United States of America: Technical Advisor II, Digital Data Solutions

Organization: FHI 360

Country: United States of America

Closing date: 30 Jun 2015


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. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Technical Advisor, Digital Data Solutions


Description:


The FHI 360 Mobile Solutions Technical Assistance and Research (mSTAR) project is a broad, flexible and responsive technical assistance and research program that is fostering the rapid adoption and scale-up of digital finance, digital inclusion and mobile data in developing countries. Ultimately, mSTAR seeks to increase access to and use of mobile and digital technologies by low-income individuals, civil society, local government institutions and private-sector stakeholders.


  • Digital finance. mSTAR supports regulations and policies that will enable the safe but robust growth of digital financial systems and build critical market infrastructures.

  • Digital inclusion. mSTAR supports the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) goal of building partnerships to create enabling policies and regulations, develop new business models and provide relevant local content that makes mobile technology accessible to underserved populations.

  • Mobile data collection for learning and decision making. mSTAR facilitates the use of mobile data tools that empower decision makers to adapt their programs as necessary. Mobile tools can eliminate errors in collecting and transcribing paper forms and perform power analyses and visualization. Programs can see results in real time.

mSTAR will support USAID in identifying ways to fund innovative mobile data projects designed for scale, to change policy and contract language to incorporate mobile data solutions into programs, and to promote learning through mobile data among USAID staff and implementers. The program currently is active in Bangladesh and Mozambique. In addition, the project is working with USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) to promote the appropriate and effective use of digital technologies in development.


Job Summary / Responsibilities:


We are looking for a highly motivated and creative Technical Advisor with excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills to join our Mobile Solutions Technical Assistance and Research (mSTAR) team. The Technical Advisor will manage the development of a mobile data strategy for mSTAR project in collaboration with USAID and FHI 360 teams. S/he will perform technical design and scoping assessments, and may be assigned to manage and provide technical direction on select country activities. The technical advisor will develop and deliver trainings and facilitate workshops, as needed.


The Technical Advisor will be responsible for internal and external communications relating to mSTAR on-going and anticipated work. Working with the USAID Digital Development Team as well as global partners in the public and private sectors, the Technical Advisor will be responsible for distilling lessons learned from field programs; supporting design and implementation of country and regional strategies; ensuring reporting of success stories and other required reports, and developing advocacy efforts.


An ideal candidate will have an understanding of how to distill complex, large-scale data sets and use them for modeling, data mining, and research purposes. S/he will have an understanding of issues in big data, data analytics, mobile money in developing countries, mobile broadband, using real time data for improving programming and decision-making, developing locally relevant content, and ICT ecosystems in developing countries.


Main Responsibilities:


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

  • Develops scopes of work, trains, and mobilizes short and long-term term technical expertise for project purposes.

  • With guidance from Project Director, manages research and knowledge management activities to determine, produce, and disseminate lessons learned through, qualitative and quantitative research.

  • Work with appropriate research unit(s) at FHI 360 to develop and submit required documentation to FHI 360 and local IRBs.

  • Represents research and best practices at external events, conferences, etc.

  • Can serve as a facilitator at mobile solutions trainings and workshops.

  • Supports the project’s technical team in selected technical assignments.

  • Assists with operations, contractual and financial management as needed.

  • Contributes to business development for FHI 360’s Social and Economic Development business unit, as needed.

Qualifications:


  • Masters in Computer Sciences, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, Business or similarly related discipline.

  • 8+ Years of relevant work experience and 5+ years of experience in management of large projects and/or programs.

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

  • Some experience working on USAID or other donor funded projects.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Ability to influence, motivate, and collaborate with others.

  • Experience developing and delivering presentations, workshops and trainings to multiple types of audiences.

  • Experience working in developing country contexts.

  • Must be comfortable working in a fast paced and sometimes intense working environment.

  • Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.

  • Speaking and reading proficiency in a foreign language preferred.

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.


We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. Please click here to visit FHI 360"s Career Center for a list of all open positions.


FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.



How to apply:

https://jobs-fhi360.icims.com/jobs/15498/technical-advisor-ii%2c-digital-data-solutions/job


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