Technical Advisor II, Maternal Newborn and Child Health at FHI 360

Job Summary

The MNCH Technical Advisor II is an advanced subject matter expert who will oversee the MNCH components of complex technical programs, directing and advising other technical staff members. The Technical Advisor II will provide oversight to the day-to-day technical and operational aspects of MNCH and integrated health projects and will supervise technical staff members ensuring that project activities are on track with work plans. This position will inform project design and implementation, drawing from their technical expertise in MNCH and will support or lead the development of proposals for local and regional MNCH and integrated health initiatives. The MNCH Technical Advisor II will lead the development and revision of best practice documents, monitor budgets in collaboration with finance staff, and will be expected to coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations, such as the Ministries of Health, international and national development partner organizations, and the Departments of State to complete work.  

Accountabilities: 

Technical Requirements: 

•  Provides input to senior technical leadership at project and organizational levels on global and national MNCH best practices, guidelines and normative policies. 

• Leads the creation of the technical portion of MNCH program designs within the given resource and financial constraints. 

• Coordinates with project technical and programmatic staff to ensure that activities are implemented according toglobal and local best practices, that they meet client expectations and can achieve expected targets, and that they are consistent with award requirements and FHI 360 policy. 

• Continually maintains dialogue and technical exchange with field counterparts and technical staff members of implementing partners. 

• Provides global technical leadership in MNCH as a representative of FHI 360, including by representing the organization to external entities at professional meetings and conferences. 

• Influences the design and scope of organizational MNCH initiatives and programs and develops strategies and tools for specific technical activities. 

• Maintains collaborative relationships with donor/client organizations, relevant government agencies, bilateral and other NGOs. 

• Leads the design and development of MNCH proposals. This may include conducting proposal research and design; leading teams to prepare technical proposals, and related budgets, and work plans; participating in business development meetings with partners/clients, and contributing to or developing strategies to expand FHI 360’s MNCH portfolio. 

• Assists in managing client relations, including by reviewing technical reports for clients and preparing and delivering presentations to clients on progress. 

• Identifies strategies to address knowledge and capacity gaps in MNCH among HQ and project staff. 

• Proactively identifies risks or challenges to technical deliverables and creates mitigation plan. 

Applied Knowledge & Skills: 

• Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for successful implementation of activities. 

• In-depth knowledge of MNCH service delivery at both facility and community levels and detailed knowledge of related technical specialties (for example, immunization, malaria, health systems, primary health care, and integrated nutrition). 

• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations, and collaborate with colleagues and peers within the organization and 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. 

• Demonstrated MNCH technical expertise through selection of high-impact interventions, methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions, with little supervision. 

Problem Solving & Impact: 

• Works under broad direction with considerable latitude for independent action. 

• Specific actions are guided primarily by professional standards and expected outcomes. 

Supervision Given/Received: 

• May supervise and manage technical area staff. 

• Accomplishes results through managers or senior members of a team. 

• Plays a coaching and mentoring role for others 

• Reports to the MNCH and Nutrition Technical Director. 

Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Public Health, Health, Behavioral or Life/Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development or Related Field and 12+ years or MD/PhD and 9+ years of relevant experience in designing, managing, and evaluating MNCH programs and initiatives 

• Participation in global or national normative bodies or committees for MNCH. 

• A history of relevant publications, presentations, reports, and manual/tool development. 

• Experience leading business development efforts in MNCH. 

• International Program Development or Program management preferred. 

• Professional proficiency in French is required. Portuguese proficiency is also an asset but not required.

Typical Physical Demands: 

• Typical office environment. 

• Ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard. 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. 

Technology to be Used: 

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

Travel Requirements: 

• 10% - 25%