Avian Influenza Epidemiologist Job Vacancy in Chipinge, Zimbabwe – Veterinary Medicine

Job Description

Position: Avian Influenza Epidemiologist

Company: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

Location: Chipinge, Zimbabwe

Experience: 5-8 years

Education: PhD in Epidemiology or Veterinary Medicine

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Veterinary Medicine

Department: Animal Health and Disease Control

Vacancies: 1

Company Overview

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is the leading intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide. As a global authority, WOAH works tirelessly to ensure the transparency of animal health information and the implementation of international standards for the control of transboundary animal diseases. By collaborating with governments, veterinary services, and international partners, the organization aims to protect animal welfare, safeguard public health, and support the livelihoods of millions of farmers globally. In Zimbabwe, WOAH focuses on strengthening national veterinary capacities to detect, report, and respond to emerging zoonotic threats. Our commitment to science-based standards ensures that trade in animals and animal products remains safe and sustainable. We are dedicated to the One Health approach, recognizing that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. By providing technical expertise and strategic guidance, we help nations build resilient health systems capable of preventing pandemics before they start.

Job Overview

We are currently seeking a highly specialized Avian Influenza Epidemiologist to lead critical surveillance and response efforts in the Chipinge region. This role is pivotal in monitoring the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and developing data-driven strategies to mitigate its impact on poultry populations and public health. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing complex epidemiological models, analyzing viral transmission patterns, and coordinating with local veterinary authorities to implement containment measures. This is a premier opportunity for professionals seeking Career Opportunities in Zimbabwe within a globally recognized scientific body. The role requires a blend of field-based data collection and high-level analytical reporting to inform national policy. For those exploring Employment in Zimbabwe, this position offers a unique chance to contribute to global health security. You can find more details about similar Jobs in Zimbabwe by visiting https://zimbabwejobsearch.com. The epidemiologist will act as a technical bridge between field technicians and international health stakeholders, ensuring that all surveillance activities align with WOAH international standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive surveillance programs for Avian Influenza across poultry farms and wild bird populations in Chipinge.
• Develop predictive mathematical models to forecast the spread of viral strains and identify high-risk zones.
• Lead the investigation of disease outbreaks, conducting contact tracing and source identification to prevent further transmission.
• Analyze laboratory data to monitor viral mutations and assess the efficacy of current vaccination strategies.
• Provide technical training to local veterinary officers on sample collection, biosafety protocols, and data reporting.
• Draft detailed epidemiological reports and policy briefs for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
• Coordinate with international health agencies to ensure rapid reporting of notifiable diseases.

Required Skills

• Advanced proficiency in epidemiological software such as R, SAS, or STATA for complex data analysis.
• Deep expertise in the pathology and transmission dynamics of H5N1 and other avian influenza strains.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in remote field settings.
• Excellent technical writing skills for the production of peer-reviewed scientific papers and official reports.
• Fluency in English and a working knowledge of local languages spoken in the Manicaland province.
• Expertise in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for spatial mapping of disease clusters.

Education

The candidate must possess a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology, Veterinary Medicine, or a closely related field in Public Health. Specialized certification in infectious disease modeling is highly desirable.

Experience

A minimum of 5 to 8 years of professional experience in animal disease surveillance is required. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of managing zoonotic disease outbreaks in a developing country context. Experience working with intergovernmental organizations or national health ministries is a significant advantage for this Job Vacancy in Zimbabwe.

Benefits

• Competitive international salary scale with comprehensive health and life insurance.
• Generous relocation package and housing allowance for the Chipinge area.
• Annual professional development budget for attending international veterinary conferences.
• Paid leave and flexible working arrangements for research purposes.
• Comprehensive pension scheme and retirement benefits.

Training

• Advanced training in WOAH international standards for animal disease reporting.
• Certification in advanced biosafety and biosecurity level (BSL) protocols.
• Workshops on the latest genomic sequencing techniques for viral tracking.
• Leadership and management training for international project coordination.

Working Environment

The role is based in Chipinge, involving a mix of office-based analytical work and frequent travel to rural poultry farms and wildlife sanctuaries. The environment can be challenging, requiring resilience and adaptability to remote conditions. We are actively Hiring in Zimbabwe individuals who are passionate about animal health and are comfortable working in diverse ecological settings.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their experience with avian influenza, and three professional references. All documents must be submitted through the official WOAH recruitment portal. For those interested in broader regional opportunities, you may also visit https://www.ugandajobssearch.com/ to explore related roles. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the initial technical interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The World Organisation for Animal Health is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality. We encourage qualified professionals from all backgrounds to apply for this position to help us achieve a healthier world for animals and humans alike.