Outbreak Response Officer

Competitive Innovations, LLC (CI) is seeking an Outbreak Response Officer to support the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of International Health and Biodefense (OES/IHB). OES/IHB leads on public health policy issues including infectious disease outbreaks; capacity building to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats; combatting anti-microbial resistance; and promoting health policy in international forums such as the WHO, the G7, G20, and Global Health Security Agenda; among many other issues. The position serves as an Outbreak Response Officer, a key team member providing support functions on coordination of U.S. Government response for current and projected infectious disease outbreaks. The position supports the Section Chief for the Outbreak Response and Biodefense Section, and indirectly to the Office Deputy Director and Office Director. This is a full-time position located in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities:

Support IHB’s lead coordination and guidance role for all Department bureaus in responding to international infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, Ebola, Zika, and yellow fever
Support U.S. government and State Department preparedness for international infectious disease outbreaks by convening and supporting working groups, planning and participating in tabletop exercises, and contributing content to U.S. government planning documents
Coordinate and implement diplomatic engagement strategies for specific disease outbreaks
Support the U.S. response for policy matters involving health threats including travel, trade, and protection of U.S. citizens
Disseminate public affairs guidance
Brief supervisor, co-workers, and principals as needed on ongoing outbreak status and efforts to promote an effective response
Assist in identifying and tracking donor and private sector engagement and activities
Facilitate interagency coordination on developing and implementing a coordinated U.S. response
Arrange meetings and conferences as needed to promote information sharing and coordination among U.S. interagency staff, as well as private sector and NGOs when needed. Preparation for meetings and conferences may include pre-clearing visitors into the building, scheduling conference rooms, verifying participation and escorting visitors, and assembling briefing books and other documentation.
Produce content and relevant information to be placed on the OES/IHB SharePoint site to ensure Department-wide access to current information on disease outbreaks
Provide Department coverage for interagency meetings and conference calls, draft notes of these meetings and conferences, and disseminate notes to the office
Limited travel
Attend weekly staff and team meetings
Provide input to, proofread, and properly format papers prepared by colleagues in response to taskings
Attend trainings on work-related duties, as need arises

Essential functions of this position include: (as applicable)
Travel required

Minimum Qualifications:

Active Secret-level Security Clearance
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
Familiar with Department of State policy
Familiar with efforts to build global capacity to address infectious diseases
Familiar with international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), and private sector
Excellent communication skills
Qualified candidates that are HUBZone residents, preferred (check your status here: https://maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map#center=39.828200,-98.579500&zoom=5)