Outbreak Response Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a non-profit organization dedicated to human development, committed to sustainably improving living conditions by providing integrated and contextually appropriate solutions. Established with a mission to address interconnected development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. The organization operates in over 50 countries and across all states and territories of the United States, leveraging a unique set of skills to tackle pressing global issues.

Job Overview:
The Outbreak Response Officer will provide technical support and guidance while overseeing the implementation of emergency response activities for the STRIDES program (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems) in Ivory Coast. This role involves leading professional staff and outbreak response teams when needs are identified in the region and at the national office. The officer will collaborate with technical staff from the STRIDES program to ensure that emergency response activities align with approved work plans and that technical expertise guides project implementation. Responsibilities include implementing and supervising technical strengthening initiatives, developing training strategies, facilitating training and capacity-building activities, and creating scientific or technical documents. The officer will prepare donor reports highlighting achievements related to STRIDES' emergency response activities, including drafting publications and external communications. Coordination with a diverse group of national organizations, including the U.S. government and local government counterparts, is essential to effectively respond to outbreak emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Outbreak Response Officer will supervise the daily implementation of complex emergency preparedness and response activities, requiring assessment of variable and evolving situations in Ivory Coast and the region. The officer will demonstrate sound judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to address emerging infectious disease threats and confirmed outbreaks with minimal supervision. Networking with key internal and external STRIDES personnel is crucial, as is liaising with the monitoring, evaluation, and learning team to measure emerging interventions against specific project indicators. The officer will provide information to STRIDES management on national guidelines and normative policies regarding emergency response and outbreak control, coordinating with the STRIDES and FHI 360 communication teams to highlight successes and best practices. Additional responsibilities include supporting the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, and interventions for projects, assisting in work planning, and finalizing work plans. The officer will lead the creation of emergency response work plans within financial and resource constraints, collaborate with STRIDES leadership to address U.S. government inquiries regarding outbreak emergency responses, and ensure compliance with donor contractual obligations and FHI 360's operational policies. The officer will also coordinate with community teams to support RCCE activities and ensure effective implementation of emergency response activities throughout the country and/or region.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong technical background in emergency response and outbreak management, with the ability to manage projects and prioritize realistic intervention plans. A deep functional knowledge of global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security best practices, particularly regarding emergency interventions and outbreak responses in the context of U.S. government initiatives, is essential. The officer must possess a comprehensive understanding of external environments and their impact on emergency preparedness and response within STRIDES, including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences. Strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills are necessary, along with excellent oral and written communication abilities. Organizational and analytical skills are critical, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. The officer must be capable of analyzing and interpreting data, identifying errors, and preparing reports. Problem-solving skills and the ability to implement corrective measures when necessary are also required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree or equivalent international qualification in public health, emergency management, disaster risk reduction, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective performance in the role.

Experience:
The Outbreak Response Officer typically requires more than 2 years of relevant experience in emergency response and outbreak management, with significant field experience. Proven experience in leading health security-focused projects, emphasizing emergency preparedness and response to outbreaks, is essential. The officer should have extensive experience in developing current programs related to emergency preparedness and outbreak response, demonstrating a solid understanding of the global health security system and best practices. Previous professional experience in a non-governmental organization, U.S. government agency, or private organization is preferred, with prior experience in implementing U.S. government-funded contracts being highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak proficiently. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in a typical office environment, requiring the ability to spend long hours in front of a computer screen and perform repetitive tasks. The officer must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 5 kg. The role may require travel 10% to 25% of the time. The expected hiring salary range for this role is XOF 12,000,000 - 18,000,000 for annual basic salary for national local hire. FHI 360 considers multiple factors when determining an offer amount, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget. This job posting summarizes the main duties of the position and does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.