Director-Technical Services (DTS) 139 views0 applications

Position:         Director-Technical Services (DTS)

Project:           DHAPP-ZDF Partnership for Sustainable HIV Epidemic Control project

Supervisor:     Project Director (PD)

Location:         Lusaka, Zambia

Background:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

FHI 360 is seeking a Director-Technical Services (DTS) for an anticipated 4-year, $26m project in Zambia, funded by the US Department of Defence (DOD), entitled Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) – Zambian Defence Force (ZDF) Partnership for Sustainable HIV Epidemic Control. If FHI 360 secures this grant, the project would likely start in September 2020. This is a follow-on to FHI 360’s current award, Zambian Defence Force (ZDF) Prevention, Care and Treatment (PCT). The main technical areas covered by the DHAPP-ZDF Partnership for Sustainable HIV Epidemic Control will likely include the following: demand creation and community-based services for prevention of HIV cervical cancer as well as linkages to care and treatment; HIV-testing services; HIV-related related care and treatment, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART); Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC); lab services; and health systems strengthening (HSS). The primary target population is the armed forces/military in Zambia.

Position Summary:

Under the leadership of the Project Director (PD), the Director-Technical Services (DTS) provides technical leadership, develops technical strategies and ensures implementation fidelity as well as quality services. The DTS reports to the PD and closely liaises with the other department leads that are part of the project Senior Management Team (SMT). In the absence of the PD, the DTS may, at the discretion of the PD, assume the project direction function (i.e., serve as Acting PD).

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the PD with general oversight of the project, and with an emphasis on technical quality assurance and technical oversight to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, standards, etc.
• Supervise the ‘technical services’ team and other senior staff, including performance management and professional development of direct reports (comprised of goal setting, ongoing feedback, coaching, formal reviews, appropriate accountability measures and career support).
• Design technical strategies, interventions and tools that meet global/national standards and oversee their proper roll-out and use by the project team members, partners and beneficiaries.
• Ensure that subrecipients are adequately trained, supported and held accountable for meeting their targets, producing deliverables of quality, and meeting the set quality standards of their agreed services, by overseeing the Technical Monitors assigned to each subaward.
• Collaborate regularly and coordinate effectively with the project’s assigned Technical Partner, i.e., facilitating adequate oversight and QA of the project, seeking advice and securing any necessary short-term technical assistance (STTA), and reporting back on results and any technical challenges experienced in order to jointly recommend remedial actions and program adjustments to the PD.
• In close collaboration with the M&E team, ensure regular progress reviews and performance monitoring, and effective data analysis and use (i.e., ongoing analysis of granular data, feedback loops and real-time remedial actions).
• Contribute inputs to and conduct review of the annual workplan, budget, reports and other technical deliverables of the project, with a view to ensure their accuracy and technical quality.
• Contribute to effective application of the Total Quality Leadership and Accountability (TQLA) model across the project team, from use of the Balanced Scorecard to active participation in Situation Room Meetings (SRMs) to ensuring regular feedback and data use.
• Play a leadership role (from a technical perspective) in periodic Program and Technical Quality Assessments (PTQAs), SIMS and Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), and any project studies.
• Under the PD’s guidance, advise the SI/M&E team on the data sets and data visualization needs of the technical team; and in close collaboration with the SI/M&E lead, analyze SI/M&E data and interpret results in a way that contributes to evidence-based decision-making, real-time remedial actions and program adjustments.
• Play a key role in producing scientific abstracts, preparing/conducting technical presentations (at local stakeholder meetings and at national/international conferences), and authoring journal articles on project results and lessons.
• Actively participate in Senior Management Meetings (SMT) and serve as an active member of the ZDF project’s Performance Optimization Team (POT), working particularly closely with the Technical Partner and other STTA providers.
• Contribute to the overall strategic goals of the project, through provision of recommendations for process improvements as well as capacity development (CD) to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support orientation and capacity development (CD) of staff, government/DZF partners and subrecipients, in the technical areas that are relevant to the project.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired experience, skills and attributes:

• Experience working with the military – the Zambian Defence Force (ZDF), in particular – and working on DOD/DHAPP-funded projects are major assets.
• Innovative thinking that leads to practical, effective delivery strategies (grants management, technical trainings, etc.) to accomplish project activities, outputs and outcomes.
• Sound knowledge of ongoing and emerging issues in relation to HIV prevention, care and treatment.
• Strong technical skills and experience in HIV prevention, care and treatment – preferably at both community and clinical level as well as specialization in more than one of the technical areas covered by this project (community-based prevention and linkages to care and treatment, VMMC, cervical cancer screening, HIV/TB integration, and clinical care and treatment for HIV across the 95-95-95 cascade).
• Excellent analytical skills, including proven ability to analyze, interpret, present and use data (linking M&E data to technical interventions and programmatic decision-making).
• Ability to motivate, influence and work well with others to achieve project objectives and ambitious targets under tight deadlines.
• Strong presentation, training, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with FHI 360’s TQLA © model for adaptive management is a plus.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding HIV infection.
• Zambian nationals preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in public health or related field (or its international equivalent); MD preferred.
• A clinical background (i.e., advanced training in HIV-related Clinical Care/ART and/or CT/PMTCT).
• At least 10 years of progressive experience working in public health programs in developing countries, preferably with a focus on HIV prevention, care and treatment.
• At least 8 years in a senior-level position.
• Solid grasp of USG/PEPFAR rules and regulations, strategic priorities, and modalities of partnership as well as experience working on USG/PEPFAR-funded projects managed by an INGO.
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Deep understanding of the Zambian context.

Travel Requirements: 10 -25%

Disclaimers:

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 offers a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer.  Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant is subject to DOD/DHAPP approval.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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