Rapid Response and Outbreak Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title : Rapid Response and Outbreak Specialist

Report To : Technical Director, STRIDES

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

About FHI 360:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a long - lasting way by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 50 countries including all U.S. states and territories.

FHI 360 has worked in Bangladesh for more than 45 years. Since 1975, we have taken a comprehensive approach to help transform the country’s health and development landscape. Leveraging a blend of global expertise and local insights, we have consistently strengthened community capacities, enhanced systems, and reinforced institutional frameworks for a sustainable impact. In partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, academia, and the private sector, FHI 360 Bangladesh delivers integrated programs across critical sectors. Our initiatives have spanned essential health services—including HIV and nutrition, tuberculosis, global health security, and economic participation.

The U.S. government’s (USG) Global Health Security (GHS) program provides life-saving assistance to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats which pose risks for public health outbreaks that could cost lives. As part of the USG’s GHS program, the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity advances cross-sectoral efforts to successfully identify, manage, and respond to infectious disease threats; detect and prevent further outbreaks; and instill confidence and trust in a country’s disease detection and surveillance structures and services.

Position Summary:

FHI 360 is recruiting a Rapid Response and Outbreak Officer who will provide technical support and guidance and oversee the implementation of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) emergency response activities as needs are identified in Bangladesh and across the region. The Rapid Response Officer will engage with STRIDES technical staff and rapid response team members to ensure that the project’s emergency response activities are aligned with approved workplans and that technical expertise informs project implementation. The Officer will implement and monitor technical strengthening initiatives, develop a training strategy, facilitate trainings and other capacity building activities, and create scientific or other technical materials when needed. The Rapid Response Officer will support the preparation of deliverable reports to the donor highlighting achievements across STRIDES Objective 4 (Provide targeted technical surveillance and detection assistance during an outbreak) emergency response activities, as well as support the drafting of publications, presentations and other external communications. The Officer will be required to collaborate with a diverse group of in-country organizations, including USG, host country government counterparts, and partner organizations, as part of a coordinated emergency response structure.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the lead for technical implementation of emergency/outbreak response activities in Bangladesh, as described in the country workplan, ensuring alignment with overall STRIDES project objectives, particularly Objective 4: Provide targeted technical surveillance and detection assistance during an outbreak.
• Demonstrates strong judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to respond to emerging infectious disease threats in Bangladesh and the surrounding region with little supervision.
• Ensure timely communication with FHI 360 teams at the country, regional and headquarters level for emergency management purposes
• Provide expert input to national guidelines and normative policies, advising governments and partners on best practices in outbreak response
• Assists in providing technical support in the development of training materials, guidance documents, frameworks, SOPs and other tools for outbreak response
• Ensure timely production and dissemination of high-quality data and other reporting products, including assessments, outbreak event reports, post-deployment debriefs, and various monitoring and evaluation requirements.
• Participate in Early Action Reviews (EARs) and After-Action Reviews (AARs)
• Provide support to work planning and workplan preparation and finalization.
• Review and revise project and donor reports and draft publications and external communication as needed
• Coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as ministries of health, district health staff, and other stakeholders
• Assists in managing relationships with local subcontractors working in the emergency/outbreak preparedness and response space.

  Required qualifications and experience:

  • Master’s degree or its International Equivalent in epidemiology, public health, emergency medicine or related field from a recognized institution.
  • At least 4 years of experience applying field epidemiological principles and outbreak investigation methods, previous Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) experience preferred.
  • Experience in leading infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response and/or global health security projects in Bangladesh.
  • Proven ability to foster cross-country collaboration in epidemiology, surveillance, and/or emergency response.
  • Ability to analyze information, identify problems and recommend solutions or adjustments that consider a country’s individual context.
    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in complex environments with multiple tasks, short deadlines, and a strong emphasis on quality.
    • Strong analytical skills, experience with DHIS 2 preferred.
    • Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite required.
    • Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization
      • English and Bangla proficiency required.
        • Willingness to travel on short notice within country and internationally up to 25%.

          The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.

          FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.

          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 an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

          Our values and commitments to safeguarding: 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.

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          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.

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