[Hiring] Infectious Disease Surveillance Advisor @FHI 360

Role Description

FHI 360 is recruiting an Infectious Disease Surveillance Advisor located in Bogotá, Colombia, to support the STRIDES project. The Infectious Disease Surveillance Advisor will provide technical assistance to strengthen the laboratory system for epidemiological surveillance at the national level and in prioritized sub-national governments. This professional provides technical advice on disease prevention, control, and mitigation, supporting evidence-based decision-making. S/He will work closely with the STRIDES project country and Headquarter (HQ) teams to coordinate on the technical aspects of surveillance and health informatics system activities.

Accountabilities

• Assist with the day-to-day technical and operational aspects of projects in Colombia.
• Support the development, coordination, and implementation of the surveillance activities in the programmatic workplan including but not limited to:
  • epidemiological surveillance
  • laboratory surveillance of zoonotic, epidemic- and pandemic-prone diseases
  • outbreak investigation at regional and national levels in Colombia
• Support regional technical staff members ensuring that project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise and informing project implementation.
• Review and revise project and donor reports and draft publications and external communication.
• Coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as ministries of health, district health staff, international and national development partner organizations, etc.
• Demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions, with little supervision.
• Provide input on national guidelines and normative policies for subject matter areas of expertise.
• Coordinate requests from CO (Country Office) for technical assistance.
• Serve as a technical expert on animal and human disease surveillance aligning with Joint External Evaluation (JEE) results, International Health Regulations, and other global guidelines.
• Assist with the production and timely dissemination of high-quality relevant data and information, including internal and external situation reports (SitReps), bulletins, health risk assessments.
• Support internal learning and development of infectious disease surveillance activities within FHI 360.
• Provide technical leadership in Infectious Disease Surveillance, working on problems of moderate to complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors.
• Lead the day-to-day technical activities of assigned projects.
• Provide technical leadership in design, development, planning, implementation, and capacity-building of Infectious Disease Surveillance.
• Develop tools for the design and implementation of specific technical components.
• Ensure technical implementation is consistent with best practices in the industry/subject and meets client/funder contractual obligations for one or more large functional areas.
• May supervise junior technical staff members, sub-contractors, and others implementing technical project work.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information in epidemiology, public health, human or veterinary medicine, or related field from a recognized institution.
• Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience in technical implementation of large projects and/or programs.
• At least 5 years of relevant international experience in activities related to the application of epidemiological principles and methods in the design, implementation, and management of surveillance systems; epidemiological analysis; training; and research.
• Experience working on large USG-funded projects or technical implementation.
• Demonstrated ability coordinating staff across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in One Health, zoonotic diseases, surveillance systems, and outbreak investigation and control in Colombia.
• In-depth knowledge of, and practical expertise in, public health issues and trends, epidemiological theory, principles and practices, and surveillance techniques, systems, and procedures.
• Knowledge and skills in supporting cooperation among countries for health development in the areas of epidemiology, surveillance, and response.
• Ability to analyze information, identify problems, and recommend solutions or adjustments that take into account the particular situations in different countries.
• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines, and an emphasis on quality.
• Strong analytical skills, and experience with DIHS2 use and tool development.
• Relevant publications, presentations, reports, and manual/tool development.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.
• Prior experience in animal health, zoonotic diseases, or multisectoral collaborations.
• English and Spanish proficiency required.
• International or Domestic (US) Program Development or Program management preferred.

Requirements

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Personal Computer, Microsoft Office 365 (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype/TEAMS, email), office telephone, cell phone, and printer/copier.
• Travel Requirements: 10% - 25%

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package.
• Professional development.
• Policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance.