Technical Advisor at Preston Associates for International Development

Job Purpose

• The Technical Advisor, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will provide technical direction and management to support the effective implementation of the Technical Department activities.
• Will support the CEO in a high-level capacity for technical oversight and ensuring integration of all project’s technical areas.
• She/he will ensure successful project outcomes by overseeing efficient implementation, minimizing risks, reducing costs, and enhancing success rates.
• As well as enhance PAID's visibility as an effective research firm, solidify its reputation in project services, and bolster its competitive position in sustainable development partnerships.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide vision, direction, leadership, and management oversight in developing and implementing programs, projects, strategies, and the technical department.
• Lead the overall development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and supervision of all technical department proposal writing, project activities and personnel.
• Lead the coordination of all projects in line with client's requirements and Preston Associates quality standards.
• Contribute to proposal writing and technical reports in line with bilateral and multilateral organizations and other major funders standards, ensuring Preston Associates quality control and quality assurance standards.
• Lead the quality management system and standard of the Technical Department (TD)
• Develop departmental goals and targets, implement, and evaluate results building a continuously improved system
• Ensure departmental compliance to Preston Associates systems and standards, federal and international law governing the development sector
• Lead the TD and collaborate with other HoDs in implementation of Preston Associates strategies
• Oversee project risk assessment and mitigation
• Submit quarterly departmental report to the CEO to be presented to Board
• Consistently update the CEO on industry trends and development to guide organizational decision making
• Integrate AI and big data solutions into PAID’s existing systems, to enhanced Preston Associates capabilities and productivity
• Analyze large datasets to extract valuable insights and drive data-informed decision-making
• Lead, develop and deploy machine learning models to optimize operational efficiency and enhance customer experience
• Provide technical guidance and support Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data-related initiatives
• Oversee the overall coordination and management of consortiums activities and initiatives
• Lead identifying, establishing and maintaining relationships with business partners, clients, organizations, relevant government agencies and other key stakeholders
• Monitor partnership performance and identify areas for improvement, implementing necessary adjustments to maximize the value of each partnership
• Organize and facilitate training and technical support to enhance capacity, sustain programs, and expand service coverage for Preston Associates.
• Attend meetings, conferences, seminars etc. on behalf of the organization
• Source and assist to identify key industry and project specific experts locally and internationally, manage consultants, subcontractors, and sub-awardees.
• Mentor, train and motivate direct reports to create a culture of teamwork, inclusivity, and an enabling work environment
• Travel as required in the line of your work

Knowledge Management (KM):

• Provide guidance on knowledge management to create a knowledge management strategy and framework.
• Leverage existing platforms to support and advance knowledge-sharing within the organization
• Lead knowledge management efforts, and ensure lessons learned are incorporated into future project activities
• In collaboration with the GC & HR, drive Preston Associates' learning agenda to foster the development and use of best practices to improve outcomes in program initiatives
• Facilitate in collaboration with the GC & HR, knowledge acquisition through trainings leveraging AI and big data tools for organization growth
• Continually develop the systems, standards, documents, activities, and personnel of the department
• Oversee the development and revision of papers, presentations, articles, publications on Preston Associates activities and development sector trends
• Collaborate with the Public Relations team on any industry related information.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Rate of proposal success and contracts awarded
• Rate of project success and lead time closure
• Rate of return clients
• Rate of referral from past/current clients
• Budget management
• Process improvements
• Risk management
• Rate of quality assurance compliance
• Rate of compliance to company policy

Required Skills and Competencies
Skills/Knowledge:

• Master's or Doctorate Degree and a minimum of 15 years' work experience in public health, sociology, law, knowledge management, education, project management, public policy, international development, economics, or related field.
• Previous result-based programs engagement with women, children, and youths, with a minimum of 12 years working in the technical implementation of international development programs is an added advantage.
• Expert in technical adviser on international development awards, grants, contracts, sub- awards, finance, and compliance.
• Proficient in project management with experience from an established organization.
• Proficient operational experience with multilateral (IMF, UN, WHO, EDF etc.), bilateral organizations (USAID, FCDO, DFID, CIDA etc.) and other major funders e.g., the Gates Foundation, MasterCard Foundation, etc.
• Expert communicator – verbal and written - technical writing, attention to details and interpersonal skills
• Proficient researcher, development sector policies, procedures, best practices, grants, contracts, and compliance.
• Expert in analytical (including analyzing large datasets, quantitative, and qualitative analysis), documentation, compliance, proactive, problem solving, conflict resolution, innovative, creative, critical thinking and decision making
• Strong understanding of business development and customer service,
• Expert knowledge of key performance indicators and project evaluation methods.
• Proficient in management (including consortium, program and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning), leadership, organizational skills.
• Expert at accurately interpreting complex documents and policies.
• Strong quality control, quality assurance, and risk assessment skills.
• Strong ability to network, collaborate, negotiate, mentor, train and influence outcomes and teamwork
• Ability to enhance PAID's visibility as an AL, big data development sector and research, solidify its reputation in project services, and bolster its competitive position in sustainable development partnerships.
• Proficiency in project management software, analytical software (python, DevResults, TolaData, PowerBI, Tableau etc.), statistical software packages (SAS, SPSS, R, etc.), Microsoft teams, and other relevant softwares.