Senior Technical Officer, Global Health Security (GHS)

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 over 4,000 employees worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, economic development, and civil society, and aims to create a positive impact through evidence-based programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer for Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS) will play a crucial role in providing technical, managerial, and operational support for the implementation of GHS interventions in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, and Lagos States. This position is integral to the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, which is funded by the United States Department of State and aims to strengthen public health systems in Nigeria. The officer will be responsible for program planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring that GHS strategies align with national public health priorities. The role includes supporting contact tracing and active case searches for priority diseases, as well as data gathering and analysis to enhance disease surveillance and response efforts. The Senior Technical Officer will also be involved in capacity building initiatives, training state-level stakeholders, and ensuring effective collaboration with various public health entities and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Participating in the development and monitoring of work plans and budgets, ensuring appropriate technical assistance in program operations.
• Collaborating with public health officials and partners to strengthen emergency management and outbreak response activities.
• Supporting the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on infectious diseases, ensuring data quality and timeliness.
• Providing technical assistance to improve disease detection and reporting mechanisms.
• Facilitating coordination among stakeholders to enhance data sharing and alignment of public health activities.
• Developing and delivering capacity-building initiatives for surveillance officers.
• Assisting in the development of tools and materials for surveillance and data management.
• Monitoring the implementation of surveillance activities and providing regular progress reports.
• Supporting outbreak investigations and response activities as needed. 1
• Promoting adherence to infection prevention and control measures during surveillance activities. 1
• Supervising EpiC state office staff and ensuring compliance with technical and financial requirements. 1
• Serving as the point of contact for EpiC with government officials and coordinating with public sector partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in fields such as Civil Society, Communication, Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, Health, Nutrition, or a related area. A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in managing data collection and providing technical assistance is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in infectious disease surveillance activities and extensive public health field experience in capacity building across multiple components. Familiarity with Global Health Security indicators and activities, as well as experience with international donor organizations and Nigerian public health systems, is essential. Training in Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM), Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), and experience with data management tools like SORMAS is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree or its equivalent in relevant fields such as Civil Society, Communication, Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, Health, Nutrition, or related disciplines. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of public health and the specific challenges faced in disease surveillance and response.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in public health, particularly in managing data collection and providing technical assistance. Candidates should have a proven track record in emerging and re-emerging infectious disease surveillance and experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring public health programs. Familiarity with the Nigerian public health landscape and international donor organizations is also necessary.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may be considered an advantage, as it can facilitate better communication with community members and local partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Akwa Ibom State and may require travel within Nigeria, with an estimated travel requirement of 10% to 25%. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and public health partners. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and providing a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries, adhering to principles that prevent abuse and exploitation. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and emphasizes professional development and work-life balance.