SOUTH AFRICAN FIELD EPIDEMIOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAMME: CALL FOR APPLICANTS – 2022INTAKE
The South African Field Epidemiology Training Programme (SAFETP) is requesting applications for the incoming 2020 class from qualified health professionals with an interest in public health and commitment to public service.
SAFETP is hosted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), for the National Department of Health. The programme is a combination of didactic and practical training in which the resident is grounded in the academic basics of applied epidemiology and is assigned to field sites where s/he learns by doing while being mentored by supervisors in projects that address key public health priorities.
This residency programme is a two-year, full-time training, from which residents graduate with either a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Pretoria OR a Masters in Epidemiology (MSc) in Field Epidemiology from the University of the Witwatersrand. The 2020 cohort will begin in January 2020 and end in December 2021 and applicants are required to apply at both the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand.
Bursaries/stipends may be available for select South African applicants fulfilling predefined criteria. South African applicants working currently within the South African government at various levels, who plan to take study leave to participate in the programme and afterwards return to their workplace, must have written approval from their departments for the entire two years. NICD staff that have been funded and granted study leave will be required to continue working for the NICD for at least two (2) years after completing the MPH OR MSc programme.
South Africans and permanent residents who are funded by their employers must ensure that this funding covers their salaries/stipends, as well as university registration and tuition fees for the two-year training period.
For applicants applying from other African countries – the eligibility requirements still apply and the international applicant must have the required visa and permissions to study in South Africa. The applicants must ensure that all the costs related to participation in SAFETP are fully covered for the 2 years of training – salaries/stipends, university registration and tuition fees, accommodation, travel and accommodation to investigate outbreaks – by their respective governments.
Work experience requirements
Professional experience in a health field or other fields relevant to health
Experience of working in the public health system is desirable
Minimal Educational requirements (all degrees should be in a health, laboratory or public health related field from an accredited university):
A medical, veterinary or dentistry degree ; OR
A doctorate degree in a medical/health related field; OR
A master’s degree in a medical or health related field; OR
An honour’s/bachelor’s degree with prior research experience
Please note that a B Tech degree does not fulfill the minimum educational requirements of the University of Pretoria, the University of the Witwatersrand and the SAFETP.
Key requirements:
Applicants must:
Be registered with their respective professional bodies
Be fluent in spoken and written English
Be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook for use in communication, word processing, analysis, presentation and report generation. Knowledge of a statistical package will be an advantage
Have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a hired car
Provide proof of current physical residential address for future purposes of Domicilium citandi et executandi.
How to apply
- If you meet all the requirements, download and complete the application and two reference forms that are available on our website:
http://www.nicd.ac.za/training/south-african-field-epidemiology-training-programme/embed/#?secret=vbiI4Cvl3q
Additional forms/documents required are:
Certified copies of qualification certificates
Statement of Purpose: In 500 words or less describe your career goals and your interest in applying for this programme
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Results of the National Bench Mark Test –please visit the website of National Bench Mark Test via the website: nbt.ac.za and Tel: +27 (0)21 650 3523 for more information on dates and venues of the test. Please note that this is a University of Pretoria requirement and NOT a University of the Witwatersrand requirement.
Non South Africans who are accepted must do the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have their original degrees accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Proof of the online application from the University of Pretoria AND the University of the Witwatersrand as follows: