Senior Technical Officer, Early Childhood Development (ECD)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization that focuses on improving lives in sustainable ways by promoting integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts in various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, and technology. This unique mix of capabilities allows the organization to tackle complex issues effectively. FHI 360 operates in multiple countries, providing a wide range of services and programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer, Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of integrated ECD interventions within existing maternal, newborn, and child health, nutrition, and immunization platforms in Mozambique. This position is based in Nampula City and is responsible for enhancing the quality, integration, and sustainability of ECD services within the local health system. The officer will work closely with FHI 360 project teams, provincial and district health authorities, community partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that nurturing care, responsive caregiving, early stimulation, developmental monitoring, and referral systems are effectively integrated into routine health services. The role requires strong technical leadership and program support to manage day-to-day ECD activities across various project-supported districts, facilities, and communities, ensuring alignment with MISAU guidance and global best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Officer ECD will manage the implementation of ECD activities, develop technical tools and training materials, and provide capacity strengthening to project staff and government stakeholders. Responsibilities include collaborating with technical teams to integrate ECD approaches into existing health services, managing caregiver-focused interventions, and identifying strategies to strengthen linkages between maternal, newborn, child health, nutrition, immunization, and ECD programming. The officer will also participate in technical working groups and stakeholder meetings, contribute to work planning and performance monitoring, and assist in documenting lessons learned and technical reports to support program improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge of maternal, newborn, and child health, immunization, nutrition, and ECD approaches, particularly within the context of Mozambique's health system. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to develop and implement technical strategies and quality improvement approaches. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to build productive relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies and community organizations.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in public health, health management, pediatrics, nursing, medicine, or a related field is required. A clinical background as an MCH nurse or medical doctor is strongly preferred, as it provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of health systems and ECD programming.

Experience:
A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in supporting health programs in Mozambique is required. This includes experience working closely with Mozambique’s public health system through government institutions, NGOs, or international development organizations. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in child health, nutrition, quality improvement, and early childhood development programming, as well as experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement activities. Experience with donor-funded health programs, particularly those funded by the U.S. Government, is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Portuguese is mandatory, while professional working proficiency in English is preferred. Excellent communication skills in Portuguese are essential for effective interaction with stakeholders and community partners.

Additional Notes:
The position may require up to 40% travel within Nampula and to Maputo as needed. The expected hiring salary range for this role is between USD 47,000 and 57,000 annually, depending on the candidate's relevant experience and education. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity employment and safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments. The organization emphasizes a healthy work/life balance and offers a competitive benefits package.