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Ministry of Health

Public Health Officer, Healthcare Epidemiology, NICHE

Ministry of Health

Fixed TermsClosed

What the role is

The Public Health Officer supports the Assistant Director/Senior Assistant Director/Deputy Director in formulating and implementing disease prevention and control strategies to protect the health of Singaporeans by reducing the burden of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) through effective rapid response and outbreak management, surveillance programmes, policymaking, and prevention programmes. You will be working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that would require the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.

What you will be working on

1) Formulation of evidence-based policies, evaluation of effectiveness of disease control and outbreak preparedness strategies, monitoring and review of disease prevention and control strategies, recommend improvements to disease control strategies, prepare and disseminate information on disease control to healthcare settings and medical practitioners. 2) Formulate, implement, monitor and review national policies and standard operating procedures for control of healthcare-associated outbreaks. 3) Lead disease epidemiological investigations, propose control measures to break the chain of transmission, oversee the implementation and evaluation of control measures, prepare reports, and assist with communications to relevant stakeholders and the public. 4) Development of HAIs surveillance programmes and sensemaking of surveillance data to inform public health policies and systems, regularly review the design and processes for surveillance systems to understand the impact of HAIs in Singapore. 5) Work closely with stakeholders across healthcare sector to align strategy, share information, review and refine processes, and maintain high-quality surveillance data. 6) Conduct data analysis to identify trends and understand epidemiological situation of pathogens in Singapore, and prepare disease-specific epidemiological situation reports and regular updates to management. 7) Monitor performance indicators for surveillance programmes. 8) Conduct healthcare epidemiology forums to facilitate sharing and discussions with the healthcare sector on epidemiological situation and disease outbreak response/management.

What we are looking for

• 2-3 years’ experience in public health or working in a healthcare setting would be preferred. • Thinking Clearly & Making Sound Judgements – Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to support the crafting of sound policy recommendations; ability to grasp timelines, operating context and ground realities. • Learning & Putting Skills into Action - Possesses the drive and curiosity to learn and apply new skills, knowledge and new ways of working. • Improving & Innovating – Ability to seek continual improvements, and to innovate and experiment while managing the risks involved. • Working Effectively with Stakeholders – Ability to mobilise and rally partners and stakeholders towards a collective purpose. • Good Inter-Personal and Communication Skills – Ability to work well with, and concise when conveying information verbally to internal and external partners. • Good Writing Skills – Ability to gather and synthesize information, structure thoughts and arguments logically and coherently, and express ideas through writing that can be easily understood by the reader. As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

About Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health’s (MOH) vision is to champion a healthy nation with our people – to live well, live long and with peace of mind. As an open country constantly exposed to an interconnected world, Singapore faces complex issues in public healthcare. MOH constantly grapples with new challenges brought on by an increasingly globalised world, a rapidly ageing population and rising expectations. MOH’s responses to these challenges include preventing and managing the outbreak of diseases such as SARS and Influenza A (H1N1), designing a healthcare system that delivers care in an integrated and effective manner, growing the capacity and capabilities within the sector, and managing healthcare inflation. As an MOH officer, you will be involved in formulating and implementing policies that guide Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. You will work alongside a team with varied skills and backgrounds, but with the common goals of (i) promoting good health and reducing illnesses; (ii) ensuring that Singaporeans have access to good and affordable healthcare; and (iii) pursuing medical excellence. Your work will have far-reaching impact on the health and lives of Singaporeans.