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 has grown to employ over 4,000 staff across more than 60 countries. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, economic development, and social justice, and aims to address the interconnected challenges faced by communities globally. FHI 360 is committed to fostering partnerships and leveraging local expertise to implement effective programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

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 supporting the EpiC project, which is a global health initiative funded by the United States Department of State. This position is responsible for providing technical, managerial, and operational support for program planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of GHS interventions in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, and Lagos States. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and state health officials, to coordinate surveillance activities and ensure alignment with national public health strategies. The role also involves capacity building at the state level, focusing on outbreak response, infection prevention and control, and risk communication. The Senior Technical Officer will be accountable for the judicious use of resources and will contribute to the design and improvement of GHS strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing outbreak preparedness and response.

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 to strengthen emergency management and outbreak response activities, including surveillance systems.
• Supporting the timely collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on infectious diseases, ensuring data quality and adherence to guidelines.
• Providing technical assistance to improve disease detection and reporting mechanisms.
• Facilitating coordination among various stakeholders to enhance data sharing and alignment of public health activities.
• Developing and delivering capacity-building initiatives for state and local 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
• Participating in Multi-disease Emergency Operations Center meetings and addressing identified challenges. 1
• Promoting adherence to infection prevention 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 and experience in Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM), Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), and related frameworks are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s Degree or its equivalent in relevant fields such as Civil Society, Communication, Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, Health, Nutrition, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public health and the necessary skills for effective program implementation and management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in public health, particularly in managing data collection and providing technical assistance. Experience in emerging and re-emerging infectious disease surveillance activities is crucial, along with a proven track record in designing, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on capacity-building initiatives. Familiarity with the Nigerian public health landscape and international donor organizations is also important.

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 beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Lagos State, Nigeria. The role may require travel within Nigeria, with an estimated travel requirement of 10% to 25%. 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 is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with criminal histories, in compliance with applicable laws.