Technical Officer - Polio

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a sustainable way by advancing locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interconnected development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, youth, research, and technology. This diverse expertise allows the organization to create unique capabilities to tackle pressing global issues. 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 Technical Officer - Polio will support the implementation of polio eradication activities for FHI 360 in Benin, focusing on acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance, environmental monitoring, laboratory systems, case detection and investigation, data quality and utilization, as well as outbreak preparedness and response. Reporting directly to the Technical Advisor, Polio, the incumbent will contribute to the execution of activities in alignment with the priorities of the Government of Benin, the standards of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), donor requirements, and FHI 360 procedures. The role involves close collaboration with national and departmental health authorities, GPEI partners, FHI 360 technical teams, and local partners to support field activities, performance monitoring, capacity building, formative supervision, and technical assistance. Additionally, the Technical Officer will contribute to the development of tools, training materials, standard operating procedures, reports, and learning products aimed at enhancing the quality of polio intervention efforts in Benin.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of technical activities for the Polio program in Benin. Key responsibilities include: assisting in the monitoring of AFP surveillance, environmental surveillance, laboratory management, and sample handling; participating in assessments, field missions, and formative supervision activities; tracking the implementation of activities by partners and subcontractors; contributing to the identification and resolution of operational and technical challenges; collaborating with Finance and Operations teams to monitor budgets and subcontracts; assisting in the development of work plans and tracking their execution; preparing technical reports for donors and headquarters; creating presentations, technical notes, and updates on activity progress; ensuring effective coordination with the Ministry of Health, technical partners, and other stakeholders; monitoring the quality of interventions and technical deliverables; identifying implementation risks and participating in the development of corrective measures; supporting program performance analysis and formulating improvement recommendations; assisting in organizing training and capacity development activities; participating in mentoring and technical support for partners and government counterparts; identifying capacity building needs and proposing appropriate solutions; and performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree (Bac+3) or equivalent in Public Health, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field. A project management certification would be an asset. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the design, implementation, or evaluation of public health programs. At least 3 years of experience in polio surveillance, disease eradication, or infectious disease surveillance, particularly in developing countries, is required. Experience in polio eradication programs and polio surveillance activities is mandatory. Candidates should also have experience in developing tools, reports, presentations, or technical materials. Experience within an NGO, government institution, or international health organization is highly desirable. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work with multiple partners and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree (Bac+3) or equivalent in a relevant field such as Public Health, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related discipline. A project management certification is considered a plus and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in public health program design, implementation, or evaluation. At least 3 years of experience specifically in polio surveillance, disease eradication, or infectious disease surveillance in developing countries is required. Experience in polio eradication programs and surveillance activities is mandatory, along with a proven track record of developing technical tools and reports. Experience working with NGOs, government agencies, or international health organizations is strongly preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in both French and English, written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Benin is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to all interested candidates of Beninese nationality or any other nationality with a work permit in Benin. The application process is free, and FHI 360 will never request money, goods, or services in exchange for a job application. The expected hiring salary range for this role is XOF 11,700,000 - 15,000,000 for annual basic salary. FHI 360 considers various factors when determining an offer amount, including relevant years of experience, education, internal equity, market pay, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines. The application package must include a signed CV (maximum 4 pages), a signed cover letter (maximum 2 pages), and a copy of the diploma. The deadline for applications is 16 October 2026, at 5 PM local time. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.