About US Embassy:
The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Deborah R. Malac currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.
Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:
· United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
· Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
· Peace Corps
Job Summary: The Epidemiologist provides support to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), contributing technical advice and guidance in the planning, implementation and monitoring of HIV/AIDS epidemiologic studies, implementation science and targeted evaluation projects in Uganda. The jobholder serves as CDC technical and scientific advisor to the Ugandan Government, providing leadership, technical guidance and scientific quality enhancement for CDC-supported HIV/AIDS epidemiologic, surveillance and related research operational studies in Uganda. The incumbent assists in developing research study protocols, provides guidance in implementation of studies, monitors progress of research projects and provides oversight and technical assistance in analyzing study results. The individual serves as a primary contributor to the planning, development, and review of implementation science components of the annual Country Operational Plan (COP) for Uganda. The incumbent ensures collaboration among PEPFAR Uganda partners involved in HIV/AIDS implementation science projects and activities and takes the lead in promoting use of internationally recognized best practices in support of research components of PEPFAR sponsored programs in Uganda. The incumbent further identifies training needs, coordinates training and conducts formal training sessions for partners involved in implementation science studies.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
As a recognized expert in the epidemiology of HIV infection, the incumbent provides scientific and technical advice and consultation in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV epidemiologic studies, implementation science studies and targeted evaluations (40%)
The incumbent collaborates with other PEPFAR agencies and assists the Ugandan government and implementing partners in the development of research protocols, implementing studies, and evaluating the impact of study findings.
The incumbent represents CDC to the Ugandan government on HIV implementation science issues and serves as a CDC representative on USG technical working groups including sometimes chairing the working group. In collaboration with other USG partners, compiles and edits implementation science activities for the COP.
Actively participates in reviews of the plan and recommends revisions as needed. Ensures that proposed activities are within the scope of the PEPFAR Strategy and provides technical assistance to ensure that the partner will reach overall goals and objectives of PEPFAR.
The incumbent conducts site assessments of progress in implementing CDC HIV implementation science projects carried out by implementing partners of the USG (25%)
Provides guidance and technical assistance to partner staff leading research projects and implementing staff to enhance staff skills and maintain quality standards for research studies and projects.
Regularly monitors and evaluates progress of projects, identifying scientific, personnel, logistical, and financial problems and makes revisions or takes remedial action as necessary to overcome obstacles and constraints to progress.
Identifies training needs, coordinates training and conducts formal training sessions and workshops for implementing partner staff participating in epidemiologic studies and implementation science projects.
Leads meetings and roundtable discussions related to epidemiologic studies and implementation science projects.
The incumbent conceives and develops research evaluation strategies and methodologies. (25%)
Provides assistance to Informatics staff in developing appropriate data management systems to capture research data and findings and provides assistance to the implementing partners in analyzing and interpreting data and measuring the impact of research findings and results. Oversees the management of multiple large research data files, including ensuring the confidentiality of data maintained in the files.
Prepares regular and frequent oral and written reports to the CDC DGHT Country Director and Strategic Information Branch Chief, and the USG PEPFAR interagency management team on the progress of PEPFAR HIV/AIDS implementation science projects.
Writes reports on research results and findings for presentation at national and international conferences and meetings.
Supports the Ugandan government and partners and other donors with the planning and coordination of national and regional conferences, meetings, and workshops on HIV implementation science projects. Responds to requests from NGOs, health care organizations, and medical professionals for information and technical assistance on HIV implementation science projects and issues.
The incumbent prepares advanced statistical reports, graphs, charts, tables and narrative material to be used in publishing the results of studies and in giving oral presentations (1o%)
Independently defines input and output requirements, editing procedures and maintenance routines to insure data quality.
Critiques/reviews scientific reports, papers, and presentations for the purpose of improving their quality as related to their statistical and epidemiologic content.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.
The applicants for the United US Embassy Epidemiologist career opportunity should a master’s level degree in epidemiology, public health, medicine, behavioral or social science, statistics, health science, or strongly related discipline from accredited university.
At least five years of progressively responsible work experience in epidemiology and/or public health programs, including a minimum of three years experience in HIV/AIDS which includes analysis of epidemiologic data and/or research studies.
Past experience will demonstrate the incumbent’s ability to consult and collaborate effectively with all levels both within and outside the agency.
Requires knowledge of the capabilities of SAS, EPIINFO, STATA or spreadsheet and database software
The incumbent serves as a recognized regional expert on the epidemiology of HIV infection with a comprehensive knowledge of the methods, principles and techniques used in developing, implementing and analyzing results of epidemiological studies and projects.
The job holder must have a detailed and broad knowledge of the host country operational environment, including a working knowledge of the structure and operations of the MOH, the environment for health care delivery at the national, and district level in Uganda.
Skill in providing technical expertise and guidance in the development, implementation and evaluation of epidemiological studies and projects and the analysis of epidemiologic data and data collected from program results and implementation science studies.
Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with national and international working partners.
The incumbent will be expected to exercise considerable ingenuity in applying guidelines to unique and different settings. As a representative for CDC DGHT Uganda, the incumbent will also be expected to exercise considerable innovation during his/her attempts to influence other collaborative organizations engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs to adopt appropriate strategies for conducting epidemiological projects and studies.
The incumbent must have computer skills and the ability to use office software packages, including word processing, spreadsheets, and basic statistical software packages.
Language Proficiency: Level IV English (fluency in both written and oral) is required. Incumbent must be able to compose complex and highly complex written documents.
How to Apply:
All those interested in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their applications and strictly adhere to the following:
· Download a completed and signed Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff, Download it Here.
· Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. transcripts, degrees, etc.)
Submit Application To:
Human Resources Office
By email at KampalaHR@state.gov
NB: Your application will be reviewed if you have fulfilled all the requirements including submission of standard file types such as Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) in a single attachment (No Zipped files, Links or Multiple Attachments) and should not exceed 10MB. Please clearly indicate the position number and title you are applying for on the DS-174 form.
Deadline: 7th October 2016
The US Mission in Kampala provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.