Outbreak Readiness and Response Epidemiology Specialist

About the role

Samaritan's Purse is seeking an Outbreak Readiness and Response Program Manager to join its team in Nairobi, Kenya. The role leads field epidemiology and outbreak investigations and strengthens preparedness in country offices and World Medical Mission facilities. It is a full-time position based in Nairobi, with travel of about 30% of the time.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a personal, active relationship with Jesus Christ and be a consistent witness for Him.
• Lead field epidemiology and outbreak investigations by verifying alerts, conducting on-site assessments, analyzing data and delivering risk assessments and actionable recommendations.
• Ensure operational readiness in country offices and World Medical Mission facilities by identifying gaps in surveillance, staffing and systems, and developing preparedness plans, tools, simulations and after-action reviews.
• Strengthen event-based and indicator-based surveillance by setting up alert reporting, escalation and verification processes and improving data quality and timeliness in DHIS2.
• Build field-epidemiology capacity of staff, hospital focal points and local partners through training and mentorship in surveillance, alert verification, outbreak investigation, data interpretation and reporting.
• Coordinate with MOHs, health authorities and response partners, and work with the Clinical Lead and IPC Specialist to turn findings into coordinated preparedness and response actions.
• Align field workplans with the Kenya-based team and IHQ Program Manager, identifying the tools, data systems and resources needed.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Epidemiology, Field Epidemiology or Public Health, or an MPH with a strong epidemiology component.
• At least three years of applied experience in field epidemiology, outbreak investigation, surveillance and public health emergency response.
• Experience with MOHs, DART, WHO Emergency Medical Teams, GOARN or similar response mechanisms.
• FELTP training or equivalent applied field epidemiology training.
• Twelve credit hours of college-level Biblical Studies strongly preferred.

Required skills

• Knowledge of EWARs, DHIS2 and similar public health information systems is preferred.
• English required.

What we offer

• International medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance.
• Paid family medical leave and retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays, 12 vacation/personal days and 10 sick days.
• On-site medical clinic for staff and dependents when at IHQ.