About FHI360
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, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges.
Job Summary
The Outbreak Response Specialist provides technical support to the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity to strengthen national and subnational outbreak detection and response systems in Guatemala. Working under the supervision of the Technical Director, the Specialist supports the design, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of outbreak preparedness and response activities aligned with the STRIDES Global Health Security workplan. The position collaborates closely with the Laboratory and Diagnostic Specialist and other STRIDES technical staff, as well as with Ministry of Health counterparts, to strengthen rapid response teams, outbreak investigation capacity, emergency preparedness systems, and response logistics.
The Specialist supports the implementation and monitoring of technical strengthening initiatives, contributes to the development of training strategies, facilitates training and other capacity building activities, and develops technical materials as needed. S/He also supports the preparation of technical deliverables and reports to the donor, highlighting progress toward STRIDES objectives related to providing targeted surveillance and detection assistance during outbreaks. The Specialist will collaborate with a diverse group of in-country stakeholders, including U.S. Government agencies, host country government counterparts, and partner organizations, as part of a coordinated emergency response structure.
Accountabilities
General Technical Requirements:
Provide technical leadership and implementation support for outbreak preparedness and response activities under the direction of the Technical Director, ensuring alignment with STRIDES project objectives and the approved GHS workplan.
Provide guidance on the application of the 7-1-7 methodology.
Support the review and updating of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) Operations Manual and readiness kits for MOH staff, including guidance on outbreak investigation, sampling procedures, and field safety protocols.
Provide technical input to national guidelines, standard operating procedures, and other normative documents related to outbreak preparedness and response, advising government counterparts and partners on best practices.
Provide technical and logistical support during outbreak response to facilitate rapid diagnosis and safe specimen transport, coordinating specimen routing, turnaround times, and coordination among relevant actors.
Coordinate with laboratories, surveillance units, logisticians, and Ministry of Health counterparts to support effective outbreak response operations, including specimen management, availability of diagnostics and supplies, and logistics for rapid response teams.
Project Coordination, Implementation and Reporting:
Support training of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) on outbreak investigation and control, including updating training curricula, facilitating practical drills, and supporting risk communication and community engagement activities while documenting gaps and progress.
Support the design and implementation of continuous improvement activities, including tabletop exercises, drills, and functional simulations.
Support the design, logistical preparation, and implementation of subnational emergency response exercises, including follow-up on corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in coordination with relevant Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and stakeholders.
Support integration of supply chain readiness and Rapid Response Team capacities into national and subnational preparedness plans, including roles, activation triggers, and coordination mechanisms.
In coordination with STRIDES technical teams, including laboratory and MEL staff, ensure timely communication with FHI 360 country and headquarters teams regarding emergency response activities.
Ensure timely production and dissemination of high-quality technical documentation and reporting products, including assessments, outbreak event reports, post-deployment debriefs, and monitoring and evaluation inputs.
Coordinate closely with the Laboratory and Diagnostic Specialist to ensure alignment between laboratory systems strengthening and outbreak response operations.
Support coordination with Ministry of Health technical units, emergency operations structures, and partner organizations involved in outbreak preparedness and response.
Quality Assurance:
Support the mapping of essential outbreak response supplies and definition of minimum stock levels based on hazard profiles, geographic needs, and seasonality, ensuring alignment with national standards.
Support the Ministry of Health in maintaining outbreak readiness documentation, including rosters, training records, exercise reports, after-action reviews, CAPA plans, and kit inventories.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
Strong facilitation, training, and mentoring skills; experience designing and delivering adult-learning curricula and field exercises.
Strong coordination skills to work effectively with government counterparts, technical partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
Familiarity with specimen management and transport practices (triple packaging, cold chain, chain of custody) and coordination with laboratory networks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Spanish
English professional proficiency preferred.
Proven ability to foster cross-country collaboration in epidemiology, surveillance, and/or emergency response.
Ability to analyze information, identify problems and recommend solutions or adjustments that consider a country’s individual context.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in complex environments with multiple tasks, short deadlines, and a strong emphasis on quality.
Supervision Given/Received:
Reports to the Project Technical Director and works in close coordination with the Laboratory and Diagnostic Specialist and other STRIDES technical staff.
Has no supervisory responsibility.
Education:
Master’s degree or its International Equivalent in epidemiology, public health, emergency medicine, Supply Chain/Logistics or related field required.
Experience:
6+ years of experience applying field epidemiological principles and outbreak investigation methods, experience establishing and/or managing outbreak response teams and emergency operations
Experience in leading infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response and/or global health security projects.
Experience with emergency logistics and supply chain systems for health (PPE, diagnostics, treatment supplies), including stock management and procurement workflows.
Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization
Full proficiency in Spanish is required.
Intermediate written and verbal English skills are required.
Typical Physical Demands:
Typical office environment.
Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screens and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift or move up to 5 lbs
Technology to be Used:
Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.
Travel Requirements:
Domestic travel required approximately 25%
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 [email protected].
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.
Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.
