Technical Advisor, Research Utilization Safeguarding

The Safeguarding Technical Advisor, Research Utilization (RU) is a subject matter expert in RU practices and strategies as well as in safeguarding in humanitarian and development sectors. The TA will make technical contributions to projects, participate in business development efforts and collaborate with the Safeguarding and Program Support department to provide technical support for safeguarding initiatives. May supervise one or more technical staff members, ensuring that project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation. May prepare or contribute to project and donor reports and drafts publications and external communications. Leads the development / revision of best practice documents. Monitors budgets. May be required to coordinate and work with a diverse group of organizations and funders.  

Accountabilities: 

Technical Requirements: 

• Works on problems of complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors. 

• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions, with little supervision. 

• Networks with key internal and external personnel. 

• Provides input to senior technical leadership on global and national guidelines and normative policies  for subject matter areas of expertise. 

• May interpret findings and make recommendations for improvements. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.  

Project Design Implementation: 

• Leads and/or is a key contributor to the creation of the technical portion of the project plan of a complex project or multiple projects, within the given resource and financial constraints. 

• Oversees day to day technical and operational activities. 

• Coordinates with technical and programmatic staff members to ensure that activities are performed as per award requirements and consistent with FHI 360 policy. 

• Oversees staff members’ assignments. 

• Provides broad global technical leadership to multiple components for moderate to complex programs. 

• Defines and develops solutions for major business or functional challenges. 

• Contributes to planning and making recommendations for department / program / project concept, operations, and / or implementation. 

• Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of specific technical components, specifically related to research and research utilization and safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. 

Business Development and Client/Funder Support: 

• Develops and maintains relationships with potential clients / funders, partners, peers, etc. to develop new business. 

• Contributes to business development opportunities. 

• Collects data for inclusion in proposals. 

• Leads proposal research and design. 

• Prepare proposals, budgets, and work plans. 

• Participate in business development meetings with partners/clients. 

• Develop strategies to grow the business. 

• Participate in client / funder meetings and draft reports/presentations.  

• Represents the organization with external entities at professional meetings        and conferences. 

• Maintains collaborative relationships with donor/client organizations, relevant government agencies, bilateral and other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and is consistently maintained and viewed as a knowledgeable resource in their technical area. 

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

Partner/Sub-Award Management: 

• Drafts sub awards and partner agreements. 

• Assists in managing client relations. 

Staff Leadership and Training: 

• May supervises team members, monitor performance, and lead professional development efforts. 

• Develops and implements training and competency systems. 

• Identifies strategies to address training gaps. 

• Serves as a member of the leadership team for the RU division, helping to set strategic priorities, particularly related to knowledge products and evidence to practice related to safeguarding efforts.  

Project/Program Reporting: 

• Reviews sponsor financial and technical reports. 

• Prepares and delivers presentations to sponsors on progress. 

• Develops project work plans and coordinates with sponsors and partners on activities. 

Quality Assurance: 

• Ensures technical deliverables and implementation are consistent with best practices in the industry / subject and meet client / funder contractual obligations for moderately complex technical units of a functional domain, directing other professional staff members. 

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

• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the effectiveness of projects and makes recommendations for enhancements. 

• Ensures the quality of implemented technical activities and systems at all levels. 

Applied Knowledge & Skills: 

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

• In-depth functional knowledge and a proven understanding of RU strategies and practices and gender-based violence, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. 

• Ability to apply RU principles within programs and research studies. 

• Understanding of the external environment and how it affects the industry in general and the organization, including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences. 

• Understanding of the organization’s structure, policies and practices, and the impact on one’s own area. 

• Strong diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving skills. 

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

• Fluency in French language highly desirable. 

Problem Solving & Impact: 

• Is sought out to provide advice or solutions around technical area. 

• Is informed about current developments around technical area. 

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

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

• Decisions and actions have an impact on the smooth operation and timeframes of the unit programs/projects; impact on the broader organization is generally indirect. 

• Problems encountered are complex and may involve unprecedented circumstances; resolution requires investigation, analysis, and review of professional/organizational standards. 

Supervision Given/Received: 

• May supervise junior level staff members. 

• Work is reviewed in terms of meeting the organization’s objectives and schedules. 

• Accomplishes results through managers and as a senior member of a team. 

• Manages a technical area and function area within the organization. 

• Plays a coaching and mentoring role for others. 

• Typically reports to a Director. 

Education:** 

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Environment, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences International Development, Human Development or Related Field. 

• Project Management (PM) Certification preferred. 

Experience:** 

• Typically requires 12+ years of relevant experience in designing and evaluating applicable programs/services. 

• Provides supervision and oversight of lower-level staff. 

• Documented participation on normative bodies or committees that define guidelines relevant to the specific technical area. 

• Experience developing relevant publications, presentations, reports, and manual/tool development. 

• Proven experience providing technical leadership for GBV or SEAH programming. 

• Proven experience and working knowledge of INGO safeguarding policies 

• Experience delivering GBV or safeguarding training and technical assistance 

• Years of work experience that demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of technical issues. 

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

• International Program Development or Program management preferred. 

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 and stand for extended periods of time. 

• Ability to lift 5 - 25 lbs. 

Technology to be Used: 

• Personal Computer, Microsoft Office 365 (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom/TEAMS, e- mail), office telephone, cell phone and printer/copier. 

Travel Requirements: 

• 10% - 25% 

The expected US-based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidate FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget. 

Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 12% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

US Based Hiring Salary Range: $124,000 - $160,000

International hiring ranges will differ based on location.

This job posting 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 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment  process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.

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

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