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 works in over 50 countries around the world.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
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.
Job Summary
The Senior Technical Specialist – Zoonotic Diseases will provide applied technical leadership and implementation support for EpiC/GHS activities related to the prevention, detection, and response to priority zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. The position focuses on operationalizing multisectoral interventions on the ground, translating national strategies and technical guidance into practical actions at regional, local, and facility levels.
Working under the overall technical leadership of the Technical Advisor – Zoonotic Diseases and Surveillance and in collaboration with other technical advisors and technical specialists, the Senior Technical Specialist will support the delivery of zoonotic disease activities across surveillance, laboratory systems, biosafety and biosecurity (BSBS), emergency preparedness, and outbreak response—particularly in strategic-depth areas with elevated zoonotic, cross-border, wildlife, and animal–human interface risks.
The role emphasizes field implementation, coordination with subnational counterparts, and hands-on technical support, rather than national policy formulation. The Senior Technical Specialist will work closely with DOH, DA-BAI, DENR, LGUs, laboratories, and implementing partners to ensure that zoonotic disease interventions are coherent, timely, and operationally effective.
Scope of Work
1.Multisectoral Coordination for Zoonotic Disease Prevention, Detection, and Response
Support implementation of zoonotic disease prevention, detection, and response activities aligned with the EpiC GHS workplan, including those related to priority pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential.
Assist in operationalizing multisectoral approaches at the national, regional and local levels, strengthening coordination among human health, animal health, wildlife, and other relevant sectors.
Support coordination with DOH, DA, DENR, and other PhilCZ member agencies to harmonize surveillance, outbreak response, and information sharing workflows and mechanisms
Support field-based surveillance and response activities at human–animal–wildlife interfaces, including high-risk production systems, markets, ports of entry, and border areas.
2.Zoonotic Disease Detection and Genomic Surveillance Implementation
Provide technical and operational support to zoonotic disease surveillance activities, including Community Event-based Surveillance (CESR), sentinel surveillance, and outbreak investigation.
Support linkage between epidemiologic data, laboratory, and genomic surveillance in close coordination with DOH Epidemiology Bureau, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), and Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI)
Support operational rollout of genomic surveillance activities for zoonotic diseases by strengthening specimen referral pathways, field coordination, data and metadata capture, sequencing analysis, reporting, and integration of results into public health response
3.Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Facility-Level Zoonotic Risk Reduction
Support implementation of biosafety and biosecurity-related activities in laboratories and facilities handling zoonotic pathogens, ensuring alignment with national standards and EpiC GHS priorities.
Assist in mapping and prioritization of laboratories with multi-disease diagnostic capacity (including zoonotic, TB, HIV, and other programs) to guide strengthening interventions.
Support field-level assessments and follow-up actions related to biosafety practices, specimen handling, and infection risk mitigation
4.Outbreak Preparedness, Simulations, and Response Support
Support the design, planning, localization, and implementation of LGU-led zoonotic outbreak simulation exercises (SimEx), including tabletop and field-based exercises applying 7-1-7 framework
Support after-action reviews (AARs) , development of improvement plans, and documentation of implementation models
Provide technical support to outbreak investigations and response activities involving zoonotic threats, under the direction of the Technical Advisor and Project leadership.
Support Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) by contributing zoonotic and One Health technical input during preparedness and response operations.
5.Strategic Assistance and Capacity Strengthening
Support delivery of practical capacity-building activities for regional and local counterparts, including mentoring, on-the-job coaching, and targeted trainings related to zoonotic disease detection, surveillance, outbreak response, and genomic surveillance.
Contribute to development and adaptation of technical tools, SOPs, job aids, and guidance materials related to zoonotic detection, response, surveillance, and coordination.
Support the delivery of trainings and learning activities
6.Coordination, Reporting, and Knowledge Management
Coordinate closely with other technical teams (Surveillance, Laboratory & Diagnostics, Health Emergency Management, and Evidence-based Public Health Messaging and Community Engagement) to ensure integrated implementation of zoonotic activities.
Contribute technical inputs for workplans, activity designs, progress reports, presentations, and other project deliverables related to zoonotic disease components.
Support preparation of technical briefs, learning products, and presentations for DOH, DA-BAI, USG, and other stakeholders
Document lessons learned, field experiences, implementation challenges, and good practices to inform project learning and reporting.
7.Program Support and Compliance
Support monitoring of assigned activities to ensure alignment with approved workplans, timelines, and donor requirements.
Respond to technical requests and inquiries from project leadership and partners as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Usual office working conditions.
Ability to travel domestically at least 25%.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Public Health, Epidemiology, Allied Health, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Infectious Diseases
Formal training in Field Epidemiology or One Health programs is preferred and an advantage
Previous experience in One Health or Animal Health is preferred and an advantage.
Minimum of 7 years working in health or any social development sector on project implementation.
Substantial previous experience in working with government, private sector, and partners supporting zoonotic disease detection, surveillance, and outbreak investigation
Practical experience supporting or coordinating multisectoral and One Health initiatives is preferred and an advantage
Demonstrated experience supporting laboratory-based surveillance and/ or genomic surveillance for infectious or zoonotic diseases
Experience delivering capacity-building activities for national and subnational counterparts
Experience in any health emergency response project is an advantage.
Experience collaborating on projects and coordinating efforts with other program staff, other international health agencies, and private and non-profit organizations.
Proficiency in English and Filipino/ Tagalog (read, write, and speak)
Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization
Experience on US Government-funded projects is an advantage
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.
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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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