Rapid Response Team (RRT) Lead

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing research, resources, and relationships to ensure that individuals everywhere can access the opportunities necessary for leading full and healthy lives. Established with a mission to improve lives through integrated, evidence-based approaches, FHI 360 has grown to employ over 2,000 experts who work across more than 50 countries globally. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, and economic development, and is committed to fostering sustainable solutions that empower communities and individuals.

Job Overview:
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) Lead is a pivotal role within the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, which is a global health initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State. This project, running from 2019 to 2027, has a dual focus in the Philippines: achieving HIV epidemic control and enhancing global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security (GHS). The RRT Lead will be responsible for leading field-based outbreak detection, investigation, and response operations specifically in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This role requires a strong emphasis on managing and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective outbreak response and alignment with national health standards. The RRT Lead will also oversee community-level response structures and ensure that all activities are informed by national priorities and strategies, including the National Action Plan for Health Security and the National Laboratory Strategic Plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RRT Lead will coordinate and deploy multidisciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to facilitate early detection and containment of priority diseases. Key responsibilities include ensuring that response actions are in line with Department of Health (DOH) protocols and project technical areas, liaising between field operations and project teams for real-time feedback, and assisting local health units in operationalizing outbreak timelines. The RRT Lead will also support the strengthening of laboratory and surveillance linkages, work with community health workers to enhance early warning systems, and lead capacity development efforts for Disease Surveillance Officers and Laboratory Officers. Additionally, the RRT Lead will oversee documentation of field investigations and represent the project in coordination meetings with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience in technical areas such as zoonotic diseases, biosafety and biosecurity, national laboratory systems, and public health emergency management. Strong leadership skills are essential, as the role requires managing field deployments and coordinating with diverse teams. Excellent organizational and communication skills are necessary, along with a sensitivity to cultural diversity and the ability to navigate political and ethical issues in the assigned areas. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required, and candidates should be capable of analyzing data and preparing reports effectively.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in public health, health/medical sciences, epidemiology, development, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding public health systems and interventions.

Experience:
The position typically requires at least 3 years of relevant experience in providing technical assistance in disease surveillance, outbreak prevention, and field-based interventions. Experience in public health emergency response and rapid field deployment is preferred, along with demonstrated experience working with government counterparts and community stakeholders, particularly in the context of health initiatives in BARMM.

Languages:
While proficiency in English is mandatory, knowledge of local languages spoken in BARMM is considered an asset and may enhance communication with community stakeholders and local health units.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Manila but may require travel to various project sites, particularly during health emergencies, with an expected travel rate of at least 50%. The role is full-time and may involve additional duties during emergency escalations. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity employment and safeguarding practices, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.