Job Summary:

Advanced subject matter expert who will oversee the surveillance aspects of a large USAID-funded Global Health Security (GHS) project, including develops and implements policies and processes, and ensures quality delivery of service on surveillance activities. Leads the day to day technical and operational aspects of projects. Supervises technical staff members ensuring that project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation. Prepares project and donor reports and drafts publications and external communications. Leads the development / revision of best practice documents. May be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), district health staff, several international and national development partner organizations, and the USAID (US Agency for International Development) mission to complete work. The Surveillance Lead will provide leadership, and technical oversight to support implementation of global health security (GHS) surveillance activities with the following general objectives:

• To improve prevention of avoidable epidemics including naturally occurring outbreaks and intentional or accidental releases of dangerous pathogens
• To improve ability to rapidly detect threats early, including detecting, characterizing.
• To report emerging biological threats by responding rapidly and effectively to public health threats of international concern.

This position is contingent upon successful award.

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

• Works on problems of complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors.
• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions, with little supervision.
• Networks with key project personnel.
• Decisions may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.
• Provides input to senior technical leadership on national guidelines and normative policies for subject matter areas of expertise.
• May interpret findings and make recommendations for improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Project Design Implementation:

• Lead the development, coordination, and implementation of the surveillance activities in the programmatic workplan including but not limited toto epidemiological surveillance, laboratory surveillance of epidemic- and pandemic-prone diseases, as well as outbreak investigation at national, regional and/or international levels.
• Provide technical direction for the implementation of prevention and control measures for diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential, particularly with regard to surveillance and response and in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR).
• Support capacity building in host countries and institutions to enhance Epidemiological surveillance, alert and response systems, at various levels, to detect, characterize, deploy laboratory surveillance tools, and respond to epidemics.
• Manage the production and timely dissemination of high-quality relevant data and information, including internal and external situation reports (SitReps), the bulletins, health risk assessments and health contributions to the Humanitarian Needs Overview and the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP);
• Coordinates with technical and programmatic staff members to ensure that activities are performed as per award requirements and consistent with FHI 360 policy.
• Oversees staff members’ assignments.
• Provides broad global technical leadership to multiple components for moderate to complex programs.
• Defines and develops solutions for major business or functional challenges.

• Contributes to planning and making recommendations for department / program / project concept, operations, and / or implementation.
• Influences design and scope of initiatives and programs.
• Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of specific technical components.
• Ensures technical implementation is consistent with best practices in the industry / subject and meet client / funder contractual obligations for moderately complex technical units of a functional domain, directing other professional staff members.
• Oversees all day to day technical and activities in the local, country or region.
• Coordinates with technical and programmatic staff members to ensure that activities are performed as per award requirements and consistent with policy.
• Oversees staff members’ assignments.
• Coordinates with employees and consultants, on-site and in the field for situations that are less routine and more unusual.

Staff Leadership and Training:

• May supervise team members, monitor performance, and lead professional development efforts.
• Develops and implements training and competency systems.
• Identifies strategies to address training gaps.

Project/Program Reporting:

• Prepares and delivers presentations to sponsors on progress.
• Contributes to project work plans and coordinates with sponsors and partners on activities.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensures technical deliverables and implementation are consistent with best practices in the industry / subject and meet client / funder contractual obligations for moderately complex technical units of a functional domain, directing other professional staff members.
• Proactively identifies risks or challenges to technical deliverables and creates mitigation plan.
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the effectiveness of projects and makes recommendations for enhancements.
• Ensures the quality of implemented technical activities and systems at all levels.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.
• In-depth functional knowledge around specialization and detailed knowledge of related areas in the organization.
• General understanding of the external environment and how it affects the industry in general and the organization, including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences.
• General understanding of the organization’s structure, policies and practices, and the impact on one’s own area.
• Strong diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers within the organization and possibly externally.
• Ability to influence others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to reach mutual points of agreement and benefit among peers and colleagues.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Is sought out to provide advice or solutions around technical area.
• Is informed about current developments around technical area.
• Works under broad direction with considerable latitude for independent action.
• Specific actions are guided primarily by professional standards and expected outcomes of the project.
• Decisions and actions have an impact on the smooth operation and timeframes of the unit programs/projects; impact on the broader organization is generally indirect.
• Problems encountered are complex and may involve unprecedented circumstances; resolution requires investigation, analysis, and review of professional/organizational standards.
• Faulty decisions or recommendations will normally result in critical delays and modifications to projects or operations, cause substantial expenditure of additional time, resources, and funds; and jeopardize future business activity.

Supervision Given/Received:

• May supervise junior level staff members.
• Work is reviewed in terms of meeting the organization’s objectives and schedules.
• Accomplishes results through managers or senior members of a team.
• Manages a technical area staff and function area within the organization.
• Plays a coaching and mentoring role for others; may assist in team management as necessary, although has no formal people management responsibility.
• Typically reports to a Director.

Education:

• Master’s degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information in epidemiology, public health, or control of infectious diseases from a recognized institution.

• Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.

Experience: