Emergency Response and Recovery Senior Advisor at FHI 360

The Emergency Response and Recovery Senior Advisor (ERRSA) will provide leadership, and technical oversight to support implementation of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and EID projects for multiple countries globally 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 and characterize biological threats early
To report emerging biological threats by responding rapidly and effectively to public health threats of international concern.
Identify and cultivate diverse funding streams to support GSHA/EID efforts

The position will be based in the FHI 360 office in Durham, NC upon reopening, and will involve both national and/or international travel.

Technical Responsibilities:

Technical responsibilities include working with other FHI 360 GHSA/EID program staff, FHI 360 senior leadership, and partner representatives to support responses and recovery to emerging infectious disease outbreaks and related disasters. The ERRSA will provide expert guidance and technical assistance to strategies and activities including, but not limited to:

Manage the GHS/EID unit health emergencies programs; advise, promote, develop, and implement policies and programs to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, or respond to emergencies and disasters caused by all types of GHSA/EID events , in close coordination with international and national partners and representatives in line with WHO, CDC, and other stakeholders and in alignment with national Strategic Plans and international guidelines;
Provide technical support for the establishment and/or strengthening of outbreak and emergency prevention and preparedness programs across and between the various sectors (One Health approach), including the development, implementation, and evaluation of sub regional and/or country strategies and work plans pertaining to health emergencies, ensuring compliance with WHO and CDC Health Emergencies strategies;
Maintain close relations and promote partnerships with all health emergency related sub-regional and international actors, Ministries of Health, national and international NGOs, UN organizations, donors, and other institutions;
Advise sub-regional and national authorities on policies, norms, standards, and guidelines to support the development of critical core capacities for global health security; provide training and support to national authorities to develop critical core capacities;
Provide technical guidance and support, in the context of the International Health Regulations (IHR), for the prevention, early detection, verification, risk assessment, and response to epidemic prone infectious hazards, and the analysis and dissemination of data related to the occurrence of outbreaks, in close collaboration with relevant teams at country, sub-regional and regional levels;
Provide technical advice and guidance for the implementation of health emergencies policies, concepts, tools, and strategies at the sub-regional and national levels, for the prevention and, where feasible, elimination of diseases/epidemic risks. Work with partners, to improve approaches and methods of controlling epidemics in different epidemiological situations;
Promote multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities with key national and international partners, at the sub-regional and country levels, to ensure the successful implementation, monitoring and evaluation of capacities in line with IHR (2005) requirements, as well as the identification of financing for country plans;
Make recommendations and give guidance on relevant course of actions to be taken in affected as well as non-affected areas to prevent and/or control cause of excess morbidity and mortality related to emergencies and disasters;
Support the provision of data and information required for any GHSA/EID related documents to be presented to FHI 360 leadership; coordinate the implementation of the various Regional and country Plans of Action under the responsibility of the health emergencies program, including the plans for disaster risk reduction, coordination of health humanitarian assistance, as well as, plans related to the strengthening of surveillance, prevention, and control of high threats epidemic prone diseases (influenza, plague, yellow fever, cholera and other emerging and reemerging bacterial and viral diseases);
Identify and support catalytic areas to grow the GHSA/EID unit at FHI 360;
Oversee the timely and high-quality collection, analysis, production, and dissemination of health emergency data/information for sub-regions and countries. This includes response specific information (what, where, who, when, how many, how quickly, current status), internal and external situation reports (SitReps), bulletins, rapid needs assessments, health risk assessments, and the Public Health Situation Analysis; and health inputs into humanitarian needs overviews (HNO), and strategic response plans (SRP);
Coordinate the mobilization of resources, through liaison with donors, formulation of projects, monitoring and elaboration of technical progress reports;
Assist and support host countries to ensure they fully comply with the WHO readiness checklist;
Contribute to the preparation of work plan and budgets and country Joint External Evaluations;
Provide technical leadership and support for the rapid assessment of health-related needs and the coordination of an appropriate international health response in case of emergencies and disasters, in close collaboration with the Regional Office; Collaborate with all stakeholders and provide health expertise and required information where necessary;
Assist FHI 360 programs to coordinate the response to outbreaks of epidemic and pandemic prone diseases in supported countries as requested;
Provide coaching, and support staff development opportunities;
Perform other related duties as assigned for stakeholders within and outside FHI 360.

Qualifications and Experience

A minimum of an MSc in a discipline relevant to the duties listed; such as in health sciences or natural science, public health, or in a discipline related to emergency and disaster management.
Desirable: A degree in medicine or specialized training in emergency and outbreak management or specific training in humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, or risk reduction would be an asset.
At least eight years of relevant work experience including combined national and international experience in a managerial position in public health, or disaster management (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery).
Knowledge with mechanisms in the area of national and international preparedness for and response to health emergencies.
Field experience in public health programs or emergency management programs in developing countries, including coordination of large-scale public health projects, would be an asset
Demonstrated experience in leading, managing complex projects that span multiple countries.
Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices in project management, process development and execution.
Excellent and demonstrated public relations, policy, representation, and diplomacy skills required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong consultative and negotiation skills.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to strategize, plan, and manage resources for successful completion of projects.
Ability to motivate, influence and collaborate with others; experience in staff development and capacity building experience.
Ability to build positive working relationships with the various stakeholders’ communities, government officials and other multilateral bodies and donor representatives.
Exercise judgment to meet strategic business goals and develop objectives and plans that align with and ensure achievement of organizational goals.
Ability to build teams, recognize, acquire, and retain talents.
Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance
Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English; fluency in another language is a plus (e.g. French, Portuguese, Spanish)

Travel Requirements:

Up to 50% national and/or international travel.

Typical Physical Demands:

Typical office environment.
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

Personal Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, cell phones, PDAs and other hand held devices.

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.
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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About Us

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, 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 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

As we evolve to meet the challenges of the future, we stand committed to the principles that have guided our organization for the last 40+ years. Our work continues to be grounded in research and science, strengthened by partnerships and focused on building the capacity of individuals, communities and countries to succeed.

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