169289 - Provincial Epidemiologist - Health and Wellness - Temporary

The Department of Health and Wellness is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

The purpose of this senior-level position is to provide epidemiological expertise and leadership in the areas of population health assessment, disease surveillance, research, and program evaluation to the Chief Public Health Office and the Department of Health and Wellness to meet the short and long-term needs of the provincial government and to support the Public Health Act and Regulations. The Provincial Epidemiologist is responsible for: providing operational and scientific direction to the Population Health Assessment and Surveillance team (PHAS) within the Chief Public Health Office; making operational, financial, and strategic planning decisions for the PHAS team; and providing advice on epidemiology, data, and research and evaluation to the Chief Public Health Officer, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, and others regarding health-related issues in PEI.

**Duties will include but are not limited to**:

- Directs the Population Health Assessment & Surveillance team and provides strategic advice to the Chief Public Health Office, Department of Health and Wellness, and other organizations on matters related to epidemiology, health data, and health research.
- Keeps abreast of and analyzes trends in the field to identify new opportunities and processes to improve the operation efficiency and effectiveness of the Population Health Assessment & Surveillance team.
- Collaborates with federal-provincial-territorial partners and represents PEI at decision-making and advisory tables related to public health surveillance, health data, and use of evidence in public health.
- Prepares and manages the budget for the Population Health Assessment & Surveillance team, ensuring efficient and effective use of team resources.
- Provides presentations to diverse stakeholders in large and small groups to communicate scientific and health concepts and information about initiatives.
- Provides advice, leadership and epidemiological expertise in population health assessment.
- Designs and directs population health assessment analyses.
- Ensures data integrity, high-quality data analyses, and compliance with provincial, national, and international standards related to the collection, maintenance, governance, and security of population health data.
- Provides oversight for the maintenance and expansion of surveillance related to modifiable risk factors for chronic disease, substance use, communicable disease, social determinants of health, and health equity.
- Directs the design and development of surveillance systems, including indicator frameworks, to guide surveillance processes and activities.
- Develops and delivers presentations and/or facilitates workshops on initiatives or results for various audiences.
- Optimizes research opportunities, monitors and evaluates existing initiatives, and supports outbreak investigations.
- Leads or contributes to government-wide initiatives to enhance Government of PEI’s capacity to practice evidence-informed policy development and decision-making.
- Other duties as required.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- PhD in Epidemiology or related field with relevant research experience, and at least 10 years of progressive, related work experience.
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
- Coursework and/or formal training in management, leadership, project management, program evaluation, conflict management, change management, stakeholder engagement.
- Extensive management and supervisory experience (at least 5 years), preferably in a health-related public service/ sector environment.
- Extensive experience in knowledge mobilization; evidence-informed service, program, and policy development; program evaluation; and communication of technical information to diverse audiences.
- Extensive experience in the areas of strategic planning, budget management, implementation and evaluation processes, change management, and risk management, stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to undertake research and analysis of program and policies using a variety of resources and research methods.
- Skill in the use of epidemiologic, statistical, and geographic information systems software - STATA, SAS, EpiData, PCCF+, Maptitude.
- Excellent analytic and organizational skills.
- Excellent project management and writing skills.
- Strong team-building and collaborative skills.