Technical Officer Polio

Job Summary: The Technical Officer (TO), Polio will support the implementation of the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity in areas related to polio eradication, including surveillance, laboratory strengthening, and case detection. Working under the guidance of the Technical Advisor, Polio, the TO will assist in ensuring that STRIDES’ polio activities align with global guidance, national policies, Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) norms, and donor regulations.

The Technical Officer, Polio will contribute to in-country implementation by providing technical support to regional and country teams, helping to address operational challenges, and assisting with the adaptation of interventions to evolving epidemiologic contexts. S/He will play a supportive role in capacity strengthening efforts, including mentoring and providing technical assistance to country-level teams, local partners, and government counterparts in polio surveillance, biosafety/biosecurity, laboratory operations, specimen management, and data quality.

In addition, the Technical Officer, Polio will assist in the development of tools, guidance, learning products, and other resources that enhance STRIDES’ polio portfolio. S/He will support effective communication and coordination with donors and stakeholders—including the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD), UNICEF, CDC, national programs, and GPEI technical groups—ensuring that STRIDES’ contributions are well-documented and aligned with broader global health security priorities.

This position reports directly to the Technical Advisor, Polio, and works collaboratively with technical leads, the MEL Specialist, and the Program Implementation Director to ensure timely, compliant, and high-quality delivery of polio-related activities across country-level work plans.

Accountabilities Technical Requirements:

• Supports problem-solving for moderately complex issues by gathering information and applying established methods and techniques under the guidance of the Technical Advisor.
• Exercises sound judgment in applying technical approaches, escalating issues as needed.
• Maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides input to technical leadership by compiling data and insights relevant to national guidelines and policies.
• Assists in interpreting findings and drafting recommendations for improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Project Design & Implementation:

• Assists in the implementation of the technical portion of the STRIDES Polio Activity plan at country level, following direction from the Technical Advisor.
• Supports day-to-day technical and operational activities related to STRIDES Polio country portfolio design and implementation.
• Coordinates with technical and programmatic staff at country level to ensure activities are carried out in line with contract requirements and FHI 360 policy.
• Provides logistical and technical support to field staff and consultants to maintain quality standards.
• Assists in monitoring the work of local subcontractors engaged in polio activities.
• Works with STRIDES Finance and Operations teams to support preparation of subcontracts and budgets.
• Contributes to planning discussions and provides recommendations to strengthen STRIDES operations and implementation at country level.
• Assists in the development of strategies, tools, and resources for technical components within STRIDES Polio and Global Health Security programs.
• Supports technical oversight and helps ensure high-quality implementation at country level in line with global standards and best practices.
• Coordinates with country-level staff and consultants to address routine and non-routine implementation needs.

Staff Support & Training:

• Provides support in organizing training sessions and competency-building activities at the country level.
• Assists in identifying training gaps and proposing strategies to address them.
• May provide guidance to junior staff under the supervision of the Technical Advisor.

Activity Reporting:

• Assists in compiling donor technical reports specific to Polio for submission to HQ.
• Prepares draft presentations and progress updates for STRIDES donors as requested.
• Supports the development of Activity work plans and coordinates with sponsors and partners on assigned activities.

Quality Assurance:

• Supports monitoring of technical deliverables to ensure consistency with best practices.
• Helps identify risks or challenges to technical deliverables and contributes to mitigation planning.
• Assists in reviewing and analyzing project effectiveness and drafting recommendations for enhancements.
• Contributes to ensuring the quality of implemented technical activities and systems at all levels.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to support project management tasks, prioritize activities, and contribute to successful implementation.
• Working knowledge of polio eradication efforts, especially surveillance, case investigation, laboratory services, and reporting.
• General awareness of external factors (political, legal, environmental, financial, social) that may affect program implementation.
• Understanding of organizational policies and practices and their impact on assigned tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exchange information, present findings, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Knowledge of Juba Arabic or other local languages is highly desirable for roles that involve direct engagement with local communities.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Provides technical support and advice within defined parameters.
• Keeps informed about current developments in polio eradication and related technical areas.
• Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent action in routine matters.
• Decisions and actions primarily affect the smooth operation and timelines of assigned projects; broader organizational impact is indirect.
• Problems encountered are moderately complex and typically resolved through established procedures and consultation with supervisors.

Supervision Given/Received:

• May provide guidance to consultants as delegated by the Technical Advisor.
• Work is reviewed for accuracy, quality, and adherence to organizational objectives and schedules.
• Reports directly to the Technical Advisor, Polio, and collaborates closely with country program staff.
• Plays a supportive role in team management and contributes to mentoring activities as appropriate.

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 6+ 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 three years of relevant experience in public health, especially in developing countries with a focus on disease 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 that demonstrates 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.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen 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.

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

The expected hiring salary range for this role is UGX 120,000,000 – 150,000,000 annually for basic salary.

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