Surveillance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to human development. Established to improve the lives of populations sustainably, it offers integrated solutions tailored to local contexts. The organization employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. This diversity creates a unique skill set that addresses the interconnected challenges of current development. FHI 360 operates in multiple countries, focusing on enhancing global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and building local capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases.

Job Overview:
The position of Surveillance Specialist is crucial for the implementation of the EpiC project in Guinea, which aims to strengthen global health security by developing local capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases. The role involves collaborating with health officials, national and regional institutions, NGOs, and international donors to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate surveillance strengthening activities. The Specialist will serve as the focal point for GHS activities in the country, leading planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of project surveillance activities. This position requires a deep understanding of health security mechanisms and strategies, as well as the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders to enhance the country's health surveillance systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Surveillance Specialist will be responsible for the following duties: Collaborate with health officials, national and regional institutions, NGOs, and international donors to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate surveillance strengthening activities. Serve as the focal point for GHS activities in the country, leading the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of project surveillance activities. Provide technical assistance to project partners for the implementation of surveillance activities. Identify challenges and develop strategies for effective implementation of surveillance-related activities. Support the review and update of existing surveillance systems and associated tools. Strengthen national capacities for managing health information system platforms, data analysis, and producing surveillance reports and other visualizations in line with evidence-based practices and international standards. Represent the project in national technical groups as necessary and maintain contacts with other organizations involved in GHS activities. Coordinate with GHS teams in other countries to ensure harmonization and sharing of experiences within the project and across countries. Contribute to the preparation of required reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth expertise and proven experience in infectious disease surveillance at the national and/or regional level. Demonstrated experience in implementing field surveillance methodologies, including data analysis from epidemiological surveys, is essential. A good understanding of mechanisms and strategies deployed under the Global Health Security Agenda (GHS) and similar initiatives to combat threats from emerging infectious diseases is required. Prior knowledge and experience with Joint External Evaluations (JEE) and national improvement strategies are also necessary. Proficiency in data management software (such as DHIS2 or other health information systems) is crucial. Candidates should have strong interpersonal and analytical skills, proven project management capabilities, and the ability to establish networks and collaborate in complex contexts involving multiple partners.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international qualification in medicine, public health, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:
A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in infectious disease surveillance is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in implementing field surveillance methodologies, including data analysis from epidemiological surveys. Proven skills in report writing and presentation are essential, along with experience in effective collaboration with government authorities at national and regional levels. Experience in project coordination and collaboration with other program members, international health agencies, and private and nonprofit organizations is also necessary.

Languages:
Strong proficiency in French is mandatory. A good command of English would be an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position does not involve supervisory responsibilities. The work environment is typical of an office setting, requiring the ability to spend long hours in front of a computer screen and perform repetitive tasks on a keyboard. Candidates should be able to sit and stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 5 lbs. The expected hiring salary range for this role is GNF 140,000,000 - 170,000,000 for annual basic salary. FHI 360 considers multiple factors when determining an offer amount, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.