Occupational Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to human development, committed to sustainably improving living conditions by providing integrated solutions tailored to local contexts. Established with a mission to address interconnected development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts in various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. The organization operates in all states and territories of the United States as well as in several countries worldwide, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where it focuses on health initiatives. FHI 360 implements the STRIDES project (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems) in the DRC, aimed at enhancing the country's capacity to prevent, detect, monitor, and rapidly respond to infectious disease threats as part of global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security efforts funded by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This project includes strengthening detection, diagnosis, and surveillance capabilities for the Ebola virus and operational aspects of epidemic response.

Job Overview:
The Occupational Health Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing health and safety programs across all FHI 360 offices in the DRC, particularly in emergency operations. Based in Bunia, this position serves as the primary contact for the organization regarding occupational health and safety; it coordinates health surveillance, incident management, exposure management, and staff wellness initiatives across operational sites. The officer works closely with management, provincial authorities, health partners, and international organizations (WHO, CDC) to ensure a safe working environment for all FHI 360 staff, partners, and subcontractors. The role requires a proactive approach to health and safety, ensuring compliance with local labor laws, WHO guidelines, CDC standards, and international best practices in occupational health.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive occupational health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines tailored to emergency interventions applicable to all FHI 360 operations in the DRC.
• Lead the development and updating of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to occupational health and safety, including medical screening of staff, exposure management, incident response, referral for medical care, isolation, evacuation, and post-exposure follow-up.
• Establish and supervise occupational health protocols specific to the response to BVD and Ebola, including measures to prevent and manage workplace exposures.
• Disseminate occupational health and safety guidelines to all FHI 360 staff, subcontractors, and partners.
• Ensure all occupational health and safety initiatives comply with DRC labor legislation, WHO guidelines, CDC standards, and international best practices.
• Implement and manage health surveillance systems to monitor staff health, document work-related exposures, and identify emerging occupational health risks.
• Maintain health records for all FHI 360 staff in the DRC, including health screening results, vaccination status, exposure incidents, and medical interventions.
• Monitor staff health during and after deployment; coordinate medical assessments and follow-up care as needed.
• Track cumulative occupational exposures over time to identify trends, high-risk activities, and areas needing additional protection. 1
• Coordinate with occupational health partners for specialized medical advice and clinical consultations as necessary. 1
• Manage the incident tracking system for occupational exposures to BVD, documenting all work-related exposures, needle sticks, sharp injuries, mucosal exposures, and other occupational incidents. 1
• Establish standardized incident reporting procedures; ensure all staff understand when and how to report exposures or occupational incidents. 1
• Promptly investigate occupational incidents; determine exposure classification (A/B/C/D), recommend protective measures, and coordinate follow-up medical examinations. 1
• Coordinate post-exposure monitoring periods and define criteria for lifting alerts; ensure exposed staff receive appropriate clinical follow-up. 1
• Manage medical referral and evacuation procedures for staff with confirmed exposure or occupational illness; ensure coordination with medical facilities. 1
• Thoroughly document all incidents, including exposure circumstances, investigation findings, corrective actions, and outcomes. 1
• Immediately report serious incidents or concerning trends to management. 1
• Develop and deliver occupational health and safety training to all FHI 360 staff in the DRC, with content tailored to various roles and risk levels. 1
• Organize mandatory occupational health and safety orientation sessions for new hires before deployment; ensure all staff understand occupational risks and protective measures. 2
• Provide specialized training on the selection, proper use, maintenance, and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE). 2
• Conduct training on recognizing occupational exposures, incident reporting procedures, and first aid practices. 2
• Regularly (at least quarterly) conduct refresher training on occupational health and safety protocols. 2
• Provide on-the-ground support and mentoring to field supervisors and occupational health officers in health zones. 2
• Support capacity building in occupational health within partner health facilities and local health structures in health zones. 2
• Conduct risk assessments at all FHI 360 operational sites in the DRC, identifying hazards and recommending control measures. 2
• Develop risk mitigation measures for high-risk activities, including safe work practices, technical measures, and administrative controls. 2
• Manage supplies and equipment necessary for occupational health protection, including PPE, first aid kits, and emergency response equipment. 2
• Ensure safe working conditions at all FHI 360 offices and field sites in the DRC through regular facility inspections and safety audits. 2
