Senior Technical Officer

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 interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, and economic development. The organization operates in over 50 countries, including Nigeria, and has a diverse workforce that collaborates to create effective solutions for global health and development issues.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer will play a crucial role in providing state-level technical leadership under the STRIDES Activity in Nigeria. This position involves overseeing the implementation of technical activities focused on enhancing infectious disease surveillance systems, laboratory capacities, data collection, and outbreak preparedness. The officer will work closely with government entities and local partners to ensure that state-level activities align with national strategies and donor requirements. Reporting to the Associate Director, Technical, the Senior Technical Officer will contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of work plans and quality assurance systems, ensuring that all technical activities are executed effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Officer will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of all STRIDES technical activities at the state level, coordinating with government entities, local partners, and subcontractors. Key responsibilities include supporting technical aspects of the project, monitoring and maintaining protocols and data sets, developing technical briefs and reports, conducting project implementation analysis, leading technical support for laboratory and outbreak response activities, providing mentorship, collaborating with evaluation teams, and assisting in the development of tools and materials for research projects. The officer will also develop strategies for state-level technical activities, monitor project deliverables, and ensure that project activities are on track with work plans and budgets. Additionally, the officer will prepare reports summarizing project results and establish quality assurance standards to meet client and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of health systems, disease surveillance, laboratory networks, and outbreak response activities. They should have technical expertise in coordinating state-level implementation of global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security activities, as well as proficiency in database management software and online search tools. Strong organizational and analytical skills, excellent project management abilities, and the capacity to influence and collaborate with others are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff.

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 crucial for understanding the complexities of public health and the technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in public health, laboratory systems strengthening, surveillance, or outbreak preparedness and response. Experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization is preferred, particularly in supporting the implementation of USG or other donor-funded health projects. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and provide technical guidance to multiple stakeholders at the state level is essential, along with experience in capacity building and mentoring government counterparts and partners in health program implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the candidate must be able to read, write, and speak the language proficiently. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve domestic travel of up to 10% - 25%. The job is based in a typical office environment, requiring the ability to work on a computer for extended periods. FHI 360 is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries, adhering to safeguarding principles and policies. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and engages in practices that do not discriminate based on various characteristics. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks.