FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, FHI 360 implements the STRIDES project (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems), funded by the US Department of State, which strengthens national capacity to prevent, detect, monitor and rapidly respond to infectious disease threats, including Ebola detection, diagnosis and surveillance and operational support to outbreak response.
The Associate Director, Projects and Programs (Response Lead), based in Bunia, provides technical and operational leadership of the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak response under STRIDES DRC. The role coordinates day-to-day field implementation of surveillance, sample transport and laboratory support, biosafety, PPE supply chain and rapid response team (RRT) capacity strengthening, working closely with the Ministry of Health, local health stakeholders, the US Department of State and international response partners. Reports functionally to the BVD Coordinator and administratively to the STRIDES DRC Technical Director.
Key responsibilities:
- Represent FHI 360 at field coordination meetings and develop and maintain a consolidated field implementation plan with clear responsibilities, timelines, resource needs and deliverables
- Coordinate implementation of surveillance, specimen referral, laboratory support, biosafety, PPE, RCCE, IPC/WASH and RRT strengthening activities
- Coordinate with government response structures and implementing partners to align with the response plan and avoid duplication
- Monitor field deliveries, operational constraints, expenditures and commodity availability; coordinate corrective actions
- Provide consolidated updates to the BVD Coordinator and flag urgent operational risks
- Ensure donor compliance, budget management and quality implementation; conduct routine field monitoring visits
- Supervise designated response staff and support learning, best practices and funding opportunities
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) in public health, medicine, epidemiology, health programme management or related field; relevant graduate degree and project management certification desirable
- 10+ years of experience in public health programme management, emergency response or humanitarian operations, including at least three years of team management; proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary outbreak response teams, preferably for Ebola or other viral haemorrhagic fevers
- Experience working in insecure environments and within an NGO
- Technical expertise in outbreak response, field epidemiology, IPC or laboratory systems strengthening; knowledge of US government and other donor-funded programmes
- Fluency in written and spoken French required; English is an asset
- Willingness to travel frequently to high-risk areas and health facilities
Closing date: 2026-11-02
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the FHI 360 careers portal (Workday) using the application link.
https://fhi.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/FHI_360_External_Career_Portal/job/Bunia-DRC/Associate-Director--Projects-and-Programs--Response-Lead-_Requisition-2026201503/apply