Rapid Response Team 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 in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions, FHI 360 employs 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 change through collaboration and innovation.

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 and running from 2019 to 202

• This position is specifically designed to support the EpiC project’s Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS) workplan in the Philippines. The RRT Lead will be responsible for leading field-based outbreak detection, investigation, and response operations in the assigned Strategic Depth Region II - Cagayan Valley. The role requires managing and coordinating multidisciplinary rapid response teams, enhancing subnational readiness systems, and ensuring that field operations align with national standards and project priorities across various technical areas such as surveillance, laboratory systems, biosafety/biosecurity, and infection prevention and control. The RRT Lead will also oversee community and facility-level outbreak response activities, provide technical support to local health units, and ensure timely reporting of field findings to the project and the Epidemiology Bureau.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Rapid Response Field Operations: Coordinate, plan, and deploy multidisciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to support early detection, verification, investigation, and containment of priority diseases in assigned regions. Ensure that response actions align with Department of Health (DOH) protocols and project technical areas. Maintain real-time communication with the Field Operations Manager and relevant Technical Advisors to relay findings and resource needs from the field.
• Local and Regional Outbreak Readiness: Assist local health units in operationalizing outbreak timelines, including risk assessment and rapid mobilization. Support the implementation of Community Event-Based Surveillance and transitions from passive to active surveillance.
• Laboratory and Surveillance Linkages: Strengthen specimen referral and testing pathways, facilitating communication between field teams and laboratories to shorten response times.
• Community-Level Response Structures: Collaborate with community health workers and emergency response teams to support early warning and containment activities.
• Rapid Response Team Management: Lead and mentor Disease Surveillance Officers and other personnel, ensuring readiness through drills and training.
• Capacity Building and Simulation Exercises: Design and execute multisectoral outbreak simulations and training programs for local responders.
• Reporting, Coordination, and Representation: Oversee documentation of field investigations and represent the project in coordination meetings with health authorities.
• Project Management Support: Collaborate with project management teams to develop work plans and reports.
• Other Functions: Perform additional duties as assigned during emergencies and public health incidents.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A solid background in emergency preparedness and response is also highly desirable. Applicants should have at least 3 years of combined national and international experience in disease surveillance programs and the development of disease surveillance systems. Training in Epidemiology and Surveillance, as well as Outbreak Response, is preferred. Knowledge of the International Health Regulations and outbreak control practices at both national and international levels is essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience in community-based surveillance methodologies and possess strong analytical skills to improve surveillance systems. Excellent communication and networking skills are also required, along with proven experience working with government officials, particularly in health strategy development.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field is required, with a Master’s degree being preferred. The educational background should include training in epidemiology and surveillance, as well as emergency preparedness and response.

Experience:
At least 3 years of relevant experience in disease surveillance programs and management of subteams is required. Candidates should have experience in both national and international contexts, particularly in emergency response and outbreak investigation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Filipino or other local languages is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel domestically (at least 50%) due to the nature of health emergencies. The role is full-time and may involve additional duties during emergency escalations. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments.