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Washington, DC Senior Specialist II, Policy and Advocacy

FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the U.S. and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities and countries we serve–improving lives for millions. We seek qualified candidates for the position of Senior Specialist II, Policy and Advocacy in Washington, DC.
Position Description:
USAID’s Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT) Program consists of four projects: PREDICT, RESPOND, IDENTIFY and PREVENT. The PREVENT/EPT project has the goal of preventing the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases, building on USAID’s H5N1 avian influenza efforts. One of PREVENT’s main objectives is to develop, validate and implement effective social, behavior change and communication interventions that raise awareness of risks among the general public and policy makers and lead to appropriate actions needed to minimize EPT. PREVENT/EPT works primarily in the Congo and Mekong basins. Focus areas for the project include human exposure to animals, for example through hunting and consumption of wild animal meat and products, markets and wildlife trade, and development activities that affect human-wildlife exposure, including mining, logging and hydropower development. Technical areas of interest include behavioral determinants of exposure to the risk of EPT and social norms, conventions and incentives that support or deter trade/use/consumption of wild animal products.
Currently formative and/or evaluative research is being carried out or planned in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The Senior Specialist II, Policy and Advocacy, will work with the Technical Director, PREVENT/EPT technical staff in Washington and countries, partners and stakeholders to design, manage, and provide technical assistance for assessments of the practices and policies of governments, industry and international institutions involved in extractive industry, and for the development and implementation of advocacy strategies. S/he will participate in the development of conceptual models and tools and in the design, implementation and evaluation of integrated interventions (including advocacy) to reduce human exposure to animals, particularly in the context of extractive industry activities.
• Provide overall guidance and leadership to the project in the areas of policy change and advocacy.
• Conceive of, design and implement innovative strategies and interventions designed to foster positive changes in the policy, regulatory, and managerial actions and procedures of governments and industry to help reduce the potential for emerging pandemic threats.
• Work with project staff to design and manage policy change and advocacy activities, from problem definition through stakeholder analysis and strategy development to implementation and evaluation.
• Develop/manage the development of generic assessment and stakeholder analysis tools and approaches.
• Conceptualize, guide and coordinate the collection, analysis, and interpretation of information about government and industry policies, procedures and actions.
• Develop plain-language reports of findings relevant to emerging pandemic threats for those affected (workers and local populations) and for national and international policymakers, including those in multilateral financial institutions.
• Monitor local consultants and firms and manage their work to ensure high-quality results.
• Develop case studies and special reports to document policy challenges and successes as well as system lapses and ways of strengthening regulations and procedures to reduce human-animal exposure and/or otherwise improve the enabling environment.
• Participate in developing guidance for industry and governments about reducing risk of EPT.
• Analyze issues and present options for advocacy and communications interventions. Develop advocacy materials.
• Write policy papers, briefing guides and reports summarizing results across countries or region.
• Build strategic alliances; develop and maintain positive working relationships with appropriate associations, organizations, agencies and individuals within the relevant government sectors (health, agriculture, forestry, environment, etc) and industry, as well as USAID, UN Agencies, partners and other EPT projects.
• Develop and/or support national, regional and international networks of professionals and organizations who play or who could play important roles in either the generation or the use of data on the role of extractive industry in providing an enabling environment for the emergence of pandemic threats.
• Coordinate with in-country partners (PREDICT, RESPOND, GVFInc, WCS, EcoHealth Alliance, FAO, local groups) to collect country-level impact data. Participate in the EPT Program Extractive Industries Working Group.
Minimum Requirements:
Master’s degree plus 11 years of relevant experience; Knowledge of policy analysis and stakeholder analysis; Experience working with/knowledge of technical, social and institutional issues related to extractive industry (oil, gas, mining, logging, hydropower) highly desirable; Experience in public relations and/or communication; Experience doing or commissioning/managing public policy analysis; situation analysis; advocacy and communication interventions; Experience with a wide range of stakeholders highly desirable; Experience of implementing through, and working with, partner organizations (including governments) in an advisory capacity; Knowledge about epidemic infectious disease, especially emerging diseases, environmental policy, natural resource management a plus; Experience in either Africa or Asia required; experience in both a plus; Experience working on USAID-funded projects highly desirable; Must have experience with stakeholder analysis and policy advocacy in international settings; Ability to develop and implement advocacy strategy; Effective technical management of projects/tasks; Must be able to write and edit reports of results in English; Excellent written and oral communication skills and the capacity to prepare position papers, reports and submissions; Excellent analytical and research skills; Must be able to collaborate with a wide range of partners; Must be able to work in teams; Must be flexible and able to synthesize information quickly; Fluency in French highly desirable.
FHI 360 has a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates may register online through FHI 360's Career Center at www.fhi360.org/careercenter or through the Employment section at www.fhi360.org. Please submit CV/resume and cover letter including salary requirements. Please specify source in your application.
AA/EOE/M/F/V/D