Rapid Response and Outbreak Officer II

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established in 1975, FHI 360 has over 45 years of experience in Bangladesh and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. The organization employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, and economic development, creating a unique mix of capabilities to address interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, academia, and the private sector to deliver integrated programs across critical sectors, focusing on essential health services and global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Rapid Response and Outbreak Specialist will provide technical support and guidance for the implementation of emergency response activities under the STRIDES program in Bangladesh and the surrounding region. This role involves engaging with technical staff and rapid response team members to ensure that emergency response activities align with approved workplans. The Specialist will be responsible for implementing and monitoring technical strengthening initiatives, developing training strategies, facilitating training sessions, and creating necessary scientific or technical materials. Additionally, the Specialist will prepare deliverable reports for donors, highlighting achievements in emergency response activities, and will collaborate with various organizations, including government counterparts and partner organizations, to ensure a coordinated emergency response.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical implementation of emergency and outbreak response activities in Bangladesh, ensuring alignment with STRIDES project objectives.
• Develop methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to respond to emerging infectious disease threats with minimal supervision.
• Maintain timely communication with FHI 360 teams for emergency management purposes.
• Provide expert input to national guidelines and policies, advising on best practices in outbreak response.
• Assist in developing training materials, guidance documents, and tools for outbreak response.
• Ensure timely production and dissemination of high-quality data and reporting products, including assessments and outbreak event reports.
• Participate in Early Action Reviews (EARs) and After-Action Reviews (AARs).
• Support work planning and preparation of workplans.
• Review and revise project and donor reports, and draft publications and external communications as needed. 1
• Coordinate with various organizations, including ministries of health and district health staff. 1
• Manage relationships with local subcontractors involved in emergency preparedness and response.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or its international equivalent in epidemiology, public health, emergency medicine, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• At least 4 years of experience applying field epidemiological principles and outbreak investigation methods, with preference for candidates with Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) experience.
• Experience in leading infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, and/or global health security projects in Bangladesh.
• Proven ability to foster cross-country collaboration in epidemiology and emergency response.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with DHIS 2 preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
• Prior work experience in an NGO, government agency, or private organization is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or its international equivalent in a relevant field such as epidemiology, public health, or emergency medicine from a recognized institution. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public health and outbreak response.

Experience:
The position requires at least 4 years of relevant experience in field epidemiology, outbreak investigation, and leading health security projects. Candidates should have a strong track record of applying epidemiological principles in real-world settings, particularly in Bangladesh, and should be adept at managing multiple tasks in complex environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Bangla is required for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they will be working with diverse stakeholders and preparing reports and communications in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require travel within the country and internationally, up to 25%. FHI 360 is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The organization also emphasizes safeguarding and requires all personnel to adhere to a code of conduct to prevent abuse and exploitation.