Associate Director, Technical

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a long-lasting way by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address the interrelated challenges of health, education, and economic development, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts across various fields including health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. The organization operates in more than 50 countries, including Zambia, and across all U.S. states and territories, showcasing its extensive reach and commitment to global health and development.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director, Technical will play a pivotal role in overseeing the design and implementation of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project, which aims to enhance global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in Zambia. This position requires the establishment and continuous refinement of technical frameworks, approaches, tools, and activities that align with relevant normative guidelines and technical standards. The Associate Director will be responsible for directing the technical development and implementation processes of the STRIDES project, identifying partnership needs, and engaging qualified partners to ensure optimal technical performance. Additionally, this role involves monitoring all technical aspects of the project from initiation through to closeout, ensuring that technical deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and meet or exceed quality standards. The Associate Director will also supervise and mentor technical staff, guiding project implementation to meet technical objectives, and contribute to global thought leadership initiatives in Global Health Security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Director, Technical include serving as the technical lead for the STRIDES project, providing oversight and direction to ensure that project work plan milestones and targets are met. This involves close coordination with the Government of Zambia and other stakeholders to align with national standards, protocols, and policies. The Associate Director will also be responsible for overseeing the technical capacity strengthening of project subrecipients, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables such as work plans and annual reports are developed and submitted on time and within budget. Organizing project activities to ensure timely completion, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and regulations, and responding to inquiries from donors and government entities are also key responsibilities. The role includes managing a team, providing training and development, and supporting performance management and professional development of direct reports. The Associate Director will design, monitor, and evaluate recruitment and supervision activities, contribute to strategic goals, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess comprehensive technical knowledge of project management theories, concepts, and practices, with a deep understanding of infectious disease preparedness, prevention, detection, and outbreak response principles. Familiarity with Zambia's public health sector and donor-funded programs is essential, along with demonstrated knowledge of health information systems and monitoring and evaluation processes. Strong analytical skills, excellent oral and written communication abilities, and project leadership experience are required. The ability to motivate and influence others, along with a professional demeanor in communication, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or its international equivalent in Health or a related field is required. A Medical Degree (MBBS/MBChB or MD) combined with a Master’s Degree is strongly preferred, indicating a high level of expertise in the relevant field.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant technical or project management experience, including a minimum of 3 years in leadership and line management roles. Experience in designing and implementing innovative technical support for local entities and frontline service delivery teams is essential. Knowledge and experience in Global Health Security projects or activities are preferred, as well as experience working across multiple sectors such as human, animal, and environmental health. Previous experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) and familiarity with U.S. Government contracts are advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak proficiently. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, and may require travel of more than 25%. The job posting indicates that the last day for receiving applications is 2 January 202

• FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. The organization emphasizes the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offers a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and policies that support employee well-being.