Epidemiology and Surveillance Advisor - Philippines

The Epidemiology and Surveillance Advisor will manage and monitor epidemiological surveillance strengthening activities of the anticipated USAID-funded Global Health Security project in the Philippines. S/he will provide technical support to the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture and their structural divisions on developing or updating infectious disease detection and surveillance strategies and will take the lead on planning and implementing activities to improve the quality and performance of epidemiology and surveillance services. S/he will be responsible for the technical inputs to the annual work planning at the country level, lead in developing guidelines and policies for the epidemiology and surveillance strengthening activities, and participate in technical thought leadership both at the regional and country levels. **This position is contingent upon a successful award.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the Chief of Party in collaborating with the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, and national and regional institutions for project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Provides strategic leadership and guidance to the epidemiology and surveillance component of the project in coordination with other project technical areas.
• Works closely with national counterparts to provide the technical assistance required to fulfill national objectives and targets, especially those related to the epidemiological surveillance strategic plans, work plans, and quality management systems.
• Provides technical assistance to develop and implement plans to expand the primarily current passive surveillance systems into active surveillance for priority diseases and to serve as an enhanced early warning surveillance system.
• Provides technical assistance to strengthen national expertise to manage health management information system platforms (including laboratory information systems), analyze data and produce surveillance reports and other visualizations aligned with evidence-based practices and international standards.
• Reviews and recommends revising the existing legislation involving private laboratories in the reporting system, using experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Provides onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to epidemiologists and others as required and requested as part of overall capacity-building and continuous improvement schemes.
• Provides expert advice in preparing training materials, standard operating procedures, and job aids and delivers training to epidemiologists, disease surveillance officers, and others involved.
• Supports linking epidemiology and laboratory surveillance data, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Supports the implementation of event- and indicator-based surveillance, and community‑based surveillance for priority pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
• Supports linking epidemiology and laboratory surveillance data, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Utilizes evidence-based methods and best practices to implement workplan activities.
• Supports efforts to improve real-time reporting data, data sharing, and interoperability between surveillance and laboratory systems.
• Works with project management and technical teams to develop work plans, presentations, and reports; represents the project wherever required.
• Coordinates closely with the global surveillance team to ensure synergies and experience sharing within and across global health security countries.
• Works closely with the project lead to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implement technical activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Usual office working conditions.
• Ability to travel domestically at least 25%.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in epidemiology, public health, or in any of the fields related to the functions of the position.
• At least 8+ years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology and control programs of health services related to the control of diseases, health analysis, and statistics.
• Knowledge and practical expertise in applying the International Health Regulations and outbreak control at national and international levels.
• Professional expertise in preventive public health, epidemiological research, disease control, and health services.
• Relevant training in epidemiology and surveillance, such as basic epidemiology and disease or events-based surveillance, or participation in Field Epidemiology Training Programs (e.g., advanced, intermediate, or frontline course), is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing community-based surveillance methodology, including analysis of epidemiologic investigation data utilizing new methodologies or existing techniques.
• Ability to analyze current surveillance systems and to develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff and others.
• Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Department of Health, is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.

This job description summarizes the primary duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks 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.

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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.

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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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