The Global Health Security (GHS) Technical Advisor I – Zoonoses & AMR Technical Advisor will provide technical leadership, strategic guidance and support the implementation of activities to strengthen zoonotic and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in both human and animals for the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) project in Malawi. STRIDES is, aimed at building robust capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease and health threats and ensuring national and global health security (GHS).
The GHS Technical Advisor – Zoonoses & AMR will work closely with government partners, including Ministries responsible for livestock and health to enhance cross-sectoral coordination under a cross-sectoral framework. S/He will support the implementation of national and subnational initiatives to improve integrated zoonotic disease and AMR surveillance, data sharing, laboratory capacity, and policy development aligned with national cross-sectoral strategies and GHS priorities. She/he will contribute to project design, budgeting, and recruitment efforts.
She will provide higher-level administrative support on core project operations (e.g., updating manuals, assisting with proposals, and budget tracking) and provides technical support to the project staff and partners Leads project activities and sub activities and assists with project implementation and ensures project activities are on track with work plans. This position supports the implementation of national and subnational initiatives to improve integrated zoonotic disease and AMR surveillance, data sharing, laboratory capacity, and policy development aligned with national cross-sectoral strategies and GHS priorities. She/he will contribute to project design, budgeting, and recruitment efforts.
The GHS Technical Advisor – Zoonoses & AMR will work closely with government partners, including Ministries responsible for livestock and health to enhance cross-sectoral coordination under a cross-sectoral framework. S/He will support the implementation of national and subnational initiatives to improve integrated zoonotic disease and AMR surveillance, data sharing, laboratory capacity, and policy development aligned with national cross-sectoral strategies and GHS priorities. She/he will contribute to project design, budgeting, and recruitment efforts.
She will provide higher-level administrative support on core project operations (e.g., updating manuals, assisting with proposals, and budget tracking) and provides technical support to the project staff and partners Leads project activities and sub activities and assists with project implementation and ensures project activities are on track with work plans. This position supports the implementation of national and subnational initiatives to improve integrated zoonotic disease and AMR surveillance, data sharing, laboratory capacity, and policy development aligned with national cross-sectoral strategies and GHS priorities. She/he will contribute to project design, budgeting, and recruitment efforts.
Job Summary
- Employer: FHI 360
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Public Health
- Salary: USD 36,200 – 54,000 annual gross salary (basic and allowances)
- Closing Date: 2026-09-21
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise in human and animal health, zoonotic disease and AMR surveillance, detection, reporting, and response.
- Provides expert advice for design, implementation, assessment and improvement of human and animal disease laboratories in Malawi.
- Works closely with assigned team to ensure activities are implemented according to standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
- Provides support for developing and/or reviewing all documents, guidelines, and SOPs about human and animal health, such as surveillance plans and diagnostic SOPs.
- Provides training and technical support to human and animal health laboratories to be able to detect priority zoonotic diseases.
- Supports surveillance activities for priority zoonotic diseases and AMR by providing technical assistance to improve detection capacities.
- Advice on integration of animal health data into national surveillance platforms and cross-sectoral information systems.
- Provides technical support systems for laboratory sample management and transportation network for animal and human health sectors.
- Work closely with relevant Government of Malawi sector structures to design and implement multisectoral health security interventions.
- Contribute to national technical working groups on zoonoses, AMR, and cross-sectoral coordination platforms.
- Collaborate with Ministries, Donor Agencies, and other implementing partners to advance integrated surveillance and response systems.
- Ensures project implementation, adheres to company strategy, aligns national and global frameworks, and remains technically sound.
- Conducts supportive supervision and monitoring of onsite coaching and mentoring to laboratories and surveillance sites.
- With technical oversight, provide technical leadership in design, development, planning, implementation; and capacity building of Zoonoses & AMR components of STRIDES projects
- Develops tools for the design and implementation of the Zoonoses & AMR components of STRIDES project
- Track project indicators and produces reports for others to act upon.
- Implements established project design.
- Assists with implementing components of the technical portions of the human and animal health of the project plan.
- Identifies and raises issues with the senior technical staff.
- Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategies and guidelines
- Responds to technical requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.
- Prepares documentation for final authorization and approval of the technical portions of STRIDES project, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership
- Participate in funder meetings.
- Collect data for inclusion in proposals
- Assists with developing project strategies
- Participate in business development meetings with partners and clients.
- Maintains collaborative relationships with donor/client organizations, relevant government agencies, bilateral and other NGOs (non-governmental organizations)
- Manages the processes, services, planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling of all technical resources for a project.
