Technical Director

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, and economic development, and is committed to fostering sustainable change through innovative programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Director is a pivotal role that leads and directs the technical focus areas of the STRIDES initiative, which aims to enhance global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in priority countries. The Technical Director will be responsible for aligning the technical frameworks, approaches, tools, and activities of STRIDES with relevant normative guidelines and technical standards. This position involves identifying specialized partnership needs and engaging qualified partners to ensure the technical performance of the initiative. The Technical Director will work closely with the Country Project Director, technical leads, and the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist to cascade the technical approach of the Activity and ensure adherence to the United States Government’s (USG) global health security priorities across country-level work plans. The role is accountable for the successful delivery of all technical aspects and reporting across STRIDES from initiation through delivery and closeout, ensuring that technical deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and meet or exceed quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Director will serve as the technical lead and key point of contact for relevant topics within STRIDES. Responsibilities include providing technical direction to develop country-specific workplans and budgets, ensuring alignment with STRIDES objectives and USG priorities, and adhering to global technical standards. The Technical Director will ensure the development and timely submission of high-quality technical deliverables, including workplans, reports, and success stories that highlight technical achievements. The role also involves ensuring compliance with STRIDES contracts, government regulations, quality standards, and FHI 360’s policies and procedures. The Technical Director will respond to client requests and questions on technical matters, ensuring timely drafts and submissions of necessary approvals and waivers. Additionally, the Technical Director will collaborate with the MEL Director to design technical activities that support monitoring and evaluation efforts, finalize country-specific technical indicators, and report progress in various reports. The role includes assessing subcontractors’ performance on technical activities and directing necessary adjustments, promoting STRIDES successes through the collection and distribution of success stories and case studies, and representing STRIDES at global health security-focused events. The Technical Director will also support the performance management and professional development of direct reports, providing ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in Health, Epidemiology, Nutrition, Health Sciences Research, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of relevant technical/project management experience is required, including at least 8 years of leadership experience, strong business acumen, and/or line management experience. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is preferred, as is experience implementing USG-funded contracts. Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures related to contract and project management and technical development is essential, along with excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational and problem-solving skills, and project management capabilities. The ability to influence, motivate, negotiate, and work well with others is crucial, as is the ability to exercise judgment within defined practices and policies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in a relevant field such as Health, Epidemiology, Nutrition, or Health Sciences Research. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively lead and manage the technical aspects of the STRIDES initiative.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant technical/project management experience, with at least 8 years in a leadership role. Candidates should have a strong background in managing projects, particularly in the context of global health security and USG-funded initiatives. Experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the operational and strategic challenges faced in this sector.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but Spanish and English are essential for effective communication within the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Guatemala and may require less than 25% travel. The job is full-time and involves direct supervision of a team of Technical Advisors. The Technical Director will lead and direct staff to achieve strategic project goals, ensuring alignment with USG priorities. The role includes developing and recommending project management solutions and coordinating across the STRIDES Senior Management Team to set budgets and goals. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and supports a healthy work/life balance.