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 relief and development services 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 individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions 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 globally. 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 play a crucial role in the CGPP project team by monitoring and reporting on all project activities aimed at supporting Catholic Relief Services’ mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. This position focuses on implementing Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security activities and disease surveillance in Yobe State, emphasizing early warning, outbreak preparedness, and response. The officer will work to strengthen both routine and event-based surveillance systems, ensuring effective data analysis and reporting. The role requires close collaboration with health facilities, communities, and government surveillance systems to align with national and CGPP strategies. The officer will also be responsible for participating in CGPP-related events, reviewing program data, and supporting narrative reporting for various health interventions, including Polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will coordinate and implement Global Health Security/Surveillance activities in Yobe State, focusing on disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness. Key responsibilities include monitoring project progress, collecting and analyzing surveillance data, and reporting findings to inform timely adjustments to project plans. The officer will support the implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) frameworks, facilitate project evaluations, and ensure data quality and confidentiality. Additional duties include preparing reports, conducting disease trend analysis, assessing capacity needs of staff and partners, and supporting community-based organizations in developing work plans. The officer will also assist in outbreak detection and response activities, build the capacity of health workers, and maintain a high visibility profile for the CGPP program among stakeholders. 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 is required, with at least 3 years in disease surveillance or public health programs, ideally within an international NGO context. Candidates should demonstrate a background in participatory action planning, health programming, and community engagement. Proficiency in MS Office applications and strong analytical skills are essential, along with effective relationship management abilities and attention to detail.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Information Management, Nursing, or Medical Laboratory Science. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health programs and disease surveillance.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, with progressive responsibilities in public health or disease surveillance. At least 3 years of this experience should be specifically related to Global Health Security projects or similar public health initiatives, preferably within an international NGO setting. Experience with immunization programs and disease outbreak investigations is highly desirable.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language for this position, and proficiency in Hausa is considered an added advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with local partners and community members.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 70%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, are protected. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.