East Africa Regional Technical Advisor I - Polio

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

• Works on problems of complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors.
• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions, with little supervision.
• Networks with key internal and external personnel.
• Provides input to senior technical leadership on national guidelines and normative policies for subject matter areas of expertise.
• May interpret findings and make recommendations for improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Project Design Implementation:

• Under the direction of the STRIDES Technical Director – Polio, leads the creation and implementation of the technical portion of the STRIDES - Polio Activity plan at regional level within the given resource and financial constraints.
• Leads day-to-day technical and operational activities related to the STRIDES - Polio regional portfolio design and implementation.
• Coordinates with technical and programmatic staff members at regional and country level to ensure that activities are performed as per contract requirements and consistent with FHI 360 policy.
• Lead and support country staff members to ensure technical quality.
• Provide technical directions to and/or monitor the quality of work performed by regional subcontractors engaged in polio activities.
• Work with STRIDES Finance and Operations teams to prepare subcontracts and budgets.
• Provides regional level technical leadership of the STRIDES – Polio program.
• Contributes to planning and making recommendations for STRIDES operations and implementation at regional and country level.
• Influences design and scope of STRIDES polio initiatives and programs.
• Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of specific technical components within the STRIDES – Polio and Global Health Security programs of work.
• Provides technical oversight and ensures high-quality implementation in line with global standards and best practices and meets contractual obligations for moderately complex technical units of a functional domain, directing other professional staff members.
• Coordinates with HQ, regional and country-level technical and programmatic staff members to ensure that activities are performed as per award requirements and consistent with policy.
• Coordinates with employees and consultants, on-site and in the field for situations that are less routine and more unusual.

Staff Leadership and Training:

• May supervise team members, monitor performance, and lead professional development efforts.
• Develops and implements training and competency systems at the regional and country level.
• Identifies strategies to address training gaps.

Activity Reporting:

• Reviews donor financial and technical reports specific to Polio for transmittal to HQ.
• Prepares and delivers presentations as requested to STRIDES donors on progress as needed.
• Develops Activity workplans and coordinates with sponsors and partners on activities.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensures technical deliverables and implementation are consistent with best practices.
• Proactively identifies risks or challenges to technical deliverables and creates mitigation plan.
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the effectiveness of projects and makes recommendations for enhancements.
• Ensures the quality of implemented technical activities and systems at all levels.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for successful implementation of activities.
• In-depth functional knowledge around specialization and detailed knowledge of Polio eradication efforts, especially in Polio surveillance, case investigation, laboratory services, reporting, polio data, outbreak response and related areas.
• General understanding of the external environment and how it affects the industry in general and the organization, including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences.
• General understanding of the organization’s structure, policies and practices, and the impact on one’s own area.
• Strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations, and collaborate with colleagues and peers within the organization and possibly externally.
• Ability to influence others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to reach mutual points of agreement and benefit among peers and colleagues.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Is sought out to provide advice or solutions around polio technical areas.
• Is informed about current developments around polio technical areas.
• Works under broad direction with considerable latitude for independent action.
• Specific actions are guided primarily by professional standards and expected outcomes of the project.
• Decisions and actions have an impact on the smooth operation and timeframes of the unit programs/projects; impact on the broader organization is generally indirect.
• Problems encountered are complex and may involve unprecedented circumstances; resolution requires investigation, analysis, and review of professional/organizational standards.
• Faulty decisions or recommendations will normally result in critical delays and modifications to projects or operations, cause substantial expenditure of additional time, resources, and funds; and jeopardize future business activity.

Supervision Given/Received:

• May supervise junior to mid-level staff members and/or consultants.
• Work is reviewed in terms of meeting the organization’s objectives and schedules.
• Accomplishes results through managers or senior members of a team.
• Manages a technical area staff and function area within the organization.
• Plays a coaching and mentoring role for others; may assist in team management as necessary,
• Typically reports to the STRIDES Technical Director -Polio.

Education: **

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Health, Life/Social Sciences International Development, or Related Field.
• Project Management PM Certification a plus.

Experience: **

• Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience in designing and evaluating applicable programs/services – may manage activities of lower-level staff and/or consultants, however, main function is individual contributor.
• At least five years of relevant experience in public health, especially in developing countries with a focus on Polio eradication, surveillance, or infectious disease control.
• Experience with polio eradication programs and management of large-scale public health initiatives involving Polio surveillance is required.
• Relevant publications, presentations, reports, and manual/tool development.
• Proficient experience in current polio eradication, surveillance, laboratory support or related program developments in polio eradication and/or Global Health Security.
• Years of work experience demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of polio eradication technical issues.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization NGO, government agency, or private organization engaged in polio eradication efforts.
• International Program Development or Program management experience preferred.
• Fluency in English is required.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screens and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.
• Ability to work remotely.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams, cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• 10% - 25% local and regional travel