Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. 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, economic development, and social justice, aiming to create a positive impact on communities worldwide. FHI 360 is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that all employees feel valued and respected.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer position within the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity is crucial for enhancing diagnostic networks and surveillance capabilities in partner countries. The role involves supporting the implementation of activities across the STRIDES portfolio, ensuring compliance with FHI 360's procurement and subcontract management policies. The Project Officer will coordinate programmatic needs, develop scopes of work, manage documentation, and support procurement and subcontract processes while maintaining segregation of duties. This position is integral to ensuring timely execution of procurement and subcontract activities, adhering to donor and organizational standards, and ultimately contributing to the overarching goal of improving infectious disease detection and response capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: drafting technical specifications, scopes of work (SOWs), and terms of reference (TORs) for goods and services; preparing procurement request packages and ensuring alignment with workplans and budgets; submitting procurement requests and coordinating with the Procurement Unit for solicitation; providing technical criteria for bid evaluations and serving as the primary technical evaluator on panels; documenting evaluation notes and recommending technically suitable vendors; verifying that goods and services meet technical requirements and completing acceptance documentation; maintaining procurement records to ensure compliance with FHI 360 Policy 01001; drafting subcontract scopes of work and budgets in collaboration with technical teams; preparing subcontract request packages and coordinating compliance checks; supporting negotiation of technical terms and reviewing draft agreements for accuracy; monitoring subcontract deliverables and reporting discrepancies; contributing to project workplan development and updates; coordinating meetings, preparing presentations, and managing project documentation; and supporting onboarding of new team members on procurement and subcontract processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a full understanding of project management concepts and practices, with a basic knowledge of the technical area of the project. They should have excellent oral and written communication skills, strong project management skills, and the ability to problem-solve and implement corrective actions as needed. The ability to prepare reports and provide timely information to management is essential, as is the capacity to build productive working relationships internally and externally. Candidates must also maintain strict segregation between technical and financial roles and avoid direct communication with vendors outside approved channels.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree or its international equivalent in fields such as Civil Society, Communication and Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Gender, Health, Nutrition, Research, Technology, Youth, or related fields is required. A project management certification is preferred, indicating a formal recognition of the candidate's skills and knowledge in managing projects effectively.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have a minimum of 4+ years of relevant experience with project management principles and practices. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization is essential. Experience in international or domestic program development or program management is preferred, along with prior procurement and sub-award management work experience, which will be beneficial in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Project Officer role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Additionally, fluency in the host country language is preferred, as it will facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in the United States and may require travel of approximately 10% to 25%. The expected hiring salary range for this role is between USD 64,000 and 74,000 annually, depending on various factors such as relevant experience and education. FHI 360 offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 7% contribution to a pension plan, 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year for full-time staff. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace.