Entrepreneurship in the territories: is it the right time?
JOB SUMMARY:
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) Lead will report to the Field Operations Manager to support the implementation of the EpiC/GHS project by leading field-based outbreak detection, investigation, and response operations in assigned Strategic Depth Region II- Cagayan Valley. The position is responsible for managing, coordinating, and deploying multidisciplinary rapid response teams; strengthening subnational readiness systems; and ensuring alignment of field operations with national standards, the 7-1-7 performance model, and project priorities across surveillance, laboratory systems, biosafety/biosecurity, IPC, and EMCE.
The RRT Lead will oversee day-to-day implementation of community and facility-level outbreak response activities; provide direct technical support to RESUs/LESUs, hospitals, LGUs, and local laboratories; and ensure timely and accurate reporting of field findings to the project and the Epidemiology Bureau.
The position will work closely with teams across Zoonotic Diseases, Laboratory and Diagnostics, Surveillance, IPC, Health Emergency Management, and EMCE, as well as government stakeholders at national and subnational levels.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Rapid Response Field Operations
- Coordinate, plan, and deploy multidisciplinary RRTs to support early detection, verification, investigation, and containment of priority diseases in assigned regions.
- Ensure response actions align with DOH protocols, IHR core capacities, and project technical areas (surveillance, lab, biosafety/biosecurity, IPC, EMCE).
- Liaise between field operations and the project team — ensuring real-time two-way communication with the Field Operations Manager, Strategic Depth Cluster Team Lead, and relevant Technical Advisors to relay findings, risks, resource needs, and follow-up actions from the field.
2. Local and Regional Outbreak Readiness
- Assist RESUs, LESUs, PHEOCs, hospitals, and LGUs in operationalizing 7-1-7 outbreak timelines, including risk assessment, notification, and rapid mobilization.
- Support implementation and expansion of Community Event-Based Surveillance (CESR), passive-to-active surveillance transitions, and rumor triage systems.
3. Laboratory and Surveillance Linkages
- Strengthen specimen referral, surge testing pathways, and linkages between ESUs and subnational laboratories.
- Facilitate real-time communication between field teams, laboratories, and surveillance units to shorten “signal-to-result-to-action” time.
4. Community-Level Response Structures
- Work with barangay health workers, emergency response teams, private providers, and community groups to support early warning, reporting, and containment activities.
- Coordinate closely with EMCE specialists to reinforce risk communication and community engagement during field operations.
5. Rapid Response Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and supervise Disease Surveillance Officers, laboratory officers, and other deployed personnel across assigned sites.
- Ensure readiness of field personnel through drills, upskilling, and after-action reviews.
- Oversee and monitor RRT field activities against project goals, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of reports and data submissions.
6. Capacity Building and Simulation Exercises
- Support the design and execution of multisectoral outbreak simulations, table-top exercises, and after-action reviews to test subnational response systems.
- Train local responders on outbreak investigation, PPE use, IPC enforcement, triage, safe specimen handling, and reporting tools.
- Support the development and delivery of training programs, SOPs, and protocols for local health responders and teams, based on national and international guidelines and tailored to the local context.
7. Reporting, Coordination, and Representation
- Oversee documentation of field investigations, situation reports, and performance dashboards.
- Represent the project in coordination meetings with the Center for Health Development II, Provincial DOH Offices, LGUs, and inter-agency platforms at the regional and local levels.
- Provide regular updates to the Strategic Depth Cluster Team Lead, Field Operations Manager, and Technical Advisors on field status, risks, needs, and recommended course corrections.
8. Project Management Support
- Work with project management and technical teams in developing and updating work plans, presentations, and reports
- Support alignment and harmonization with related project components
9. Other Functions
- Perform additional duties as assigned, particularly during emergency escalations, surge alerts, and public health incidents.
