Technical Advisor - Ebola Response

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded with the belief that a better world is possible. Established in August 2007, Mercy Corps has been operational in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for over 15 years. The organization employs approximately 300 national and expatriate staff and operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. Mercy Corps focuses on providing bold solutions to help communities overcome adversity and build resilience. In the DRC, the organization has reached over half a million people through integrated programs that enhance access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) services, economic development, and social cohesion, thereby fostering peace and good governance.

Job Overview:
The Ebola Response Technical Advisor plays a crucial role in providing strategic technical leadership and quality assurance for Mercy Corps' Ebola response programming in the DRC. Reporting to the Ebola Team Leader, the Technical Advisor ensures that all team members, including those from partner organizations, receive the necessary technical guidance to implement a quality, evidence-based response that aligns with the DRC Ministry of Health priorities and international public health standards. The role encompasses cross-sectoral technical support across various areas, including Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security and Livelihoods, and Protection. The Advisor is responsible for advising on technical approaches, reviewing program designs, and ensuring that interventions remain adaptive as the outbreak evolves. The position requires close collaboration with program leadership, sector managers, and various teams to maintain a technically strong and community-centered response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor's duties include ensuring that Mercy Corps' Ebola response strategy aligns with the DRC Ministry of Health guidelines, interpreting epidemiological trends, and advising teams on programming adjustments based on transmission patterns. The Advisor provides cross-sectoral technical support in RCCE, community-based surveillance, IPC, WASH, food security, and protection. Responsibilities also include designing and reviewing technical aspects of program proposals, ensuring that implementation teams have the necessary tools and guidance, and conducting field visits to monitor program quality. The Advisor is expected to train Mercy Corps teams and consortium members on IPC measures, represent Mercy Corps in technical coordination forums, and integrate safeguarding and conflict sensitivity into all program activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public health, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, or a related field. A minimum of 3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in an international NGO is required, along with experience in multi-sectoral humanitarian programs, project management tools, and staff management. Familiarity with key donors such as ECHO, WHO, and UNICEF is advantageous, as is experience supporting responses to Ebola or prolonged outbreaks. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to align program strategies with national health guidelines and interpret epidemiological data for program decision-making.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in public health, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, or another related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public health interventions and ensuring that the Ebola response is evidence-based and aligned with international standards.

Experience:
Candidates should have 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in an international NGO setting, particularly in roles that involve consulting on multi-sectoral humanitarian programs. Experience in project management, staff training, and working with key donors is also important. Previous experience in responding to Ebola or similar outbreaks is a plus, as is familiarity with public health strategies and community engagement.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written skills in both English and French are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and the communities served by Mercy Corps.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bunia, DRC, which is currently at the epicenter of the 17th Ebola outbreak. The living conditions are challenging, with limited freedom of movement and access to medical services. The role requires 30% travel to field offices in insecure environments and may involve exceptional work schedules, including evenings and weekends. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and safeguarding principles, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment.