Senior Technical Officer

Position Title: Senior Technical Officer, Adamawa Location: Adamawa State Office Supervisor: STRIDES Associate Director, Technical FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a long-lasting way by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 50 countries including Nigeria and all U.S. states and territories. We currently seek qualified candidates to fill four Senior Technical Officer positions, to be based in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Adamawa State offices. Job Summary: The Senior Technical Officer will provide state-level technical leadership under the STRIDES Activity in Nigeria. They support and oversee implementation of all technical activities at the state level, with a focus on strengthening infectious disease surveillance systems, laboratory and diagnostic capacities, data collection and analysis, and outbreak preparedness and response. They will work in close coordination with government entities, local partners, and subcontractors to ensure state-level activities are aligned with national strategies and donor requirements. They will report to the Associate Director, Technical and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of STRIDES work plans and quality assurance systems. Accountabilities: Technical Requirements: Oversees implementation of all STRIDES technical activities at the state level, coordinating with government entities, local partners, and subcontractors Supports technical aspects the project, including capacity building for government and partners. Monitors and maintains STRIDES protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports related to laboratory/diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response activities. Works closely with state government and partners to ensure project implementation remains technically sound and adheres to company strategy and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures. Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines. Leads technical support for state-level laboratory/diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response activities, including coordination of data collection, analysis, and reporting. Provides mentorship and team building at the task level. Collaborates with the monitoring and evaluation team to interpret data sets and other assessment findings. Provides technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and interventions for research projects. Provides technical input on subject matter best practices to assist with implementation May provide input into the technical portion of the project plan related to state-level activities. Assists with implementing components of the technical portions of the project plan Develops and monitors technical work plans and budgets. Participate in client meetings and draft reports/presentations. Project Design Implementation: Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of state-level technical activities (surveillance, diagnostics, outbreak response). Monitors project deliverables and reports to supervisors. Coordinates and supports the implementation of all STRIDES technical activities at the state level. May implement components of the technical portions of the project plan. Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff. Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.): Collaborates with finance and operations colleagues to ensure project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation. Collaborates with finance and operations to develop project timelines and budgets. Assists in the development of client reports and presentations. Tracks technical project spend under broad supervision. Tracks Statement of Work (SOW) and budget tracking systems; provides reports to supervisors. Collects technical tracking data; prepares reports. C Project/Program Reporting: Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets and technical assessment findings. Establishes and maintains SOW and budget tracking systems. Drafts / prepares client technical reports. Creates technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts). Quality Assurance: Develops in-depth knowledge of quality standards through a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives. Coordinates and directs activities to meet client and regulatory requirements. Applied Knowledge & Skills: In-depth knowledge of health systems, disease surveillance, laboratory/diagnostic networks, and outbreak response activities. Technical expertise in coordinating and overseeing state-level implementation of global health security activities. Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc. Broader knowledge of quality standards Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required. Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas. Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff. Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English. Excellent organizational and analytical skills. Excellent and demonstrated project management skills. Ability to influence and collaborate with others. Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required. Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed. Experience in interpreting health data to inform state-level decision-making and technical guidance. Knowledge of international and national health regulations, laboratory biosafety, and surveillance protocols. Problem Solving & Impact: Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors. Exercises good judgment in selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action. Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a project. Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff Networks with key internal and external personnel. Decision may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact project goals. Supervision Given/Received: Determines methods and procedures on new projects and assignments. Serves as team lead and may mentor other lower-level personnel. Reports to the Associate Director, Technical. Education: ** ** Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, laboratory science, health systems, or related field. Experience: ** ** Typically requires 6+ years of relevant experience in public health, laboratory systems strengthening, surveillance, or outbreak preparedness and response. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization. Experience supporting the implementation of USG or other donor-funded health projects preferred. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and provide technical guidance to multiple stakeholders at the state level. Experience in capacity building, training, and mentoring government counterparts and partners in health program implementation. Typical Physical Demands: Typical office environment. Ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs. Technology to be Used: Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment. Travel Requirements: Up to 10% - 25% domestic travel **Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the key responsibilities of the job. This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. Safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees, beneficiaries, and anyone contracted by FHI 360. This includes taking measures to protect vulnerable people from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by either FHI 360 employees or associated personnel. FHI 360 abides by child safeguarding principles. FHI 360’s Safeguarding Policies apply and flow out to all FHI 360 staff, board members, volunteers, and partner staff (subcontractors, consultants, vendors, and subrecipients), regardless of the funding mechanism or amount of contract, agreement, or purchase order. This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed 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 and affirmative action 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 substantiated 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 CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org. 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. Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal. FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. To learn more, visit fhi360.org. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action 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. 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 CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org. 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. 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.