Senior Technical Specialist, Strategic Information (SI)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing research, resources, and relationships to ensure that people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. Established with a mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities, FHI 360 employs over 2,000 experts who work across more than 50 countries globally. The organization focuses on various health and development issues, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to implement effective programs and initiatives that address pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Specialist, Strategic Information (SI), will be responsible for providing overall technical leadership and oversight of Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS) strategic information activities within the EpiC Philippines portfolio. This role is crucial in strengthening surveillance systems, supporting monitoring and operational research, and advancing data analysis, visualization, and use to guide decision-making. The SI Specialist will play a pivotal role in reinforcing integrated surveillance across the human, animal, food, and environmental sectors by applying a One Health approach. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Agriculture (DA), academic and implementing partners, and multisectoral technical working groups to support national priorities and USG-funded GHS programming. The role is integral to ensuring that the EpiC project meets its objectives and contributes to the overall health security of the Philippines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Senior Technical Specialist include providing technical leadership in the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of SI activities focused on Zoonotic Diseases, Biosafety and Biosecurity, National Laboratory Systems, Outbreak and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Evidence-based Public Health Messaging, and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The Specialist will lead the development and refinement of frameworks, tools, and data systems to strengthen integrated surveillance and data sharing across One Health sectors. Additionally, the role involves providing technical assistance to national and regional institutions, supporting the design and implementation of disease surveillance systems, and leading capacity-building activities such as training and workshops. The Specialist will also coordinate the review and synthesis of disease surveillance findings, prepare technical briefs and reports, and serve as the SI lead for EpiC/GHS workplan implementation, ensuring integration across project components.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess knowledge and experience in disease surveillance and relevant health programs. Proficiency in statistical software packages such as SAS, Stata, or SPSS, as well as WHONET and other bridging software, is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, team-building, and problem-solving skills. A proactive approach to managing multiple tasks and working in a virtual environment is necessary, along with flexibility in managing time across different teams in various time zones. Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Nepali are required, including documentation skills.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, informatics, veterinary science, laboratory sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with 7-9 years of progressively responsible experience in epidemiology or public health surveillance will be considered. Candidates should have experience designing, implementing, and supporting surveillance or operational research in public health or One Health settings, with a preference for those who have worked with Philippine non-government organizations, private sectors, and government agencies such as DOH, RITM, and DA/BAI.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in standard epidemiological and statistical methods/tools, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods and surveillance. Candidates should have a proven track record of translating complex data sets into accessible and useful information that supports program objectives, utilizing tools such as maps and dashboards for effective data visualization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Nepali is also required. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Nepali are the primary languages for communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Manila, Philippines, and may require domestic travel of at least 25%. FHI 360 offers a competitive benefits package and emphasizes professional development and work/life balance. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all employment practices are free from discrimination based on various characteristics. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.