Call for Applications: Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) – Cohort 6
call-for-applications-intermediate-fetp-cohort-6-phim
Categories: Capacity Building, One Health, Field Epidemiology
Tags: FETP, PHIM, CDC, World Bank, Disease Surveillance, Outbreak Response, Cohort 6
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation through PHIM, in collaboration with US CDC and World Bank, invites applications from One-Health government technical staff for the 9-month Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Cohort 6.
Call for Applications: Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) – Cohort 6
Building National Field Epidemiologic Capacity
Strengthening Malawi’s frontline response to public health threats through a 9-month competence-based, in-service mentorship training program.
LILONGWE, MALAWI — The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) through the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), with funding from the World Bank and in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hereby invites applications from qualified technical staff to participate in the sixth cohort of the Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP).
Background & Strategic Objectives
The 9-month in-service Intermediate FETP course targets One-Health government workers at national and sub-national levels to enhance their capacity for public health surveillance data analysis, surveillance system evaluations, outbreak investigation and response using descriptive and analytical epidemiology techniques, public health operational research designs, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination.
The program will strengthen the country’s epidemiologic capacity and response to emerging public health threats by having a well-trained public health workforce, while accelerating progress toward attainment of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) target of one trained field epidemiologist per 200,000 population.
Target Applicant Pool
Current employees of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Department of Animal Health & Livestock Development (DAHLD) in the Ministry of Agriculture, or the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change whose daily responsibilities involve disease surveillance or public health emergency preparedness and response.
Course Summary & Training Structure
The Intermediate FETP is structured as a 9-month competence-based in-service model where trainees spend 25% of their time (8 weeks) in classroom/workshop environments and 75% of their time (25 weeks) at their workstations carrying out practical field projects:
- Public Health / Disease Surveillance: System description, data quality evaluation, and routine monitoring.
- Outbreak Investigation & Response: Real-time field containment and epidemiological investigation.
- Epidemiological Research: Designing observational studies, sampling strategies, and questionnaire development.
- Data Analytics & Management: Advanced surveillance data cleaning, interpretation, and visualization.
- Public Health Communication: Scientific report writing, executive briefings, and oral presentations.
On-the-job Phase 1
- System evaluation
- Surveillance data analysis
- Outbreak response
On-the-job Phase 2
- Surveillance data (cont.)
- Pilot group questionnaire
- Outbreak response
On-the-job Phase 3
- Group project data collection
- Data analysis (cont.)
- Outbreak response
On-the-job Phase 4
- Finish analyzing data
- Write technical report
Workshop 1
Surveillance systems, Data analysis, Outbreak investigation, Epi Info Part 7, Group Project Intro.
Workshop 2
Field presentation, Observational studies, Questionnaire design, Sampling & protocol.
Workshop 3
Public health communication & technical report writing.
Workshop 4
Clean & analyze project data, report drafting, oral presentation techniques.
Workshop 5
Finalize report, oral defense of group project, closing ceremony.
Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
Applicants must be serving technical personnel at national or district level in one of the approved One-Health government entities:
Roles & Qualification
- • Officers responsible for surveillance data, outbreak response, or operational research
- • Degree or higher in Health Sciences, Animal Health, or Environmental Science
- • OR Diploma with Frontline FETP Certificate from a recognized institution
Technical & Long-term Commitment
- • Computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- • Uninterrupted access to a laptop for the full 9 months
- • Clear vision for utilizing skills and commitment to serve as a mentor for future cohorts
Application Submission Guidelines
Interested candidates should submit their application online using this link: https://forms.gle/aMJp1vzMXPiBsAQQ9. Alternatively, applicants can download the official manual application form here: Download Application Form (MS Word). All applications must be submitted no later than Close of Business (COB), Monday, 18th November 2026.
- Fully completed application form with official supervisor endorsement.
- Certified copies of relevant professional training certificates (Diploma or Degree).
- A detailed motivation letter demonstrating how skills will enhance workplace surveillance systems and emergency response.