Chief Epidemiologist Job Vacancy in Sunyani, Ghana – Public Health
Job Description
Position: Chief Epidemiologist
Company: World Health Organization (WHO)
Location: Sunyani, Ghana
Experience: 12+ years
Education: PhD in Epidemiology or Public Health
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Public Health
Department: Disease Surveillance and Response
Vacancies: 1
Company Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. As a global leader in health governance, the WHO works tirelessly to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. In Ghana, the organization collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health to strengthen health systems, combat infectious diseases, and implement comprehensive wellness programs. Our mission is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. By leveraging scientific evidence and global partnerships, we address critical health challenges ranging from pandemic preparedness to the eradication of endemic diseases. For those seeking meaningful Career Opportunities in Ghana, the WHO provides a platform to impact millions of lives through rigorous research, policy development, and field-based interventions. We are committed to excellence, neutrality, and the pursuit of health equity across all regions of the country.
Job Overview
The Chief Epidemiologist will lead the strategic design and implementation of disease surveillance systems within the Sunyani region. This high-level leadership role is critical for the early detection of outbreaks and the management of public health emergencies. The successful candidate will oversee a multidisciplinary team of researchers and field officers to analyze health trends and provide data-driven recommendations to government stakeholders. This Job Vacancy in Ghana represents a pivotal opportunity for a seasoned expert to shape the epidemiological landscape of the region. You will be responsible for integrating advanced statistical modeling with community-based health data to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases.
The role requires a sophisticated understanding of both global health protocols and local socio-economic factors that influence health outcomes. By leading the surveillance efforts, you will ensure that Ghana remains resilient against emerging biological threats while improving the overall quality of life for the population through evidence-based health policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and oversee comprehensive epidemiological surveillance frameworks to monitor infectious and non-communicable diseases.
- Lead rapid response teams during public health emergencies to contain outbreaks and minimize morbidity and mortality.
- Analyze complex health datasets to identify patterns, trends, and risk factors within the regional population.
- Collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop national guidelines for disease reporting and response.
- Publish high-impact research papers and technical reports based on field findings to inform global health strategies.
- Manage the regional budget for disease surveillance and ensure the efficient allocation of medical resources.
- Mentor and train junior epidemiologists and health officers in advanced data collection and analysis techniques.
Required Skills
- Expertise in advanced statistical software such as R, SAS, or Stata for epidemiological modeling.
- Proven ability to lead large-scale public health interventions in resource-limited settings.
- Exceptional communication skills for presenting technical data to non-technical policymakers.
- Deep knowledge of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and WHO surveillance standards.
- Strong project management skills with a track record of meeting strict deadlines during crises.
- Fluency in English and a working knowledge of local Ghanaian languages is highly preferred.
Education
The candidate must possess a PhD in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a closely related medical field from an accredited international university. Specialized certification in Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) is considered a significant advantage.
Experience
A minimum of 12 years of professional experience in epidemiology is required, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or managerial capacity. Experience working with international NGOs or UN agencies is essential. Candidates must demonstrate a history of successful outbreak management and a portfolio of peer-reviewed publications in recognized medical journals. This level of experience ensures that the candidate can navigate the complexities of Employment in Ghana while maintaining international standards of scientific rigor.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-free international salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Generous health insurance and wellness programs for the employee and their dependents.
- Relocation assistance and housing allowance for international and domestic transfers.
- Annual leave and paid sabbatical opportunities for academic research.
- Participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund.
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Training
- Continuous professional development in emerging biotechnologies and genomic surveillance.
- Leadership and management training through the WHO Academy.
- Certification in advanced crisis communication and emergency response.
- Cross-cultural competency training to enhance community engagement.
Working Environment
The role is based in Sunyani, offering a blend of office-based strategic planning and frequent field visits to rural clinics and community centers. The environment is fast-paced and can be high-pressure, especially during disease outbreaks. The Chief Epidemiologist must be comfortable working in diverse settings, from high-level government boardrooms to remote village health posts. This position is central to Hiring in Ghana for the public health sector, requiring a professional who is adaptable, resilient, and deeply committed to humanitarian values.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their experience with outbreak response, and three professional references through the official WHO careers portal. All applications will undergo a rigorous screening process, followed by technical interviews and a competency-based assessment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the final selection phase. We encourage all qualified professionals looking for Jobs in Ghana to apply early.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The World Health Organization is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure a diverse perspective in our health leadership.
