Technical Officer- Laboratory Systems (WASH)

Job Summary:

Provides final authorization and approval of the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership. Drafts the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership. Provides final authorization and approval of the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership. Assists with developing the technical portions of proposals and project design. Provides higher-level administrative support on core project operations (e.g., update manuals, assist with proposals, and budget tracking). Provides technical support services to assigned projects under supervision. Assists with project implementation and training. Contributes to new business development initiatives including project design, budgeting, and recruitment efforts.

Technical Officers (Level I – III) provide a range of technical and administrative services at increasing levels of complexity to support project implementation and proposal development. Individuals within these positions are expected to demonstrate an increasing level of proficiency with the specific relevant technical area.

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

• •Provides technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention for research projects.
• •Works closely with assigned team to ensure activities are implemented according to standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
• •Assists with publications, web pages, and presentations.
• •Conducts searches of published literature on evolving issues in assigned technical area.
• •Monitors and maintains protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and
• •reports.
• •Responds to requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.
• •Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• •Assists with the implementation of technical/research studies by monitoring and documenting processes.
• •Conducts analysis of project, implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines.
• •Delivers presentations at professional meetings and conferences.
• •Ensures project implementation, adheres to company strategy, and remains technically sound.

Project Design Implementation:

• •Implements established project design.
• •Tracks project indicators and produces reports for others to act upon.
• •Assists with implementing components of the technical portions of the project plan.
• •Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff.
• •Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines
• •Tracks project indicators and produces reports for others to act upon.
• •Responds to technical requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.

Business Development and Client/Funder Support:

• •Drafts the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership
• •Prepares documentation for final authorization and approval of the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership
• •Assists with developing the technical portions of proposals and project design
• •Collects data for inclusion in proposals
• •Assists with proposal research
• •Assists with developing proposal strategies
• •Participate in business development meetings with partners and clients.
• •Participate in client / funder meetings.

Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.):

• •Ensures project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
• •Collects financial and technical tracking data; prepares reports.
• •Coordinates with suppliers for procurements; develops procurement terms of reference.

Project/Program Reporting:

• •Maintains database of project indicators and activities.
• •Assists with collecting data for inclusion in client reports.
• •Assists with compiling and creating technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts).
• •Assists with publications, web pages, and presentations.
• •Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate, best practices, policies, and procedures.
• •Prepares technical reports and papers summarizing results.

Quality Assurance:

• •Develops broader knowledge of quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
• •Helps coordinate and direct activities to meet client/funder and regulatory requirements.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• •Moderate knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures by providing technical support for research studies.
• •Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
• •Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required.
• •Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
• •Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
• •Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
• •Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• •Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.
• •Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.
• •Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.

Competencies:

There are 31 FHI 360 development competencies, of greatest focus for this particular job will be:

• •Project Management (Planning and Time Management) - Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks (sets objectives/goals/measures). Breaks down work into steps, schedules, task/people assignments. Marshals people, time, and resource efficiently. Arranges information in a useful manner and orchestrates multiple activities at once.
• •People Management (Making Others Great) – Facilitate professional development of staff by providing challenging, learning assignments and opportunities. Shares and solicits feedback monthly at the very least. Helps establish compelling development plans. Assigns responsibility and accountability for tasks/decisions. Monitors process, progress, and results. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.
• •Creating and Managing Systems and Processes – Recognizes the need for standardization and balances client and organization need in systems design. Anticipates the effects of process change on people while optimizing task efficiency and simplicity.
• •Employees are expected to possess or have high potential for development of these three fundamental competencies.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• •Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.
• •Exercises good judgment with selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
• •Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a department.
• •Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff
• •Networks with key internal and external personnel.
• •Decision may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.

Supervision Given/Received:

• •Has no supervisory responsibility.
• •Receives methods and procedures on new projects and assignments.
• •May provide guidance to other lower-level staff.
• •Typically reports to an Associate Director or Director.

Education: **

Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Civil Society, Communication and Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, the Environment, Gender, Health, Nutrition, Research, Technology and Youth or Related Field.

Experience: **

Typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience managing d