Senior Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on 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 diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges in health, education, and economic development, and it works collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement effective programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer will play a pivotal role in the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This position requires a strong technical leader who will oversee the implementation of various technical activities aimed at enhancing infectious disease surveillance systems, laboratory and diagnostic capacities, and outbreak preparedness and response. The officer will work closely with government entities, local partners, and subcontractors to ensure that all STRIDES activities align with national strategies and client requirements. Reporting to the STRIDES PNG Project Director, the Senior Technical Officer will contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of work plans and quality assurance systems, ensuring that the project meets its objectives effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Officer will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of all STRIDES technical activities in PNG, which includes coordinating with government entities, local partners, and subcontractors. They will support the technical aspects of STRIDES PNG, including capacity building for government and partners. The officer will monitor and maintain STRIDES protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to laboratory/diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response activities. They will work closely with national government and partners to ensure that project implementation remains technically sound and adheres to company strategy and standard operating procedures. Additionally, the officer will develop or write technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures. They will conduct analyses of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategies and guidelines. The officer will lead technical support for national laboratory/diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response activities, including coordination of data collection, analysis, and reporting. They will also provide mentorship and team building at the task level, collaborate with the monitoring and evaluation team to interpret data sets and other assessment findings, and provide technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and interventions for research projects. Furthermore, the officer may provide input into the technical portion of the project plan related to country activities and assist with implementing components of the technical portions of the project plan. They will develop and monitor technical work plans and budgets, participate in client meetings, and draft reports/presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of health systems, disease surveillance, laboratory/diagnostic networks, and outbreak response activities. They should have technical expertise in coordinating and overseeing state-level implementation of global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security activities. The ability to develop scopes of work and deliverables for partners and consultants is essential, along with a broader knowledge of quality standards. Proficiency with database management software and online search tools is required, as well as sensitivity to cultural diversity and an understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas. Candidates must be articulate, professional, and able to communicate clearly and positively with clients and staff. Fluency in English is mandatory, and Tok Pisin fluency is required. Excellent organizational and analytical skills, demonstrated project management skills, and the ability to influence and collaborate with others are also necessary. Candidates should have the ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports, as well as solve problems and implement corrective actions as needed. Experience in interpreting health data to inform state-level decision-making and technical guidance is preferred, along with knowledge of international and national health regulations, laboratory biosafety, and surveillance protocols.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, laboratory science, health systems, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the STRIDES project and its objectives.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have 6+ years of relevant experience in public health, laboratory systems strengthening, surveillance, or outbreak preparedness and response. Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization is preferred. Experience supporting the implementation of USG or other donor-funded health projects is also desirable. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to coordinate and provide technical guidance to multiple stakeholders at the state level, as well as experience in capacity building, training, and mentoring government counterparts and partners in health program implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Additionally, fluency in Tok Pisin is required, as it is a key language in Papua New Guinea and will facilitate better engagement with local partners and communities. Knowledge of other local languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel of approximately 10% - 25%. The job is based in a typical office environment, and candidates should be prepared for the physical demands of the role, which may include long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard. The organization emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding and preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks.