate in the improvement of quality of surveillance data reported across the health system
• Support the development and maintenance of surveillance systems by  ensuring timely detection and identification of disease outbreaks and progression within the country.
• Conduct epidemiological analysis to predict and forecast the potential future health crisis or events
• Support One Health approach on surveillance to strengthen pandemic, prevention, preparedness and response
• Support with the building and design of the systems for emerging and re-emerging conditions
• Support the development and implement a robust surveillance and epidemiology plan tailored for the health sector.
• Support the development of policies and guidelines that align with international standards for disease surveillance and response.
• Continuously monitor disease outbreaks and enhance surveillance initiatives for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Analyze health data to identify trends and emerging public health threats, providing insights for proactive management. Effectively communicate data related to disease profiles, health threats.
• Support the development and dissemination of reports and best practice guidelines to inform public health strategies and policies across the country.
• Conduct regular field visits to provinces and districts to ensure the full implementation of the IDSR Strategic Plan.
• Provide technical support and guidance to local health authorities during field visits.
• Support the cascading of training programs on IDSR core functions for health professionals at provincial and district levels.
• Participate in the capacity building of front-line and intermediate epidemiology courses to enhance local expertise in disease surveillance.
• Develop the IDSR implementation plan and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework to track progress and outcomes.
• Regularly review and update the implementation plan and M&E framework based on feedback and evolving needs.
• Support the implementation of event-based and community-based surveillance systems to improve early detection of health threats. This includes providing EBS technical assistance to the Ndoh’s Emergency Operations Centre.
• Play part in the implementation of the public health intelligence in the country
• Support the strengthening of pandemic preparedness and response by ensuring the implementation of IHR (2005) core capacities that relate to surveillance (i.e. surveillance, reporting and response)
• Any other relevant task as delegated by your supervisor.

• Post graduate qualification in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics or a related field.
• A clinical background and experience in case management
• At least 5 year’s experience in working with the health sector in disease surveillance or epidemiology or health systems strengthening in South Africa5 years experience in project management, and  at least 2 years working either provincial or national levels
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proven ability to deliver training programs.
• Excellent communication, report writing skills and a demonstrable track record in publishing research
• Ability to conduct fieldwork and travel as needed.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Leadership and coordination skills.
• interpersonal skills