- Ensure project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
- Collects financial and technical tracking data; prepares reports.
- Provide technical assistance to collect, assemble, and review data, prepare reports, and share findings on zoonotic diseases and AMR/AMU trends per national, regional, and global standards and requirements.
- Prepares and delivers presentations to sponsors on progress. Helps in the development and review of work plans.
- Prepare technical reports and papers summarizing results.
- Develops or writes technical briefs, reports or other necessary materials to facilitate best practices, policies and procedures.
- Assists with compiling and creating technical contents (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts).
- Provide technical support to strengthen quality systems in human and animal health laboratories.
- Ensures technical deliverables are consistent with best practices and meet the Department of State (DoS)contractual obligations
- Identifies areas for improved efficiency or effectiveness within prescribed parameters, and institutes enhancements to procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- An advanced degree (master’s degree or higher) in Public Health (MPH), or its international equivalent in, Epidemiology, Veterinary Science, International Health Microbiology, Infectious Disease, or related field.
- Bachelor’s degree or its International Equivalent in Human/Veterinary Medicine or related field, accompanied by extensive relevant experience.
- Additional qualifications or certifications are of added advantage
- Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience in
- technical implementation of large projects and/or programs (public health, animal health, focusing on zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, and veterinary technology, infectious disease epidemiology)
- Demonstrated experience in diagnostics, surveillance, epidemiology, AMR, or cross-sectoral/One Health implementation.
- Documented experience providing technical assistance, capacity building and business development in the specific technical domain.
- Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.
- International or Domestic (US) Program Development or Program management preferred.
- Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
Salary
USD 36,200 – 54,000 annual gross salary (basic and allowances)
How to Apply
Apply online: fhi.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com360ExternalCareerPortal/job/Lilongwe-Malawi/Global-Health-Security–GHS–Technical-Advisor-I—Zoonoses—AMR_Requisition-2026201233-1
REF Code: Requisition-2026201233-1
About the Company
FHI 360 is a global nonprofit organization based in North Carolina. FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories. Established in 1971, the organization manages projects relating to health and economic development. In 1986 the organization began a worldwide response to HIV/AIDS. FHI 360's research and programs also address malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious and chronic diseases as well as challenges like poverty, underemployment and financial instability. The organization is supported by governments, foundations, research institutions, and private corporations such as GE and Johnson & Johnson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Global Health Security Technical Advisor role in Malawi?
Most employers require a master's degree in public health, veterinary medicine, or a related biomedical field, plus at least five years of relevant experience. Certifications in epidemiology, disease surveillance, or One Health approaches are highly valued. Local candidates with degrees from University of Malawi or Mzuzu University are often preferred if paired with practical field experience.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a GHS Technical Advisor focusing on Zoonoses and AMR?
Daily tasks include coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Agriculture to strengthen disease surveillance systems, training district health officers on antimicrobial resistance protocols, and supporting outbreak investigations at the human-animal interface. You will also prepare technical reports for donors and facilitate multi-sectoral stakeholder meetings. Field travel to rural districts like Nkhotakota or Chikwawa is common.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for public health roles in Malawi compared to international NGOs?
Malawian public health culture emphasizes relationship-building and consensus-driven decision-making, so patience and diplomacy are essential. Employers expect flexibility with changing donor priorities and willingness to work beyond standard hours during disease outbreaks. Respect for hierarchy and formal communication channels with government counterparts is critical for success.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone in this technical advisor role in Malawi?
With proven performance, you can advance to senior technical advisor, country program director, or regional specialist positions covering southern Africa. Some professionals transition into Ministry of Health leadership roles or join global health institutions like WHO or CDC. Pursuing a PhD or specialized training in health security can accelerate advancement into policy advisory positions.
What benefits are typically included in full-time public health positions with international NGOs in Malawi?
Standard packages usually include comprehensive medical insurance covering private facilities in Lilongwe and Blantyre, pension contributions compliant with Malawi's pension act, and generous annual leave often exceeding twenty days. Many employers also provide hardship allowances for remote postings, professional development funds, and relocation support for international hires.
How should I apply for this role and what do employers like FHI 360 look for in Malawian candidates?
Submit applications through official career portals with a tailored CV highlighting quantifiable achievements in disease surveillance or outbreak response. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated government partnership experience, strong written English skills, and references from recognized health institutions. Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on technical knowledge and cross-cultural collaboration examples.