• Coordinate with occupational safety programs; ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards. 3
• Address safety concerns or hazards reported by staff; implement corrective measures promptly. 3
• Serve as the primary contact for FHI 360 on occupational health matters with the DRC Ministry of Health, provincial authorities, WHO, and CDC. 3
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with occupational health services, medical facilities, and partner laboratories. 3
• Ensure close coordination with the focal point for safeguarding to ensure integrated and comprehensive staff protection protocols. 3
• Work with the occupational health and safety consultant (once recruited) to provide technical support and ensure high-quality program implementation. 3
• Collaborate with the national representative and management to integrate occupational health and safety priorities into overall program planning and resource allocation. 3
• Represent FHI 360 at occupational health and safety meetings, coordination forums, and partner briefings. 3
• Participate in program coordination meetings and communicate to management the status, challenges, and recommendations regarding occupational health and safety. 3
• Maintain comprehensive occupational health records and documentation for all staff and incidents, ensuring confidentiality and data security. 3
• Prepare weekly reports on occupational health and safety summarizing incidents, exposures, health issues, and actions taken. 4
• Develop comprehensive monthly reports including trend analysis, lessons learned, and recommendations for program improvement. 4
• Compile quarterly and annual reports on occupational health and safety performance for management and donors. 4
• Generate exposure tracking reports, surveillance data summaries, and incident trend analyses for program monitoring. 4
• Document all training activities, including attendance, topics covered, and competency assessments. 4
• Maintain incident investigation records with complete documentation for audit and quality assurance purposes. 4
• Monitor trends in occupational health and safety; identify emerging issues and areas needing program improvement. 4
• Regularly review and update occupational health and safety protocols based on experience, lessons learned, and evolving best practices. 4
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and learning across FHI 360 programs. 4
• Support research or documentation of occupational health experiences for potential publication or strategic recommendations. 4
• Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives focused on occupational health and safety.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of occupational health and safety principles and practices; mastery of occupational health surveillance systems and incident tracking databases; understanding of occupational risk assessment methods; knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention; ability to deliver occupational health and safety training.
• Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive health programs; experience in data management and reporting; strong organizational and administrative skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex operational environment.
• Excellent communication skills in French and English (both languages are mandatory); ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams and organizational structures; cultural sensitivity; ability to influence and advocate for occupational health priorities; strong interpersonal skills.
• Availability to travel to all FHI 360 operational sites in the DRC for field supervision and monitoring; flexibility to respond to emergencies and field situations; ability to work in remote areas; valid driver's license and reliable access to transportation.

Educational Background:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international qualification in occupational health, public health, nursing, medical sciences, or a related field. A Master's degree in public health or occupational health is an asset.

Experience:
At least 2 years of relevant experience in occupational health and safety. Previous work experience within a non-governmental organization (NGO), in the humanitarian sector, or in public health is required. Experience in managing occupational health programs in field operations or challenging environments is essential. Experience in infectious disease prevention, exposure management, and emergency interventions is highly valued.

Languages:
Mandatory languages include French and English, both of which are required for effective communication in this role. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
FHI 360 offers a competitive salary and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates are requested to submit their cover letter along with an updated detailed CV (including title, roles held, duration, tasks, and responsibilities) with at least three verifiable professional references (including their roles, email addresses, and phone numbers), as well as copies of diplomas and certificates of service rendered. Candidates are also required to attach their job seeker cards. Interested candidates should apply through the organization's website: https://www.fhi360.org/careers. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further processing. The expected hiring salary range for this role is USD 22,000 - 33,000 annually for gross salary (basic and allowances) for national local hire; when determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines. This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation, and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks. FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods, or services during the application, recruitment, or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org. FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development, and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.