Disease Surveillance Specialist - Manila

ABOUT FHI 360: · FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so that people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. Our staff of more than 2,000 experts work in over 50 countries around the world. ...

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ABOUT FHI 360:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so that people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. Our staff of more than 2,000 experts work in over 50 countries around the world.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project is a global health initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State, running from 2019 to 2027. In the Philippines, EpiC has two workplans each with its own technical scope and budget, one focused on achieving HIV epidemic control and one focused on strengthening global health security (GHS). The role outlined in this job description supports EpiC's GHS workplan.

EpiC's GHS workplan aims to strengthen national, subnational, and local capacities for the prevention, detection, and response to public health emergencies, including pandemic preparedness. Support is delivered across multiple technical areas, including Zoonotic Diseases, Biosafety and Biosecurity, National Laboratory Systems, Surveillance, Public Health Emergency Management, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and Evidence-Based Public Health Messaging. All activities and sub-activities under each technical area are aligned with and informed by national priorities and strategies, including the National Action Plan for Health Security (2025–2030), the National Framework of the Philippine Health Laboratory System (PHLS), and the National Laboratory Strategic Plan (NLSP) 2025–2030.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Surveillance System Strengthening (PIDSR, EBS, CBS, CESR)

2. Support the project's Epidemiologist and Technical Director in implementing all surveillance-related activities under the GHS workplan, including strengthening PIDSR, revitalizing EBS/CBS, expanding CESR, and modernizing sentinel and syndromic surveillance systems.

3. Assist in improving reporting workflows, timeliness, data completeness, and interoperability across PIDSR, LIMS, and RITM genomic platforms.

4. Provide technical inputs to redesign surveillance tools, templates, and data dictionaries and support the development of automated alerts, early-warning signals, and dashboard visualization modules.

5. Field Surveillance & Outbreak Detection (Strategic Depth Areas)

6. Conduct and support real-time outbreak investigation, event verification, and rapid epidemiologic response in priority regions (Region III, IV-A, MIMAROPA, Region VII, and BARMM).

7. Mentor and coach ESUs, RESUs, LESUs, hospital surveillance units, and barangay-level focal points in improved reporting, signal detection, rumor verification, and use of mobile/offline tools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

8. Strengthen continuity of reporting through deployment and troubleshooting of frontline reporting kits (tablets, mobile apps, backup power/solar chargers).

9. Laboratory–Epidemiology–Genomic Integration

10. Assist in operationalizing laboratory–epidemiology integration by ensuring consistent linkage of case data, test results, sequencing findings, and biosafety/biosecurity indicators.

11. Support the setup and operations of regional genomic-surveillance hubs by aligning specimen pathways, outbreak investigation workflows, and sample-to-sequence reporting loops.

12. Coordinate closely with RITM, subnational laboratories, ADDRL/RADDLs, and animal health stakeholders to strengthen zoonotic and multi-pathogen detection.

13. Zoonotic Disease Surveillance & One Health Coordination

14. Support multi-sectoral surveillance activities with DOH, DA-BAI, DENR, wildlife authorities, LGUs, and One Health stakeholders to detect zoonotic spillover signals.

15. Participate in and document joint field investigations for priority zoonotic diseases (HPAI, leptospirosis, rabies, Nipah-like syndromes, etc.) and contribute to multi-agency outbreak simulation exercises.

16. Strengthen human–animal interface surveillance, including shared signal definitions, verification mechanisms, and data sharing channels.

17. Emergency Preparedness, Response & PHEOC Support

18. Provide epidemiologic support to PHEOC/REOC operations during emergencies by generating analysis, situational reports, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations.

19. Participate in Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and support operational IPC reinforcement, triage support, and risk communication linkages in affected facilities and communities.

20. Align surveillance triggers with activation of Emergency Readiness Reserves (ERRs) to ensure timely deployment of surge supplies and specimen transport materials.

21. Subnational Data Analytics & Predictive Modeling

22. Support development and use of interactive dashboards that integrate CESR, PIDSR, LIMS, genomic data, and predictive analytics for early detection.

23. Train ESUs, RESUs, and LESUs on data interpretation, visualization, outbreak trend monitoring, and producing actionable analytic briefs.

24. Perform trend analyses, risk profiles, situational assessments, and summary reports for national and regional decision-making.

25. Capacity Building, SOP Development & Knowledge Transfer

26. Contribute to developing SOPs, outbreak investigation toolkits, verification job aids, EMCE job aids, and training modules for subnational and facility-level teams.

27. Deliver capacity-building activities, on-the-job coaching, and competency assessment for surveillance personnel, disease surveillance officers (DSOs), and frontline health workers.

28. Provide guidance to ensure standardized surveillance practices across all project-supported regions and technical areas.

29. Program Management, Coordination & Reporting

30. Support development and refinement of annual workplans, activity plans, progress updates, and donor reports.

31. Coordinate closely with the Project Lead, Epidemiologist, M&E team, Laboratory Specialists, BSBS team, EMCE team, and other cross-cutting staff to ensure synchronized implementation.
32. Represent the project in technical working groups, government meetings, and partner coordination sessions as required.

33. Work closely with the global GHS surveillance team to ensure cross-country learning and harmonization.

34. Other Responsibilities

35. Perform other tasks assigned by the Epidemiologist or Project Director in alignment with project objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience in implementation of 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.
• Knowledge on data management software use.
• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

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

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, and/or in any of the fields related to position functions, Master's degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of combined national and international experience working in disease surveillance programs and development of disease surveillance systems.
• Training/s in Epidemiology and Surveillance (e.g. Basic Epidemiology and Disease/Events-based Surveillance, Field Epidemiology Training Advanced, Intermediate, or Frontline Course, etc.) is preferred.
• Knowledge and practical expertise in the application of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and outbreak control at national and international level.
• Professional expertise in preventive public health, epidemiological research, disease control and health services.

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.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants' previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant's tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email

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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.