Program Officer GHS/Surveillance

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, emphasizing the importance of improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. CRS has a comprehensive benefits package for its staff, which varies based on the country of employment, and it prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer GHS/Surveillance will be an integral member of the CORE Group Partnership Project (CGPP) team, responsible for monitoring and reporting on all Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security/Surveillance project activities. This role is crucial in supporting Catholic Relief Services’ mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. The officer will focus on implementing Global Health Security/Surveillance activities in Kaduna State, emphasizing disease surveillance, early warning systems, outbreak preparedness, and response. The position requires a thorough and service-oriented approach to ensure that best practices are consistently applied and that the project continually works towards enhancing its impact. The officer will collaborate closely with the State program team, implementing partners, community-based organizations (CBOs), and CRS leadership to establish robust data systems and accountability mechanisms. Participation in CGPP-related events and activities, as well as the preparation of narrative reports on various project portfolios, will also be key responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will coordinate and implement Global Health Security activities in Kaduna State, focusing on disease surveillance, early warning, outbreak preparedness, and response. Responsibilities include supporting the implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) frameworks, monitoring project progress, collecting and analyzing surveillance data, and reporting findings to facilitate timely adjustments to plans. The officer will assist in project evaluation activities, ensure data quality and confidentiality, and prepare reports according to established schedules. Additional duties involve supporting disease trend analysis, assessing capacity needs of staff and partners, consolidating project documentation, and supporting the development of various reports. The officer will also assist in detecting and investigating suspected outbreaks, support preparedness activities, and build the capacity of health workers and community informants. Regular field visits will be conducted to monitor program quality and adherence to health protocols.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Information Management, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities is required, ideally within an international NGO. This experience should include at least 3 years in disease surveillance, public health programs, or Global Health Security-related projects. A background in participatory action planning, health programming, and community engagement is also essential. Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office applications is necessary, along with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective relationship management abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Information Management, Nursing, or Medical Laboratory Science. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of health surveillance and public health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, with at least 3 years specifically in disease surveillance or public health programs. Candidates should have progressive responsibilities in their previous roles, ideally within an international NGO context, demonstrating a solid understanding of Global Health Security initiatives and community engagement strategies.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language for this position, and proficiency in Hausa is considered an added advantage. This linguistic capability will facilitate effective communication with local communities and stakeholders, enhancing the overall impact of the health initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 70%, and candidates must be willing and able to meet this requirement. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, are respected. The agency's talent acquisition procedures reflect its commitment to safeguarding and promoting a safe environment for all program participants.