Animal Epidemiology and Surveillance Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing the interconnected challenges of health, education, and economic development, and works collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement programs that promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Animal Epidemiology and Surveillance Technical Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of animal and zoonotic disease surveillance activities under the STRIDES Jordan Activity. This position is vital for ensuring effective monitoring and reporting of animal diseases, which is essential for public health and agricultural stability. The Technical Officer will work closely with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Advisor to provide both technical and operational support across various surveillance workstreams. This includes the development of surveillance tools and materials, coordination with veterinary and public health counterparts, and ensuring alignment with Jordan's national surveillance priorities and the One Health approach. The role requires a proactive approach to strengthen animal disease detection and reporting systems, enhance the capacity of veterinary and agricultural surveillance staff, and ensure compliance with donor reporting and workplan tracking.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the day-to-day implementation of animal and zoonotic disease surveillance activities; assisting in the development and dissemination of surveillance tools, reporting forms, guidelines, and training materials; monitoring and maintaining surveillance protocols and data sets; conducting literature searches on animal disease epidemiology and zoonotic disease surveillance; responding to technical inquiries related to surveillance activities; tracking the delivery of outputs against timelines; ensuring compliance with best practices and donor obligations; engaging with the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant national counterparts; implementing One Health approaches; coordinating with operations and finance teams; drafting technical progress reports; preparing presentations on surveillance progress; contributing to annual workplans; and assisting in the development of proposals and technical design documents.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a working knowledge of animal disease epidemiology, zoonotic surveillance, and One Health frameworks, with familiarity in OIE/WOAH standards and FAO guidance being advantageous. An understanding of Jordan's veterinary and agricultural health system, including relevant government counterparts, is preferred. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and analytical skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and proficiency in MS Office and data management tools. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret surveillance data, identify errors, and prepare clear reports.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to animal and zoonotic disease surveillance activities.

Experience:
A minimum of 4+ years of relevant experience in animal epidemiology, zoonotic surveillance, veterinary public health, or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience providing technical support to animal health or One Health programs, preferably in Jordan or the MENA region. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization, government agency, or private organization operating in the public health or global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security space is also preferred.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in both Arabic and English, written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the dissemination of surveillance findings and reports.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities, but the Technical Officer may provide guidance to junior or support staff. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and implementing partners. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and emphasizes professional development and work/life balance.