Public Health Technical Advisor

Location:	Washington, DC
Number:	GHFP II-P1-023
Status:	Open
Close Date:	4/16/2012
All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on the closing date.
Global Health Fellows Program II Technical Advisor III: Public Health Technical Advisor Technical Assistance Group, Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, United States Agency for International Development Location: Washington, DC Assignment: Two year fellowship GHFP II-P1-023 The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). GHFP-II's goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and performance management and professional development activities aimed to enhance the technical and leadership skills of fellows. INTRODUCTION: The Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID responsible for facilitating and coordinating US Government humanitarian assistance overseas. As part of USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), OFDA provides humanitarian assistance to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the social and economic impact of humanitarian emergencies worldwide. Within OFDA, the Technical Assistance Group (TAG) provides technical oversight and support for a variety of humanitarian sectors. The Public Health Technical Advisor serves as part of the TAG Public Health and Nutrition Team, which consists of advisors in health; nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and pharmaceuticals and medical commodities. S/he may also work with other elements of the TAG team such as advisors in agriculture, protection and vulnerable populations, and shelter and settlements to provide a multidisciplinary approach to disaster response and risk reduction. The Public Health Technical Advisor receives day to day guidance from the TAG Team Leader. S/he is expected to act independently with little direction but in close coordination with the Public Health and Nutrition Team lead and Senior TAG Public Health Advisor. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary responsibilities of the Public Health Technical Advisor include: Provide expert advice to USAID and OFDA staff based in Washington, DC or in field offices for public health interventions during a disaster response. Following reports of natural disasters or large scale conflict, s/he may be asked to provide recommendations for response in public health related sectors to OFDA staff Formulate and convey public health technical and policy positions of USAID/OFDA through interactions with NGO partners, other donor agencies, the international humanitarian community, and other USAID staff working in the public health sectors, attending pertinent meetings and other events as appropriate In collaboration with USAID/Washington and regional field office staff, co-lead the development of regional and country programmatic strategies and guidance related to humanitarian programming in the public health sector Conduct public health assessments of the affected populations and recommend appropriate relief activities, while facilitating and coordinating US Government emergency technical response activities with USAID Missions, other donor agencies, and the US Embassy Participate in the Global Health Cluster Monitor OFDA-funded activities to ensure the proper use of OFDA program funds Review and comment on proposals submitted by NGO and United Nations’ partners for humanitarian response and disaster risk reduction in the public health sector Identify emergency public health mitigation and prevention measures that could be linked to disaster response activities. Review mitigation principals and recommend course(s) of action to OFDA-Washington staff Participate in assessment teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams, Response Management Teams, and other office duties as requested Provide “in-service” brownbag presentations to USAID and OFDA staff on current public health related topics Participate in appropriate OFDA general or sector specific training either as a participant and/or trainer Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational and programming need and/or (b) the Advisor’s own interests. REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE: MD preferred; will also consider MPH or relevant PhD. All applicants should have public health background relevant field experience and training Minimum of ten years’ recent experience working in a technical capacity for an international nongovernmental organization, public international organization (PIO), or US Government or agency working in humanitarian relief and response in emergency public health with minimum of 3-5 years’ in international or resource challenged settings Fluency in critical concepts of emergency public health interventions in developing countries and ability to develop programming to reflect those standards Understanding of key health issues related to displaced populations, refugees and other vulnerable populations and ability to represent the humanitarian perspective High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work results, and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environments Strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to write technical documents and give high level presentations to colleagues in and outside of USAID Strong interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in an independent capacity and as a member of a team Good computer skills Ability and willingness to travel internationally (30%) US Citizenship required SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf TO APPLY: All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II’s online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time April 16, 2012. Prior applicants have been given consideration and need not re-apply. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer.