Principal Investigator -CDC-Funded Enhancing Global Health Security: Strengthening Public Health Surveillance Systems and Preparedness Globally

Project HOPE is an international NGO of more than 500 engaged employees and hundreds of volunteers who work in more than 25 countries, responding to the world’s most pressing global health challenges. ​We are looking for a Principal Investigator to support the CDC RFA- Enhancing Global Health Security: Strengthening Public Health Surveillance Systems and Preparedness Globally CDC-RFA-GH21-2174. This NOFO is intended to support global health security partners to develop or continue the implementation of surveillance activities that focus on protecting and improving public health globally through strategic planning, policy, strengthening surveillance capacities and systems through partnerships. ​

Principal Investigator (1): The Principal Investigator will oversee all technical activities related to l strengthening of public health surveillance systems and preparedness in ten designated countries. Within each country, the project director (PD) will collaborate with officials and experts within all relevant local, regional, and national levels of government and relevant non-government partners that participate in and support the collection, verification, sharing, and action pertaining to data that may signal the occurrence of a disease event of concern. Components along the chain of data to information may include (1) in-and out-patient facilities providing clinical and hospital services, (2) congregate population sites such as schools, day care/child care facilities, elder care/nursing home facilities, work places, social gathering and recreational sites, (3) human, animal and other laboratories, (4) agricultural and food preparation sites, (5) border sites and locations of arrival and embarkation, and others identified within each country. The Principal Investigator will facilitate discussion, mapping, exercises, and other projects to visualize, conceptualize, and explore opportunities to identify and refine the flow of information to key decision-makers to prevent the possible development of an epidemic or pandemic. The PI will be responsible for working diplomatically with Ministry of Health (MoH), country and international partners where relevant to lead, plan, implement, and monitor surveillance system strengthening and to improve policies, strategies, protocols, SOPs, plans and systems that will facilitate the timely streaming, collection, and analysis of multiple data flows. The PI will collaborate and coordinate with the Project Directors and technical specialists, Government counterparts, other stakeholders to bring innovative ideas, methodologies and approaches to problems associated with the timely reporting of potential disease events of concern. S/he will develop periodic work plans and monitor plans and progress reports for timely submission and approval. The PI will ensure activities are implemented and targets and deliverables are met in line with CDC requirements. S/he will participate in meetings of CDC’s steering group for global network activities. The position will provide TA to prepare and submit data and report per the national, regional, and global standard and requirements and any other tasks assigned. Lead, manage and supervise the project team: Business Official, 10 Project Directors and the country level staff.

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This position is contingent upon an award.

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Code of Conduct​**

It is our shared responsibility and obligation to treat each other with respect, take affirmative steps to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse and Trafficking in Persons, and to disclose all potential and actual violations of our Code of Conduct, which may include Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption, Discrimination or Harassment. Together we can reinforce a culture of respect, integrity, accountability and transparency.​

​Qualifications

· A minimum of a master’s degree in public health with at least ten years’ experience leading programs in communicable disease epidemiology, disease surveillance systems, zoonotic and emerging diseases, health systems integration and strengthening, workforce capacity building, and outbreak mitigation. Experience working in a clinical or setting is preferred.

· At least four years working internationally in coordinating and providing technical assistance to control public health outbreaks and to develop new programs and initiatives that address endemic public health issues.

· In depth knowledge of GHSA, health threats and conditions that constitute risks of pandemics and PHEICs.

· Strong proficiency collaborating with internal and external stakeholders at the local, national, regional, and multinational levels facilitating consensus, inspiring innovation, and embracing opportunities to adopt new strategies and procedures in the delivery of programs responsible for the country’s global health security efforts.

· Extensive experience working with MOH, international partners, WHO, CDC and other government agencies with strong multi-cultural, diplomatic, and representational ​skills that reflect the vision and mission of Project HOPE

· At least four years’ experience building and leading multi-disciplinary teams, monitoring and coaching performance, and taking corrective action when necessary.

· PMP certification a plus.

· Deep experience writing plans and reports, meeting agreed upon deadlines, agility to respond to short notice instructions and adhere to transparent strategies of accountability.

· Working French or Spanish a plus.

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

​**Physical demands:**

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be mobile in an office environment and able to use standard office equipment.
• Must be able to communicate in verbal and written form and must be able to travel internationally.
• Project HOPE employees may be required to travel or work in countries where working conditions are classified as “hardship.”
• Work environment:
• Typical office environment with exposure to a minimal noise level.
• Emergency deployments may be in resource-deprived environments with austere living conditions.
• Travel for extended periods may be by air and/or other modes of transportation.
• While international travel is not a regular part of every job, programmatic needs may require it intermittently.
• Project HOPE employees may be required to travel or work in countries where working conditions are classified as “hardship.”

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Due to the large number of inquiries, we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be considered. No phone calls please.

However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.

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Thank you very much for your interest in Project HOPE.