Application Guide

How to Apply for Regional Infectious Disease Surveillance Advisor, STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES), Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Asia, Middle East, & Europe (AMEE)

at Path

🏢 About Path

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to health equity, known for its innovative, data-driven approaches to public health challenges. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that collaborates with governments, NGOs, and private partners to create sustainable health solutions in underserved regions.

About This Role

This role leads the design and implementation of infectious disease surveillance systems across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, directly strengthening epidemic preparedness and response. As part of the STRIDES project, you will have a tangible impact on detecting and controlling outbreaks, saving lives through enhanced data and capacity building.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning call with partners in Thailand to review surveillance data, followed by analyzing trends in the Middle East. Afternoon could be spent developing a training module for local health workers in Europe, then drafting a report for funders. The role requires balancing strategic planning with hands-on technical support, often across multiple time zones.

🎯 Who Path Is Looking For

  • An epidemiologist with at least 5 years in infectious disease surveillance, ideally with experience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia or the Middle East.
  • Proven ability to design and evaluate surveillance systems, including use of electronic surveillance tools and data analysis (e.g., STATA, R, or GIS).
  • Strong cross-cultural communication skills, with experience training local health workers and coordinating with international partners (e.g., WHO, CDC).
  • Familiarity with epidemic preparedness frameworks (e.g., IHR, JEE) and a track record of writing technical reports or proposals.

📝 Tips for Applying to Path

1

Highlight specific surveillance systems you've designed or improved, quantifying impact (e.g., reduced reporting time by X%).

2

Tailor your resume to show experience in Asia, Middle East, or Europe, including languages spoken and cultural adaptability.

3

Mention any work with PATH or similar global health organizations (e.g., USAID, Gates Foundation) to show alignment.

4

Submit a cover letter that explicitly addresses the STRIDES project and how your skills fit its objectives.

5

Include examples of capacity-building initiatives you've led, such as training workshops or mentorship programs.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for epidemic preparedness and your understanding of the unique challenges in the AMEE region.', 'Describe a specific success in strengthening surveillance that led to faster outbreak detection or response.', 'Show your collaborative approach, highlighting partnerships with ministries of health or international agencies.', 'Mention your ability to adapt to diverse cultural settings and your commitment to health equity.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review PATH's STRIDES project page and recent publications on infectious disease surveillance in the AMEE region.
  • Look into PATH's partnerships in Asia and the Middle East, such as with ASEAN or the Global Health Security Agenda.
  • Read PATH's annual report to understand their strategic priorities and impact metrics.
  • Check recent news about epidemic outbreaks in the region (e.g., MERS, dengue, COVID-19 variants) to show awareness.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a surveillance system for a low-resource setting with limited lab capacity?
2 Describe a time you managed a complex partnership with multiple stakeholders. What challenges did you face?
3 How do you stay updated on emerging infectious diseases and integrate new threats into existing surveillance?
4 What is your experience with data quality assessments and improving reporting completeness?
5 How would you approach training local staff on surveillance protocols in a culturally sensitive way?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing PATH's specific projects or the AMEE region.
  • Overemphasizing academic research without demonstrating practical field experience in surveillance.
  • Ignoring the cultural and political complexities of working in Asia, Middle East, and Europe (e.g., not mentioning language skills or adaptability).

📅 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!