The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites your Department to nominate a suitable person to participate in a MPI-sponsored emergency management development programme in veterinary epidemiology. This programme runs from 10 May to 29 November 2020 (26 weeks) and provides advanced professional development for government veterinarians.

The programme is divided into five thematic modules, each covering a set of specific learning outcomes. This introductory programme, delivered in a biosecurity context, includes the following areas of focus: basic field epidemiology, data analysis, disease emergence, incursion investigation and response; and animal health service delivery.

The course comprises 25 weeks of interactive online learning and a one-week face-to-face workshop. The lessons are self-paced, supported by various subject matter experts and have ‘real world’ scenarios that provide real time feedback. Participants have an opportunity to discuss concepts in facilitator led small groups, and exchange and contribute their own experiences. The online learning will be complemented with webinars and video conference enabled question and answer sessions. Note that participants will need their own laptop to participate in this programme.

The online component requires a weekly learning time of approximately 10 hours per week, this includes the time taken to complete activities and participation in a weekly 60-minute videoconference which will be scheduled to suit all participants. Attendance of the workshop in New Zealand once confirmed will also be required.

In addition to the online component, there is a one-week face-to-face to face workshop on 29 November – 3 December 2021 in Wellington, New Zealand, and is subject to confirmation pending COVID-19 induced travel restrictions. The workshop will be interactive with different New Zealand based experts providing case studies and sharing experiences. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a simulation exercise to apply skills in investigation and response.

A certificate of completion will be issued to those participants who successfully complete activities relating to each module, to demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes. Those participants who join the course but do not complete the activities will be issued with a Certificate of Attendance.

The programme will be run in English. Translation services are not available to participants. Therefore, MPI requires a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 overall and no bands below 6.0 unless accompanied by a letter of support for applications by the New Zealand Embassy. This will be followed by a virtual interview with a representative from the New Zealand Embassy.

I am pleased to advise that MPI is funding the course fee, and flights, accommodation plus a daily rate to help cover travel related costs for the duration of the face – to – face workshop if confirmed for successful applicants.

If nominating a suitable person for this programme, the attached Expression of Interest Form must be completed and returned to Dr Garry Udy garry.udy@mpi.govt.nz by 31 March 2021.

Dr Garry Udy | Specialist Adviser International Relations
International Policy | Policy & Trade Directorate

Ministry for Primary Industries – Manatū Ahu Matua | Charles Fergusson Building | 34-38 Bowen Street | PO Box 2526 | Wellington 6011 | New Zealand|

Telephone: 64-21-729-984 | Web: www.mpi.govt.nz | Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

Please click on the links below to download
2021 participant pack publisher file and Expression of Interest for MPI Epidemiology 2021 Form