Brazil Public Health Operations Manager

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

To coordinate public health operations in Brazil for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, leading and managing relations with Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and ensuring full compliance with national public health regulations. Play a key role in developing training programs for the Brazil season, supporting vessel operations, and enhancing strategic engagement with local and federal Brazilian public health authorities.

Your Impact

Public Health Operations & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Brazilian public health regulations across all relevant operations, including vessels calling at Brazilian ports.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with sanitation, epidemiological surveillance, potable water safety, food safety, pest control, and waste management standards.
• Coordinate inspections and audits with ANVISA and other Brazilian health authorities.
• Maintain and verify documentation required for vessel entry into Brazilian ports 

Policy Monitoring, Development & Strategic Planning

• Stay up to date with changes in ANVISA regulations, policies, and inspection protocols.
• Communicate updates to relevant stakeholders and ensure operational alignment.
• Draft and update public health policies and SOPs for Brazilian operations, incorporating ANVISA requirements aligned with ANVISA’s Guide nº 65/2023 and other relevant legislation, in addition to international best practices (e.g., CDC VSP, SHIPSAN).
• Update outbreak response plans as needed for MSC / Explora Journeys and coordinate with onboard medical teams during public health events.

Liaison & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary contact for ANVISA for both cruise brands, facilitating communication, inspections, and reporting.
• Represent Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises in regulatory meetings, industry forums, and collaborative initiatives with Brazilian health authorities.
• Build strong relationships with port health officials, local service providers, and internal stakeholders.

Training & Capacity Building

• Provide training and guidance to shipboard and shoreside teams on Brazilian public health standards.
• Support onboarding and continuous education for Public Health Officers and medical staff operating in Brazilian waters.
• Guide and support vessels in preparing for ANVISA inspections, including documentation, procedural readiness, and crew awareness.

Response Management

• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate responses to ANVISA queries and communications.
• Collaborate closely with the UK Public Health Team and MSC Brazil Legal Team to ensure responses are aligned, well-supported, and strategically delivered.
• Review and challenge ANVISA infraction notices where appropriate, ensuring a coordinated and evidence-based approach.

Internal Audit Programme

• Collaborate with MSCCM Public Health and Food Safety stakeholders to develop and implement an internal audit program aligned with ANVISA standards to proactively identify and address compliance gaps.

Your Journey so far

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Public Health or a related field.
• Proven track record in regulatory affairs, public health compliance, or maritime health operations.
• Prior professional experience working within or in close collaboration with ANVISA is strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of ANVISA regulations and inspection procedures.
• Familiarity with international public health standards (USPH, SHIPSAN, ANVISA, WHO).
• Experience in outbreak investigation and response planning.
• In-depth knowledge of ANVISA regulations and Brazilian health legislation.
• Experience liaising with government agencies and drafting regulatory policy.
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation and leadership skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with international teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other web-based collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, Teams).
• Fluent in Portuguese and English language.

Your Essentials

• Translating technical information into accessible language.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Long-term vision for public health policies and operations.
• Data-driven and impact-oriented decision-making.
• Prioritization in complex environments.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!