Job Summary:

The Senior Technical Officer will provide technical leadership under the Strengthening Infectious disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity in Papua New Guinea (PNG). They will support and oversee implementation of all technical activities at the national and sub-national level, with a focus on strengthening infectious disease surveillance systems, laboratory and diagnostic capacities, data collection and analysis, and outbreak preparedness and response. They will work in close coordination with government entities, local partners, and subcontractors to ensure STRIDES activities are aligned with national strategies and client requirements. They will report to the STRIDES PNG Project Director and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of STRIDES work plans and quality assurance systems.

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

Oversees implementation of all STRIDES technical activities in PNG, coordinating with government entities, local partners, and subcontractors

Supports technical aspects STRIDES PNG, including capacity building for government and partners.

Monitors and maintains STRIDES protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports related to laboratory/diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response activities.

Works closely with national government and partners to ensure project implementation remains technically sound and adheres to company strategy and standard operating procedures

Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies, and procedures.

Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines.

Leads technical support for national laboratory/diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response activities, including coordination of data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Provides mentorship and team building at the task level.

Collaborates with the monitoring and evaluation team to interpret data sets and other assessment findings.

Provides technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and interventions for research projects.

Provides technical input on subject matter best practices to assist with implementation in PNG

May provide input into the technical portion of the project plan related to country activities.

Assists with implementing components of the technical portions of the project plan

Develops and monitors technical work plans and budgets.

Participate in client meetings and draft reports/presentations.

Project Design Implementation:

Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of STRIDES PNG technical activities (surveillance, diagnostics, outbreak response).

Monitors project deliverables and reports to supervisors.

Coordinates and supports the implementation of all STRIDES PNG technical activities at the country level.

May implement components of the technical portions of the project plan.

Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff.

Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.):

Collaborates with STRIDES PNG and STRIDES US finance and operations colleagues to ensure project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.

Collaborates with finance and operations to develop project timelines and budgets. Assists in the development of client reports and presentations.

Tracks technical project spend under broad supervision.

Tracks Statement of Work (SOW) and budget tracking systems; provides reports to supervisors.

Collects technical tracking data; prepares reports.

Project/Program Reporting:

Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets and technical assessment findings.

Establishes and maintains SOW and budget tracking systems.

Drafts / prepares client technical reports.

Creates technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts).

Quality Assurance:

Develops in-depth knowledge of quality standards through a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.

Coordinates and directs activities to meet client and regulatory requirements.

Applied Knowledge &Skills:

In-depth knowledge of health systems, disease surveillance, laboratory/diagnostic networks, and outbreak response activities.

Technical expertise in coordinating and overseeing state-level implementation of global health security activities.

Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.

Broader knowledge of quality standards

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.

Tok Pisin fluency required

Excellent organizational and analytical skills.

Excellent and demonstrated project management skills.

Ability to influence and collaborate with others.

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.

Experience in interpreting health data to inform state-level decision-making and technical guidance.

Knowledge of international and national health regulations, laboratory biosafety, and surveillance protocols.

Problem Solving & Impact:

Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.

Exercises good judgment in selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.

Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a project.

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 project goals.

Supervision Given/Received:

Determines methods and procedures on new projects and assignments.

Serves as team lead and may mentor other lower-level personnel.

Reports to the Associate Director, Technical.

Education:** **

Masters Degree or its International Equivalent in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, laboratory science, health systems, or related field.

Experience:** **

Typically requires 6+ years of relevant experience in public health, laboratory systems strengthening, surveillance, or outbreak preparedness and response.

Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.

Experience supporting the implementation of USG or other donor-funded health projects preferred.

Demonstrated ability to coordinate and provide technical guidance to multiple stakeholders at the state level.

Experience in capacity building, training, and mentoring government counterparts and partners in health program implementation.

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%

• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the key responsibilities of the job. 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…