Application Guide

How to Apply for Open Call for Consultants – Infectious Disease Surveillance Expertise

at Path

🏢 About Path

Path is a global health organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through innovation and partnerships. With a focus on equitable access, Path works in over 70 countries, tackling infectious diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria. Joining Path means contributing to life-saving interventions in low-resource settings.

About This Role

This role involves providing expert guidance on infectious disease surveillance systems, supporting the design and implementation of projects in global health settings, and collaborating with teams to strengthen disease monitoring and response. Your work will directly impact outbreak detection and control in underserved communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing surveillance data from partner countries, advising a team on outbreak investigation protocols, and participating in a virtual meeting with local health officials to discuss system improvements. You might also analyze trends to inform strategy and draft a report for donors.

🎯 Who Path Is Looking For

  • An epidemiologist or public health professional with at least 5 years of experience in infectious disease surveillance, preferably in low-resource settings.
  • Proven ability to design and implement surveillance systems, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Strong project management skills with experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects in global health.
  • Excellent analytical skills, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Stata) and familiarity with electronic surveillance tools.

📝 Tips for Applying to Path

1

Highlight specific examples of surveillance systems you've designed or improved, including metrics of success (e.g., reduced reporting time).

2

Emphasize experience working in low-resource settings; mention countries or regions and challenges overcome.

3

Tailor your CV to show project management skills, such as leading teams, managing budgets, or meeting deadlines.

4

Include a brief note on how you stay updated with emerging infectious diseases (e.g., attending conferences, publications).

5

Mention any familiarity with Path's work or similar organizations (e.g., CDC, WHO) in your cover letter.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your expertise in infectious disease surveillance and how it aligns with Path's mission to improve health equity.", 'Concrete examples of surveillance projects you led in low-resource settings, detailing outcomes.', 'Your collaborative approach and ability to work with diverse teams, including local governments and NGOs.', 'Your commitment to strengthening health systems and your vision for impactful surveillance.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review Path's current projects on infectious diseases, especially any related to surveillance (e.g., malaria, COVID-19).
  • Read Path's annual reports or blog posts to understand their approach to partnerships and impact.
  • Familiarize yourself with Path's key donors and how they measure success in surveillance programs.
  • Check Path's publications or recent news about surveillance innovations (e.g., digital tools).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you improved a surveillance system in a low-resource setting. What challenges did you face?
2 How do you ensure data quality in settings with limited infrastructure?
3 How would you approach designing a surveillance system for a novel infectious disease outbreak?
4 Tell us about a project where you had to coordinate multiple partners. How did you manage it?
5 How do you stay current with global health security threats and adapt surveillance strategies?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on academic research without practical field experience in low-resource settings.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'passion for global health' without backing them up with specific examples.
  • Don't overlook project management skills; emphasize your ability to lead and deliver results.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Path!