Technical Officer I (Surveillance and RCCE Officer)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to 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 focuses on health, education, economic development, civil society, and environmental sustainability, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address complex challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer I (Surveillance and RCCE Officer) will play a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of South Sudan's health systems to respond to infectious disease threats. This position is integral to the STRIDES initiative, which aims to bolster disease surveillance, public health emergency preparedness, and outbreak response activities. The officer will provide technical and operational support to the Ministries of Health and National Public Health Institute, focusing on improving early detection, reporting, and response to epidemic-prone diseases. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including health facilities and community structures, to implement effective surveillance systems and community engagement strategies. The officer will also be responsible for planning and coordinating Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) and Indicator-Based Surveillance (IBS) activities, with a strong emphasis on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness and broader Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Officer I include:

• Supporting the implementation and strengthening of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) to ensure timely detection, reporting, investigation, and response to priority diseases.
• Coordinating EBS, IBS, and Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) activities to enhance outbreak detection at community and facility levels.
• Conducting routine analysis of surveillance data to identify trends and gaps.
• Participating in outbreak investigations and supporting case identification and epidemiological analysis.
• Monitoring surveillance indicators and recommending corrective actions.
• Strengthening coordination between surveillance and laboratory systems.
• Supporting surveillance activities at Points of Entry (PoE) and promoting One Health approaches.
• Preparing technical reports and documentation of best practices.
• Supporting public health emergency preparedness and response activities for EVD and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. 1
• Coordinating with various health ministries and partners to strengthen disease surveillance and response efforts. 1
• Integrating Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) into surveillance systems and enhancing community engagement. 1
• Providing technical mentorship and training to surveillance personnel. 1
• Analyzing and interpreting surveillance data for decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, Global Health, Communication/Social Marketing, Health Promotion, International Health, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and will be considered an added advantage. Candidates should have substantial relevant experience in disease surveillance and public health, particularly in outbreak investigation and community engagement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Informatics. A Master’s degree in public health or a related discipline is highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's qualifications. Candidates with substantial relevant experience may also be considered even if they do not meet the educational requirements fully.

Experience:
At least 5 years of experience in disease surveillance, data management, and field epidemiology is required. Candidates should have experience in implementing public health surveillance, outbreak investigation, and community health initiatives. Proven experience in training and facilitation, as well as knowledge of IBS, EBS, and community-based surveillance systems, is essential. Experience working with NGOs, Ministries of Health, and producing high-quality technical reports is also necessary.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic or local South Sudanese languages is considered an added advantage, as it will facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Juba, South Sudan. The expected salary range for this role is USD 18,000 - 24,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. FHI 360 offers a competitive benefits package and is committed to equal opportunity employment. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments. Candidates should be prepared for frequent field travel to support surveillance and emergency response activities across South Sudan.