West Africa Regional STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Technical Advisor, II

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 diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, and economic development, aiming to create a positive impact on communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The West Africa Regional STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Technical Advisor, II is an advanced subject matter expert responsible for overseeing moderately complex technical units within the organization. This role involves directing professional staff members and ensuring that project activities align with established work plans. The Technical Advisor will manage the day-to-day technical and operational aspects of projects, providing technical expertise to inform project implementation. Additionally, the advisor will support or lead the development of proposals for local and regional initiatives, prepare project and donor reports, draft publications, and external communications, and lead the development or revision of best practice documents while monitoring budgets. The position requires coordination with various organizations, including the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, district health staff, and international and national development partners, to ensure successful project execution. The advisor will work closely with headquarters technical leads and program staff to ensure adherence to the United States Government’s global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security priorities across country-level work plans, ensuring the successful delivery of all technical aspects and reporting across STRIDES from initiation through delivery and close-out.

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

• Technical Requirements: Addressing complex problems that require evaluation of variable factors, demonstrating good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solutions with minimal supervision. Networking with key internal and external personnel and providing input to senior technical leadership on national guidelines and policies.
• Project Design Implementation: Leading the creation of the technical portion of project plans for complex projects, overseeing daily technical and operational activities, and ensuring compliance with award requirements and organizational policies.
• Business Development and Client/Funder Support: Developing and maintaining relationships with potential clients and funders, leading proposal research and design, preparing proposals, budgets, and work plans, and participating in business development meetings.
• Partner/Sub-Award Management: Drafting subawards and partner agreements as needed and assisting in managing client relations.
• Staff Leadership and Training: Supervising team members, monitoring performance, and leading professional development efforts.
• Project/Program Reporting: Reviewing sponsor financial and technical reports, preparing presentations, and coordinating activities with sponsors and partners.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring technical deliverables meet industry best practices and contractual obligations, proactively identifying risks, and evaluating project effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Environment, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development, or a related field. A Project Management (PM) Certification is preferred. The role requires strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage projects, set priorities, and plan for successful implementation of activities. Candidates should have a general understanding of the external environment affecting the industry and the organization, including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or its international equivalent in a relevant field is required. This educational background should provide a strong foundation in the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the Technical Advisor effectively.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have 12+ years of relevant experience in designing and evaluating applicable programs or services. This experience may include managing activities of lower-level staff, but the main function is as an individual contributor. Documented participation on normative bodies or committees defining guidelines relevant to the specific technical area is essential, along with relevant publications, presentations, and reports. Experience leading business development efforts in the technical area is also required, along with proficiency in current program developments in the division or technical area.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is required, with advanced speaking and writing skills in both languages. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Senegal and may require travel to other countries such as Niger and Sierra Leone, with travel requirements estimated at 10% to 30%. The role may involve supervising junior staff members and is typically reviewed in terms of meeting organizational objectives and schedules. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments and programs. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and promotes a healthy work/life balance.