Context

FHI 360 is a non-profit organization dedicated to human development which is committed to sustainably improving living conditions by offering integrated solutions adapted to the local context. Our staff includes experts in the fields of health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication and social marketing, creating a unique set of skills to address the interrelated challenges of today’s development. FHI 360 operates in all states and territories of the United States as well as in several countries around the world, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the field of health.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), FHI 360 is implementing the STRIDES (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems) project, the overall objective of which is to strengthen the DRC’s capacity to prevent, detect, monitor and rapidly combat related threats infectious diseases, as part of global health security efforts funded by the United States Department of State (DOS). The STRIDES project notably includes strengthening capacities for detection, diagnosis and surveillance of the Ebola virus, as well as certain operational aspects of the response to the epidemic.

Job description

The Occupational Health Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising occupational health and safety programs across all FHI 360 offices in the DRC and as part of emergency operations. Based in Bunia, this position is the organization’s main point of contact for occupational health and safety; he coordinates health surveillance, incident management, exposure management and staff well-being initiatives across all operational sites. The manager works closely with management, provincial authorities, health partners and international organizations (WHO, CDC) to ensure a safe working environment for all FHI staff, partners and subcontractors 360.

Responsibilities

Development of the occupational health and safety program:

• Develop, update and implement comprehensive occupational health and safety policies, procedures and guidelines, adapted to the emergency response context and applicable to all FHI 360 operations in the DRC
• Lead the development and updating of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for occupational health and safety, including: medical screening of personnel, exposure management, incident response, referral to medical care, isolation, evacuation and post-exposure monitoring
• Establish and supervise occupational health protocols specific to the response to BVD and Ebola, including measures to prevent and manage occupational exposures in the workplace
• Develop and disseminate occupational health and safety guidelines for all FHI 360 staff, contractors and partners
• Ensure that all occupational health and safety initiatives comply with DRC labor legislation, WHO guidelines, CDC standards and international best practices on occupational health

Monitoring and surveillance of occupational health:

• Establish and manage occupational health surveillance systems to monitor the health status of staff, identify work-related exposures and identify new occupational health risks
• Develop and implement pre-deployment medical screening protocols for all personnel assigned to high-risk operations
• Maintain occupational health records of all FHI 360 staff in the DRC, including health check-up results, vaccination status, exposure incidents and medical interventions
• Monitor the health status of personnel during and after deployment; coordinate medical assessments and follow-up care as needed
• Track cumulative occupational exposures over time to identify trends, high-risk activities, and areas requiring additional protection
• Coordinate with occupational health partners to obtain specialized medical advice and clinical consultations when necessary

Management of professional incidents and exposures:

• Manage the BVD Occupational Exposure Incident Tracking System — comprehensive system to record all work-related virus exposures, needlesticks, sharp object injuries, mucosal exposures and other occupational incidents
• Implement standardized incident reporting procedures; ensure all staff understand when and how to report occupational exposures or incidents
• Quickly investigate occupational incidents; determine exposure classification (A/B/C/D), recommend protective measures and coordinate follow-up medical examinations
• Coordinate post-exposure monitoring periods and define criteria for lifting the alert; ensure that exposed personnel benefit from appropriate clinical monitoring
• Manage medical orientation and evacuation procedures for personnel with confirmed exposure or occupational illness; ensure coordination with medical establishments
• Comprehensively record all incidents, including circumstances of exposure, investigation findings, corrective actions and results
• Report serious incidents or trends of concern to management immediately

Training and capacity building:

• Develop and deliver occupational health and safety training to all FHI 360 staff in the DRC, with content tailored to different roles and risk levels
• Organize a mandatory orientation session on occupational health and safety for new employees before their deployment; ensure that all staff understand occupational risks and protective measures
• Provide specialized training on the selection, correct use, maintenance and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Provide training on the recognition of occupational exposures, incident reporting procedures and first aid procedures
• Organize regular (at least once a quarter) refresher training on occupational health and safety protocols
• Provide support and supervision in the field to field supervisors and occupational health managers in health zones
• Support capacity building in occupational health within partner health establishments and local health zone structures

Workplace safety and risk management:

• Carry out occupational risk assessments at all FHI 360 operational sites in the DRC, identifying hazards and recommending control measures
• Develop risk mitigation measures for high-risk activities, including safe work practices, technical measures and administrative measures
• Manage supplies and equipment necessary for occupational health protection, including personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid kits and emergency response equipment
• Ensure safe working conditions in all FHI 360 offices and field sites in the DRC through regular facility inspections and safety audits
• Ensure coordination with workplace safety programs; ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards
• Address safety concerns or hazards reported by staff; promptly implement corrective measures

Coordination, partnerships and stakeholder mobilization

• Serve as FHI 360’s main contact on occupational health with the DRC Ministry of Health, provincial authorities, WHO and CDC
• Establish and maintain successful working relationships with occupational health services, medical institutions and partner laboratories
• Ensure close coordination with the personal protection focal point to ensure integrated and comprehensive personnel protection protocols
• Work with the Occupational Health and Safety Consultant (once recruited) to provide technical support and ensure high quality program implementation
• Collaborate with the National Representative and management to integrate occupational health and safety priorities into overall program planning and resource allocation
• Represent FHI 360 at occupational health and safety meetings, coordination forums and partner information sessions
• Participate in program coordination meetings and communicate progress, challenges and recommendations regarding occupational health and safety to management

Reporting, documentation and monitoring:

• Maintain complete occupational health records and documentation relating to all personnel and incidents, ensuring data confidentiality and security
• Prepare weekly occupational health and safety reports summarizing incidents, exposures, health issues and actions taken
• Develop comprehensive monthly reports including trend analysis, lessons learned and recommendations for program improvement
• Compile quarterly and annual occupational health and safety (OHS) performance reports for management and funders
• Generate exposure monitoring reports, monitoring data summaries and incident trend analyzes for program monitoring purposes
• Document all training activities, including attendance, content covered and skills assessments
• Maintain incident investigation records with complete documentation for audit and quality assurance purposes

Program improvement and organizational learning:

• Monitor occupational health and safety trends; identify emerging issues and areas requiring program improvement
• Regularly review and update occupational health and safety protocols based on experience, lessons learned and evolving best practices
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and learning between different FHI 360 programs
• Support research or documentation of occupational health experiences with a view to possible publication or development of policy recommendations
• Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives focused on occupational health and safety

Knowledge and skills

• Technical skills: In-depth knowledge of occupational health and safety principles and practices; mastery of occupational health surveillance systems and incident tracking databases; understanding of occupational risk assessment methods; knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention; ability to provide health and safety training.

• Program Management Skills: Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive health programs; experience in data management and reporting; strong organizational and administrative capabilities; ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex operating environment.

• Leadership and communication: Excellent communication skills in French and English (both languages are mandatory); ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams and organizational structures; cultural sensitivity; ability to influence and advocate for occupational health priorities; strong interpersonal skills.

• Additional requirements: Availability to travel to all FHI 360 operational sites in the DRC for field supervision and monitoring purposes; flexibility to respond to emergencies and situations on the ground; ability to work in remote areas; valid driver’s license and reliable access to transportation.

Training

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in occupational health, public health, nursing, medical sciences or related field.

• Master’s degree in public health or occupational health is an asset.

Professional experience

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in the field of occupational health and safety.

• Previous professional experience within a non-governmental organization (NGO), in the humanitarian sector, or in the field of public health.

• Experience managing occupational health programs during field operations or in harsh environments.

• Experience in infectious disease prevention, occupational exposure management and emergency response is highly appreciated.

Physical requirements

• Work primarily performed in an office environment.

• Ability to spend long periods of time in front of a computer screen and perform repetitive tasks on the keyboard.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift and move loads of up to 5 pounds (approximately 2.3 kg).

Tools and technologies used

• Laptop, Microsoft applications (including Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), mobile phone and other mobile technologies, and common office equipment.

Travel

• 10% – 25% of the time.

Minimum Recruitment Criteria

FHI 360 offers competitive remuneration and is an employer that subscribes to the principle of equal opportunities. Any interested candidate is asked to submit their cover letter as well as their updated detailed Curriculum Vitae (title, positions held, period, tasks and responsibilities) with at least three verifiable professional references (with mention of their functions, email addresses and telephone numbers), as well as copies of the Diplomas, Certificates of end of services rendered. Candidates are also asked to attach their jobseeker cards.

Interested candidates should apply from the organization’s website: https://www.fhi360.org/careers.

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted for the remainder of the process.

The expected hiring salary range for this role is USD 22,000 – 33,000 annually for gross salary (basic and allowances) for national local hire; When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restrictions the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be constructed 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 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.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding:FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantial findings of sexual abuse,exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

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 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email [email protected].

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.

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