Epidemiologist – GUARD at International Medical Corps: Health and Humanitarian Opportunity | Apply by 30 September 2026
International Medical Corps is seeking an experienced Epidemiologist to support the GUARD project and strengthen infectious disease surveillance, outbreak detection and emergency response capacities across selected priority countries. The role is designed for a senior epidemiology professional with experience working in humanitarian, emergency or development settings.
The Epidemiologist will provide technical expertise in infectious disease surveillance, high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) readiness, outbreak investigation, screening and triage, safe isolation, referral systems and protection of frontline healthcare workers. The position also involves training, mentoring and technical support for national and subnational health teams.
The vacancy was posted on 16 September 2026, with an application deadline of 30 September 2026.
Epidemiologist – GUARD Role Overview
Working under the Technical Director, the Epidemiologist will help design, adapt and deliver technical tools, training programmes, mentoring approaches and supportive supervision activities. The successful candidate will work with country teams, government counterparts and consortium partners to strengthen outbreak preparedness and support rapid, evidence-based action.
A key focus is the 24–72-hour response window, helping health systems identify potential outbreaks quickly and coordinate appropriate containment measures.
Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Detection
The Epidemiologist will support the strengthening of infectious disease surveillance systems, including event-based, indicator-based and community-based surveillance within existing national systems.
Responsibilities include updating case definitions, reporting forms and data-flow mechanisms to improve the speed and accuracy of information sharing. The role will also support screening and triage protocols in health facilities, points of entry and communities.
The successful candidate will analyse surveillance data to identify signals, anomalies and potential outbreaks. They will also map transmission dynamics, identify hotspots and prepare epidemiological intelligence briefs to support response prioritisation and resource allocation.
Outbreak Investigation and Response
The position will contribute to rapid outbreak investigations, including case finding, contact tracing, line listing and descriptive epidemiological analysis.
The Epidemiologist may conduct epidemiological assessments and situation analyses during alert and response phases to understand outbreak magnitude, risk factors and transmission patterns. They will also support active case finding and enhanced surveillance in high-risk settings.
Another important responsibility is providing epidemiological guidance on safe isolation, referral pathways and patient flow. This includes supporting isolation centres and treatment facilities with advice on layout, cohorting and risk stratification.
Epidemiological Data Management
Strong data analysis skills are central to this opportunity. The Epidemiologist will manage, clean and analyse epidemiological datasets using tools such as R, STATA, SPSS and Epi Info.
The role includes producing epidemiological curves, risk maps, attack rates, case fatality rates and other indicators used to monitor outbreaks and assess interventions.
The successful candidate will also develop databases and dashboards for real-time surveillance monitoring while ensuring data quality, integrity and confidentiality. Complex findings must be translated into clear recommendations for programme teams, government partners and donors.
HCID Readiness and Healthcare Worker Protection
The Epidemiologist will assess and strengthen national and subnational preparedness for high-consequence infectious diseases. This includes identifying surveillance gaps, evaluating alert triggers and updating readiness protocols.
The role also focuses on protecting healthcare workers through exposure risk assessments and occupational health surveillance. The Epidemiologist will analyse healthcare worker infection rates and other IPC indicators to identify trends and possible transmission risks.
Collaboration with clinical, logistics and WASH teams will be important to ensure epidemiological evidence informs facility design, infection prevention measures and operational planning.
Training and Capacity Building
The successful candidate will design, adapt, deliver and evaluate training on surveillance, outbreak investigation, data management and emergency response.
They will adapt epidemiological and IPC tools, job aids and standard operating procedures to local languages, health systems and operating environments. Remote and in-person mentoring will be provided to Ministry of Health staff, surveillance officers and healthcare facility teams.
The role may also support cascade training and competency assessments to strengthen long-term knowledge and capacity.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics or a related health sciences field. A medical degree with postgraduate epidemiology training is highly desirable, while specialised field epidemiology training such as FETP or FELTP is also relevant.
The position requires at least seven years of progressive experience in epidemiology, infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response in humanitarian, emergency or development contexts.
Candidates should have experience designing surveillance systems, investigating outbreaks and producing epidemiological analyses for high-consequence infectious diseases. Experience providing training, mentoring and supportive supervision in low-resource or conflict-affected settings is also required.
Applicants should be proficient in statistical analysis and familiar with surveillance platforms such as DHIS2 and ODK. Strong English communication skills are required, while French, Spanish, Arabic or Portuguese is an asset.
Travel and Working Conditions
This position requires up to 40% international travel to selected priority countries, potentially on short notice during emerging outbreaks. Assignments may involve remote, insecure or austere environments with limited infrastructure.
Candidates must be prepared to work extended hours during emergency responses and adapt to changing security and operational conditions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the organisation’s online recruitment system:
Apply for Epidemiologist – GUARD
Job Title: Epidemiologist – GUARD
Organisation: International Medical Corps
Job Type: Full-time humanitarian health role
Experience: Minimum 7 years
Education: Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics or related field
Travel: Up to 40% international travel
Posted: 16 September 2026
Deadline: 30 September 2026
This opportunity is suited to experienced epidemiologists who can combine technical analysis, outbreak response, surveillance strengthening, training and collaboration with health authorities and humanitarian partners.
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