Internal / External Vacancy Announcement Public Health Emergency Management Specialist (PHEM Specialist)

Project HOPE is a global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries with the mission to place power in the hands of local health workers to save lives around the world. Founded in 1958, we work side-by-side with local health systems to improve health and support community resilience. We work at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases; disasters and health crises; maternal, neonatal, and child health; pandemic preparedness and response; mental health for health workers; and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. 

It is our shared responsibility and obligation to treat each other with respect, take affirmative steps to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse and Trafficking in Persons, and to disclose all potential and actual violations of our Code of Conduct, which may include Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption, Discrimination or Harassment. Together we can reinforce a culture of respect, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

For nearly two decades, Ethiopia has made tremendous progress in childhood vaccination coverage. However, Ethiopia is still one of the top five countries with the highest number of Zero-Dose Children (ZDC) globally. Recently, the country is experiencing a large–scale measles outbreaks outpacing prior years. One key challenge that exists is delayed detection, reporting, and outbreak investigation specifically for newly detected outbreaks.

Recently Project HOPE received a grant from the Bill & Mellinda Gates Foundation to implement a project, “Supporting Ethiopia Prepare and Respond to Measles Outbreaks”. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of government of Ethiopia systems and structures on measles outbreak detection and response at national and targeted subnational geographic priorities.

POSITION TITLE:           

Public Health Emergency Management Specialist 

REPORTS TO:                                   

Senior Program Advisor (SPA)

DUTY STATION:                               

Addis Ababa

MINIMUM HOURS OF WORK:       

40 Hours per Week

DUTIES AND RESPONSILBILITIES

The Public Health Emergency Management Specialist will coordinate capacity-building efforts and provide technical support to FMoH, EPHI, and RHBs in measles outbreak preparedness, detection, and response. Responsibilities include developing and implementing outbreak response plans, conducting multi-hazard risk assessments, and supporting data-driven decision-making. The specialist will enhance measles surveillance systems based on the 7-1-7 metrics, analyze epidemiological data, and facilitate outbreak investigations. Additionally, s/he will establish and strengthen coordination among key stakeholders, lead training initiatives for health professionals and responders, and promote best practices in vaccine-preventable disease programming. Monitoring and evaluating response efforts will be key to improving future preparedness and ensuring effective collaboration at all levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

•  With guidance from the SPA, coordinate capacity building efforts to FMoH, EPHI and RHBs in measles outbreak preparedness, detection and response. 

•  Provide a technical support to National and subnational structure to develop and implement measles outbreak preparedness and response plans 

• Conduct multi-hazard and measles-specific risk assessments and modeling at national and subnational levels.

• Support the development of a multi-hazard strategy and ensure data from modeling and analytics exercises are regularly used for decision-making by stakeholders to inform direct and coordinated action and planning at national and subnational levels

• Establish and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including EPHI, MoH, Regional Health Bureaus/Labs, NGOs, and international health organizations to improve coordination and collaboration.

• Work with RHBs, Woreda Health Offices and primary health facilities of targeted districts to ensure high level of preparedness, detection and response towards measles outbreaks.

• Actively participate and represent Project HOPE in technical working groups and emergency task forces established by the MoH and EPHI.

• Collaborate with the PHEM Officer seconded to EPHI and coordinate with PHEM Officers seconded at RHBs to assess needs and organize trainings in line with national standards and guidelines.

• Design and deliver Capacity Building training programs for policy and decision makers, healthcare professionals and community responders to improve measles outbreak detection and response capacity at both national and subnational levels.

• Strengthen measles surveillance systems at national and subnational level to ensure timely detection and response to outbreaks based on the 7-1-7 metrics in project implementation areas 

• Analyze epidemiological data and use findings to inform response strategies at National and subnational level

• Provide technical support on outbreak investigation efforts, including case identification, contact tracing, and immunization campaigns.

• Support enhanced learning and sharing of best practices using measles as a case study among stakeholders engaged in vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) programming.

• Lead the evaluation of the effectiveness of response efforts based on the 7-1-7 metrics at project implementation regions and recommend improvements for future preparedness.

• Provide technical support to improved coordination and collaboration platforms among EPHI, MoH, Regional Health Bureaus/Labs, and other stakeholders on measles outbreak prevention, preparedness, and response.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports and submit to the immediate supervisor.

• Work closely with the MEL team of Project HOPE on quarterly reports and update indicator tracking/ results tracking sheet.

• Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Epidemiology, or equivalent.

• Minimum of six years of experience in public health emergency preparedness and response, preferably in VPDs.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and spoken English.

• Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with and technical assistance to partners particularly to FMoH, EPHI and Regional Health Bureaus.

• Ability to travel at least 50% of the time in program implementation areas.

How To Apply

Interested applicants can send their CV and cover letter through THIS LINK ONLY on or before December 28, 2025, by 5:00 PM.

 Qualified female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

Due to the large number of inquiries, we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be considered. No phone calls please.

However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.

Thank you very much for your interest in Project HOPE.

 EEO Statement

Project HOPE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or status as a veteran. Project HOPE complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Project HOPE expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or status as a veteran. Improper interference with the ability of Project HOPE employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.