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.

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 Rapid Response Team (RRT) Lead will report to the Field Operations Officer to support the implementation of the EpiC GHS project by leading field-based outbreak detection, investigation, and response operations in BARMM. The position is responsible for managing, coordinating, and deploying multidisciplinary RRT; strengthening subnational and local readiness systems; and ensuring alignment of field operations with national standards, the 7-1-7 performance model, and project priorities across surveillance, laboratory systems, biosafety/biosecurity, infection prevention and control (IPC), and evidence-based public health messaging and community engagement (EMCE).

The RRT Lead will oversee the day-to-day implementation of community- and facility-level outbreak response activities; provide direct technical support to regional and local epidemiology and surveillance units (R/LESUs), local government units (LGUs), hospitals, and laboratories; and ensure timely, accurate reporting of field findings to the project and key government counterparts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Rapid Response Field Operations

• Coordinate, plan, and deploy multidisciplinary RRTs to support early detection, verification, investigation, and containment of priority diseases in the assigned region.

• Ensure response actions align with DOH protocols, IHR core capacities, and project technical areas (surveillance, laboratory, biosafety/biosecurity, IPC, EMCE).

• Liase between field operations and the project team to provide real-time, two-way feedback with the Field Operations Officer, BARMM Cluster Team Lead, and relevant Technical Advisors to share findings, identify risks, communicate resource needs, and track follow-up actions from the field.

Local and Regional Outbreak Readiness

• Assist RESUs, LESUs, public health emergency operations centers (PHEOCs), hospitals, and LGUs in operationalizing 7-1-7 outbreak timelines, including risk assessment, notification, and rapid mobilization.

• Support implementation and expansion of community event-based surveillance (CESR), passive-to-active surveillance transitions, and rumor triage systems.

Laboratory and Surveillance Linkages

• Support strengthening specimen referral, surge testing pathways, and linkages between ESUs and subnational laboratories.

• Facilitate real-time communication between field teams, laboratories, and surveillance units to shorten “signal-to-result-to-action” time.

Community-Level Response Structures

• Work with barangay health workers, emergency response teams, private providers, and community groups to support early warning, reporting, and containment activities.

• Coordinate with multistakeholder teams, especially local community teams, on strategies and activities regarding outbreak and surveillance interventions.

• Coordinate closely with the EMCE Team to reinforce public health messaging and community involvement during field operations.

RRT Capacity Development

• Lead, mentor, and supervise Disease Surveillance Officers, Laboratory Officers, and other deployed personnel across assigned sites.

• Ensure readiness of field personnel through mentorship, upskilling, and exercises.

Capacity Building and Simulation Exercises

• Support the design and execution of multisectoral outbreak simulations, table-top exercises, and after-action reviews to test subnational response systems.

• Train local responders on outbreak investigation, PPE use, IPC enforcement, triage, safe specimen handling, and reporting tools.

• Support the development and delivery of training programs, SOPs, and protocols for local health responders and teams, based on national and international guidelines and tailored to the local context.

Reporting, Coordination, and Representation

• Oversee documentation of field investigations, situation reports, and performance dashboards.

• Lead and monitor RRT field activities against project goals, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of reports and data submissions.

• Represent the project in coordination meetings with MOH and other ministries within BARMM, LGUs, and inter-agency platforms at the regional, provincial, and local levels.

• Provide regular updates to the BARMM Cluster Lead, Field Operations Officer, and Technical Advisors on field status, risks, needs, and recommended course corrections.

Project Management Support

• Work with project management and technical teams in developing and updating work plans, presentations, and reports.

• Support alignment and harmonization with related project components/technical areas.

Other Functions

• Perform additional duties as assigned, particularly during emergency escalations, surge alerts, and public health incidents.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in any of the following technical areas: zoonotic diseases, biosafety and biosecurity, national laboratory systems, surveillance, frontline outbreak response and public health emergency management, IPC, and/or EMCE.

• Ability to manage field deployments, multiple priorities, and operational and implementation risks in dynamic environments.

• Demonstrated ability to lead field teams across diverse backgrounds.

• Excellent coordination, organizational, and communication skills.

• Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.

• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.

• Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.

• Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.

• Residents within BARMM or nearby provinces or regions are highly encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Usual office working conditions (on periods of non-emergency).

• Ability to travel domestically (at least 50%) (at any given time, given the nature of health emergencies).

• Although this position has a designated primary work location (i.e., Cotabato City), the staff may be deployed to other project sites that require support during disease outbreaks or public health emergencies.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health/medical sciences, epidemiology, development, social sciences, or any related field.

• Typically requires at least 3 years of relevant experience in providing technical assistance and support in disease surveillance, outbreak prevention and control, and field-based interventions.

• Experience in public health emergency response, outbreak operations, or rapid field deployment is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience working with government counterparts at the national, regional, and local levels, partner organizations, and community stakeholders. Previous engagement with MOH-BARMM is highly preferred.

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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