Research Specialist (Disease Surveillance Officer), Community Health Sciences

Location:
Karachi and Hyderabad

Introduction
Aga Khan University chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is committed to the provision of education, research, and health care of international standards relevant to Pakistan and the region. The affiliated Aga Khan University Hospital provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities and well-equipped diagnostic services. The University currently has teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, and is a major component of Aga Khan Development Network.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

The Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is the leading unit of its type in Pakistan, recognized regionally and internationally for the relevance, quality, and extent of its work in support of public health and the development of primary health care systems. It comprises of five major operational sections: Epidemiology & biostatistics, Health policy & management, Population & reproductive health, Environmental health & climate change, and non-communicable diseases & mental health.
This is a grant funded contractual position.

Responsibilities:

You will be responsible to:

• establish, maintain, and strengthen the AFP surveillance system and community informant network within the assigned geographical area
  coordinate with government health authorities, healthcare facilities, partners, and community stakeholders to support surveillance of AFP, VPDs, PID, ILI/SARI, COVID-19, and other emerging or re-emerging diseases and outbreaks
• ensure timely identification, notification, investigation, and follow-up of AFP and VPD cases in accordance with national surveillance guidelines
• ensure the proper collection, handling, storage, and transportation of stool specimens and other required samples, maintaining quality standards and appropriate documentation
• conduct detailed epidemiological investigations of suspected cases and outbreaks, as required, and recommend appropriate public health actions
• conduct regular active surveillance visits to public and private healthcare facilities to identify missed cases, verify reporting, and assess compliance with surveillance standards
• organize and facilitate training and capacity-building sessions for healthcare providers, government staff, partner organizations, and community informants on disease surveillance, case identification, notification, and reporting procedures
• organize and participate in regular district- and subdistrict-level surveillance review meetings to assess performance, discuss challenges, and develop corrective action plans
• supervise environmental surveillance activities, including sample collection, handling, documentation, and shipment, where applicable
• conduct regular data analysis and performance reviews of the surveillance network, identify gaps in key indicators, and implement corrective measures in coordination with relevant stakeholders
• supervise and provide technical guidance to WHO surveillance teams operating in assigned districts and Union Councils ( If staff exits)
• provide technical support for routine immunization activities, Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs), and other polio eradication interventions when assigned by provincial or national supervisors
• monitor surveillance and immunization performance against National Surveillance Guidelines and the National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP), ensuring timely reporting and achievement of required indicators
• maintain accurate, complete, and timely surveillance records, databases, reports, and documentation, using appropriate data management tools and MS Office applications
• promote community engagement and coordination with local stakeholders to improve disease reporting, surveillance sensitivity, and public health awareness
• ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with organizational policies, national guidelines, ethical standards, gender equality
• principles, and safeguarding policies, including prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment
• perform any other  duties assigned by the supervisor in support of disease surveillance, immunization, and polio eradication activities.

Requirements             

You should have:

• Degree in Medicine (MBBS/MD) registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), formerly PMC, OR Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) with a master’s degree in public health (MSPH)
• at least 1–2 years of professional experience in disease surveillance, Polio eradication, immunization activities, health emergencies, or other field-level public health programs at District Level
• understanding of AFP surveillance, VPD surveillance, outbreak detection, case investigation, and public health reporting systems
• ability to conduct case investigations, contact follow-up where applicable, field assessments, and outbreak investigations
• familiarity with routine immunization, polio eradication strategies, SIAs, and national immunization and surveillance guidelines
• proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and Word, with the ability to analyze surveillance data, monitor indicators, and prepare reports
• experience working with healthcare facilities, government departments, DHO Office, UC level Polio front line staff, community informants, and local stakeholders
• effective verbal and written communication, including the ability to prepare technical reports, deliver training, and facilitate meetings
• ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, government authorities, partners, and field surveillance personnel
• ability to identify surveillance gaps, recommend corrective actions, manage field challenges, and achieve assigned targets
• strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple field activities and meet deadlines
• willingness to undertake regular field visits and work in diverse community settings as required by program activities.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.