EOC Epidemiologist

Project Overview

The Pandemic Fund South Africa Project supports the strengthening of national systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Through investments in surveillance and human resources for health, the project aims to enhance early warning systems, improve disease detection and reporting, and build capacity for coordinated emergency response. Implemented in collaboration with the National Department of Health, Jhpiego, and other key stakeholders, the project contributes to building a resilient health system aligned with South Africa’s National Action Plan for Health Security.

Role Overview

Jhpiego is seeking a skilled and motivated Epidemiologist: Public Health Emergency Operations Centres to be seconded to the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) at the National Department of Health (NDoH).
The EOC Epidemiologist will play a key role in strengthening the operational readiness and epidemiological functions of the national PHEOC, supporting event detection, conducting rapid risk assessments, producing situation reports, and leading epidemiological analysis during public health emergencies. The incumbent will also provide technical assistance to support operationalizing and strengthening provincial-level Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) across South Africa, building decentralized response capacity. The EOC Epidemiologist will work closely with surveillance, laboratory, and emergency response teams and will provide regular technical updates and reports to the Office of the General (DDG) responsible for Public Health Emergency Management at NDoH. This role requires strong expertise in epidemiology, public health emergency management, outbreak investigation, and risk assessment, focusing on national and sub-national emergency coordination.

This position is supported through a donor-funded project with an anticipated implementation period of three years. The successful candidate will be appointed on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract, which may be renewed or extended subject to funding availability, operational requirements of the organisation, and/or satisfactory performance. 

• Support the operationalization and day-to-day functioning of the national Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC).
• Monitor and analyze incoming surveillance and event-based data to identify potential public health threats.
• Conduct rapid risk assessments of public health events to inform decision-making and activation of emergency responses.
• Support the production of situation reports (SitReps), risk assessments, epidemiological bulletins, and other information products during emergencies.
• Participate in incident management system (IMS) structures, providing epidemiological expertise during emergency activations.
• Lead epidemiological analysis of outbreak data, including descriptive and analytical studies, to guide public health response measures.
• Collaborate with surveillance units, laboratories, and clinical teams to triangulate data sources and validate public health intelligence.
• Support the maintenance and updating of event management tools and systems (e.g., EBS databases, EMS platforms).
• Participate in after-action reviews (AARs) and post-event evaluations to improve future emergency responses.
• Assist in training and mentoring national and sub-national staff on EOC operations, risk assessment methodologies, and data management.
• Provide epidemiological support for simulation exercises, drills, and table-top exercises conducted by the EOC.
• Ensure timely documentation, archiving, and dissemination of all epidemiological reports, datasets, and emergency response documents.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives within the PHEOC.
• Support the operationalization and strengthening of provincial-level Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs).
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

• Postgraduate degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field and 6 to 7 years of progressively responsible and directly relevant experience required
• Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in epidemiology, outbreak investigation, or public health emergency management.
• Proven experience in supporting Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) or Incident Management Systems (IMS).
• Strong epidemiological analysis, surveillance, and risk assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality situation reports, risk assessments, and public health intelligence products.
• Familiarity with International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and emergency preparedness frameworks.
• Proficiency in using epidemiological software tools (e.g., Epi Info, R, SPSS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work under pressure during public health emergencies.
• Valid driver's license.

• Experience working with donor-funded organizations (e.g., USAID, WHO, CDC).
• Field experience in outbreak investigation and emergency response operations.
• Knowledge of the South African public health landscape, emergency protocols, and surveillance systems.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Project management and coordination
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Stakeholder management and partnership development
• Risk management and emergency response planning
• Communication and negotiation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability and resilience
• Integrity and professional ethics

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.

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