Assistant Surveillance Officer

Opening date: 05/04/2013
Vacancy No: K31/04/2013

Program description: This program is a collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention whose remit is to conduct research in malaria, HIV and other diseases. Due to its continued growth, the program has a vacancy in the Global Disease Detection Division within the Influenza Program.

POSITION: Assistant Surveillance Officer (3 positions) MR 7
LOCATION: Nyeri, Nakuru and Coast Provincial General Hospitals.
REPORTING TO: Deputy Branch Chief, Influenza Program

Essential Qualifications: Diploma in Nursing or Clinical Medicine from a recognized institution. Fluency in English and Kiswahili (written and oral). Must have evidence of involvement in community health work. Must be registered by the authorizing board (Nursing council or clinical officers council of Kenya) 1 year Experience Providing clinical services in Government or Mission health institution
Desirable Qualities: Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Excellent social, communication and listening skills, open-minded personality. Non-judgmental and able to create rapport with people. Ability to work independently as well as an active member of a team. Experience in providing health education in health facilities

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Work closely with the hospital’s triage area to review the chief complaint of all presenting patients.
2. Determine whether any of the presenting patients fit the case definitions for surveillance.
3. If the case definitions are met, complete the data collection form, and collect nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs from the patient.
4. Ensure that supplies are sufficient, and re-order as necessary.
5. Work closely with the national surveillance coordinator who will oversee activities at the sentinel sites.
6. Work closely with the hospital disease surveillance and infection control teams to detect and prevent/contain any outbreak
7. Coordinate implementation of sub-studies as planned by the influenza program
8. Work closely with the Ministry of Health to sensitize and coordinate IDSR disease surveillance activities at the hospital
9. Assist in monitoring and evaluation activities to document activities and provide quality assurance to improve program service delivery

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Contract for 1 year renewable as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.

Applications MUSTinclude the following: Letter of Application (Indicate vacancy number) Current Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses Copies of Certificates Day time contact telephone number
Note: Applications must include copies of certificates, Diplomas and Transcripts. Applications without this will be disregarded.

Applications are due no later than: date: 17 April 2013 TO: Human Resource Manager, KEMRI/CDC Program, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu. Or email to recruitment@kemricdc.org or log into our web www.jobs.cdckemri.org

Internal candidates interested in applying for this position are strongly advised to access an internal candidate application form available in the CDC Intranet; print and process it through the Project Managers and attach it before forwarding application to HR.

THE KEMRI/CDC PROGRAM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF ITS RECRUITMENT PROCESS INCLUDING, APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING AND PROCESSING OF OFFER LETTER.IF ASKED FOR A FEE, REPORT SUCH A REQUEST IMMEDIATEY TO: 0701112145
Only short listed candidates will be contacted