Technical Officer - Surveillance

Family Health International; Makati; On-site; PHP 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Family Health International is seeking a role focused on strengthening disease surveillance and response in the Philippines. The officer will collaborate with the Department of Health, LGUs, and partners to implement PIDSR and event-based surveillance, leveraging DHIS2, and fostering One Health coordination across sectors.

The role combines technical planning with capacity building and administrative support, reporting to the Disease Surveillance Specialist.

Qualifications

• Must have strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Ability to interpret financial and quantitative information.
• Proactive in identifying cost savings and efficiency opportunities.
• Experience in disease surveillance and public health is required.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of EpiC GHS technical assistance.
• Coordinate with DOH, LGUs, and partners for PIDSR and event-based surveillance activities.
• Assist in development of guidelines, tools, and reporting workflows for surveillance.
• Coordinate trainings and knowledge transfer on surveillance and One Health activities.
• Maintain records, trackers, and documentation while ensuring data protection.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Confidential information handling

Cost savings mindset

Numerical literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health

Tools

DHIS2

Job description

About the role

Supports the planning, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of EpiC GHS technical assistance to strengthen disease surveillance, early warning, and response in the Philippines. Reporting directly to the Disease Surveillance Specialist, the officer carries out assigned activities with the Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs), and partners, with emphasis on case-and event-based surveillance, Community Event -Based Surveillance and Response (CE SR), application of the 7‑1‑7 Framework, and One Health coordination for zoonotic and other priority public health threats. The officer contributes to assessments, capacity strengthening, digital surveillance initiatives, development and testing of operational guidance, and preparation of technical and knowledge products. Generally the role combines technical planning and implementation, partner coordination, and administrative support, in close coordination with the Disease Surveillance Specialist.

1. Strengthening Surveillance Architecture

• Collaborate with the DOH and LGUs in enhancing national and local implementation of case - and event-based surveillance systems of the Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR) , including community -based surveillance and early action responses
• Support information technology initiatives, including DHIS2 customization and development, by coordinating training and tracking feedback and implementation issues with technical partners
• Support identification and addressing gaps in reporting, data quality, information flows, and use of data for action.
• Assist in reviewing and refining guidelines, monitoring tools, and reporting workflows on disease surveillance
• Support mentoring and coaching of frontline surveillance staff on signal detection, verification, risk assessment, notification, timely referral, and early action responses, including evidence-based public health messaging and community engagement

2. Multisectoral Coordination and One Health

• Coordinate with human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders and other relevant sectors to carry out the following:
  • Baseline assessments
  • Tabletop exercises
  • After -action reviews.
  • Development and refinement of a One Health playbook
  • Organization of One Health governance mechanisms
• Support coordination between surveillance and laboratory stakeholders, including relevant human and animal health laboratories, to improve sentinel surveillance - specimen referral pathways, linkage of epidemiological and laboratory information, and timely return of results
• Assist in documenting and reviewing genomic surveillance workflows, including sample-to sequence reporting and use of findings for outbreak assessment, in collaboration with laboratory and technical leads

3. Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Transfer

• Assist in identifying learning needs and preparing training plans, learning materials, presentations, job aids, and exercises for surveillance, CESR, the 7‑1‑7 Framework, and One Health activities
• Co-facilitate trainings and workshops, coordinate resource persons, and support mentoring and follow -up activities tailored to participants’ roles and local context, with inclusive participation of relevant sectors and community representatives
• Compile evaluation results, document learning gaps, and track follow -up actions to improve training delivery and application of learning

4. Technical Documentation and Operational Support

• Draft relevant activity designs, reports, technical briefs, presentations
• Coordinate schedules, partner communications, and follow -up on agreed actions
• Coordinate with administrative counterparts for activity -related procurement, travel, venue, materials, and administrative requirements in accordance with organizational procedures
• Organize and maintain records, supporting documents, and technical files, observing applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements
• Maintain activity and output trackers and document lessons learned, good practices, and recommendations
• Perform other related duties in line with approved workplans and project priorities.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree or its international equivalent in public health, nursing, social sciences or development studies.
• At least 3 years of combined local, national, and international experience working in disease surveillance and response systems.
• Strong analytical, numerical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive ability to identify cost savings, cost avoidance, and efficiency opportunities.
• Ability to interpret financial and quantitative information and reports.
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.