Epidemiologist at Medecins Sans Frontiers, Switzerland

Médecins Sans Frontières is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Epidemiologist

Location: Bauchi 
Employment Type: Contract

Responsibilites

• Assessing, implementing and maintaining the epidemiological surveillance systems/monitoring (if needed) according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to contribute to appropriate evidence-based decision making using well managed health data in outbreak and emergency MSF programmes
• The successful candidate will support the mission epidemiologist in carrying out key epidemiological activities in outbreak investigation (description including time, place, people with emphasis on mapping when it is needed) in Bauchi State and advising on the operational response
• Implementing and maintaining a surveillance system to monitor epidemiological trends of relevant outbreak-prone diseases in observance of the MSF community-based surveillance strategy in place.
• Leaning on the MoH surveillance structures and processes, engage in surveillance activities and/or active case finding, including ensuring understanding of the need for consistent case definitions and data recording (briefing of all new staff).
• Monitoring and Implementing initial Assessment (for emergency situations), rapid health assessments and (baseline or follow-up) surveys. Where standard protocols are not available or appropriate, developing a protocol seeking extensive feedback and pilot testing of tools to ensure the objectives will be met robustly with support of the mission epidemiologist
• Preparing and adapting routine documentation (survey forms, training materials, letters of request/notification, locally appropriate consent forms etc.) as guided by the mission epidemiologist. Preparing an appropriate sampling frame and sample selection guidelines with support of the mission epidemiologist.
• In a mutualized manner (for the different mission projects as need arises), manage data systems and ensure accurate, high-quality databases; analyzing results and preparing regular written reports on progress and findings as agreed upon with their supervisor.
• To the extent possible and as need arises, produce maps (GIS skills), to further communicate data arising from surveillance activities.
• Provide training sessions to medical teams on relevant aspects of epidemiology to enhance team response capacity.
• Support and take up other activities and responsibilities as per need and delegation from supervisor to meet changing needs as the mission projects evolve.

Context and security

• Between 2024 and 2025, Bauchi State faced a persistent and evolving set of security challenges despite ongoing government interventions.
• The activities of extremist groups such as ISWAP in neighbouring regions raised concerns about possible infiltration and radicalization within border communities. Kidnappings for ransom remained a serious threat, with incidents reported in both rural and urban areas.
• Farmer-herder conflicts continued to escalate due to resource competition, often exacerbated by weak enforcement of grazing regulations and allegations of security officer bias. Illegal mining flourished in remote areas, contributing to environmental degradation, community displacement, and the exploitation of child labor.
• Child trafficking and abuse also remained critical issues, with many vulnerable children falling victim due to poverty and lack of educational access. Widespread school closures—sometimes for religious observance, other times due to insecurity—further compounded the state’s educational crisis, contributing to one of the highest out-of-school rates in Nigeria.

Humanitarian needs:

• Bauchi State continues to face recurrent and overlapping outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases, notably Lassa Fever, Diphtheria, and Cholera.
• These outbreaks have imposed a significant burden on the health system and communities, often occurring concurrently and in a challenging operational context marked by security volatility, population movement, and environmental vulnerabilities.
• While Bauchi State shares borders with northeastern states experiencing armed conflict, such as Yobe and Gombe, it has not been directly impacted by the violence.
• The overall security situation in Bauchi remains relatively stable. However, widespread poverty and high unemployment continue to affect the majority of the population. Infrastructure development is uneven: while Bauchi city benefits from relatively better roads and electricity, these services are generally inadequate in suburban areas and across many Local Government Areas (LGAs).
• In 2025, accessing cash in Bauchi State is easier than during the peak of the crisis in 2023, but still problematic, particularly in rural communities. Long queues, high POS charges, and uneven ATM availability reflect the persistent cash flow issues. While digital transactions are on the rise, they are not yet a reliable substitute for cash for much of the population. It is advisable to speak with the Finance team whenever cash is needed.

Requirements

• Education: Medical doctor (preferable), Nurse or biomedical background with a Degree in Epidemiology (not in Public Health). Training in GIS (production of maps) is helpful but not a must.
• Experience: Experience in field epidemiology. GIS map production skills will be of great advantage
• Languages: English is essential, Hausa language is essential but not mandatory
• Knowledge: Use of epidemiology related analytical software (excel, Epi-info, R, STATA or SPSS
• Competencies: Commitment to MSF Principles, Behavioural Flexibility, Results and Quality Orientation, Teamwork and Cooperation, Stress management.

Application Closing Date
13th February, 2026.