Senior Technical Specialist – Zoonotic Diseases

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 and operates in more than 50 countries globally, focusing on various health and development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Specialist – Zoonotic Diseases will play a crucial role in the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, specifically supporting the Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS) workplan. This position is designed to provide applied technical leadership and implementation support for activities related to the prevention, detection, and response to zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. The specialist will operationalize multisectoral interventions, translating national strategies into practical actions at various levels, including regional and local. The role emphasizes field implementation and coordination with subnational counterparts, ensuring that zoonotic disease interventions are coherent and effective. The specialist will work closely with various government agencies and partners to ensure timely and operationally effective responses to zoonotic disease threats.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Multisectoral Coordination for Zoonotic Disease Prevention, Detection, and Response: Implement zoonotic disease activities aligned with the EpiC GHS workplan, operationalizing multisectoral approaches at various levels, and coordinating with relevant agencies.
• Zoonotic Disease Detection and Genomic Surveillance Implementation: Provide support for surveillance activities, linking epidemiologic data with laboratory and genomic surveillance.
• Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Facility-Level Zoonotic Risk Reduction: Implement biosafety and biosecurity activities in laboratories, ensuring alignment with national standards.
• Outbreak Preparedness, Simulations, and Response: Support the design and implementation of zoonotic outbreak simulation exercises and contribute to outbreak investigations.
• Strategic Assistance and Capacity Strengthening: Deliver capacity-building activities for counterparts and develop technical tools and guidance materials.
• Coordination, Reporting, and Knowledge Management: Coordinate with technical teams to ensure integrated implementation and contribute to project deliverables.
• Program Support and Compliance: Monitor activities for alignment with workplans and respond to technical inquiries as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Public Health, Epidemiology, Allied Health, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, or Infectious Diseases. Formal training in Field Epidemiology or One Health programs is preferred. Previous experience in One Health or Animal Health is advantageous. A minimum of 7 years of experience in health or social development sectors, particularly in project implementation, is required. Candidates should have substantial experience working with government and partners in zoonotic disease detection and surveillance, as well as practical experience in multisectoral initiatives. Experience in laboratory-based surveillance and capacity-building activities is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in relevant fields such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Veterinary Medicine, or Infectious Diseases. Additional formal training in Field Epidemiology or One Health programs is preferred and considered an advantage.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in health or social development sectors, particularly in project implementation. Experience working with government agencies, private sectors, and partners in zoonotic disease detection and surveillance is essential. Practical experience in supporting or coordinating multisectoral initiatives is preferred, along with experience in health emergency response projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Filipino/Tagalog is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak both languages fluently. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Manila, Philippines, and may require domestic travel of at least 25%. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and emphasizes professional development and work/life balance.