ThaiNGO

Job Summary

We are seeking a Team Leader to work for the USAID-funded Discovery and Exploration of Emerging Pathogens – Viral Zoonoses (DEEP VZN) project. DEEP VZN is a five-year project that will build scientific capacity in partner countries to safely detect and characterize unknown viruses which have the potential to spill over from wildlife and domestic animals to human populations. With up to twelve (12) countries, the project will carry out large-scale animal surveillance programs focusing on finding previously unknown pathogens from three viral families that have a large potential for viral spillover from animals to humans: coronaviruses, the family that includes SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19; filoviruses, such as the Ebola virus; and paramyxoviruses which includes the viruses that cause measles and Nipah.

The Team Leader will provide technical and programmatic support for DEEP VZN activities in Thailand. This will include assisting with developing and implementing partner capacity building activities to enhance capacities for sampling, detection, characterization, and data sharing of data on potential priority zoonotic viruses. The selected candidate will contribute to partner selection, monitoring, management, and oversight. They will support the development or enhancement of trainings, standard operating procedures and tools and monitor implementation. They will also support the assessment of laboratories and field sampling sites and identify and implement recommendations to enable them to effectively detect and characterize priority viruses. The Team Leader will be responsible for technical direction and overall management of activities, as well as coordination with other project team members and partners who lead specific activities. They will work closely with USAID to provide thought leadership and represent the project in country.

Responsibilities include

• Lead the DEEP VZN country team (project and local implementing partners) including technical, operational, and programmatic tasks
• Support the gathering and collation of data on previous zoonotic threats including participating in an environmental scan of zoonotic threats and emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases, with an emphasis on the One Health approach
• Represent the project at the country level and manage relationships with local stakeholders including government partners and the USAID mission
• Support the selection of local implementing partners and issuance of contractual or purchase agreements; oversee and monitor their performance of all DEEP VZN assigned responsibilities and production of agreed deliverables (technical and financial)
• Assess potential project laboratories and develop and oversee improvement plans
• Provide technical assistance to laboratories to develop standard operating procedures and tools to facilitate testing of project samples and project activities
• Coordinate and support the development and delivery of trainings including virus detection and characterization, quality management systems, biosafety and biosecurity, and research ethics
• Support the development and implementation of a country-specific sampling plan

• Monitor compliance with sampling and testing SOPs
• Support systems for data reporting, management, analysis, use and sharing for the project
• Work closely with national counterparts for in-country data review and analysis
• Support systems to establish, monitor, and report compliance with required biosafety and biosecurity plans and procedures
• Prepare documentation to secure in-country approvals to conduct the project work and prepare and submit all required continuing approval requests
• Develop detailed country implementation plan and monitors implementation
• Support the development and collection of indicator data to monitor project progress and quality
• Support the tracking of project spend and progress
• Support the development of project reports, communication materials and presentations
• Coordinate with DEEP VZN Communications Lead to respond to any media enquiries or other requests for information including from government agencies
• Participate in client/donor and stakeholder meetings

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Professional Degree in Applied Sciences, Veterinary Health, Environmental Health, Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy, or any related field within the One Health umbrella (i.e., human, animal and/or environmental health); Masters degree or higher preferred
• Minimum of twelve years of experience working in public health, zoonotic diseases, and microbiology (virology preferred)
• Excellent understanding of the landscape and stakeholders for zoonotic diseases in country
• Familiarity with the U.S. government management, programs, and operations including regulatory and reporting requirements
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Fluency in English and Thai
• Ability to manage, organize, develop plans, and generate data to make decisions
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and analytical skills, good judgment, and creative problem-solving
• Exemplary interpersonal skills: ability to effectively collaborate with culturally diverse and interdisciplinary stakeholders
• Proficient computer skills with fluency in Microsoft Office suite of programs
• Willingness and ability to travel in country, including to remote areas, with occasional regional or international travel as needed
• Must have legal authorization to work in Thailand

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 30% national and/or international travel

To apply to this position, please submit your cover letter and resume by clicking HERE.

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.

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 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.