Background
UNODC has specific mandates to assist countries to provide injecting drug users, prisoners and people vulnerable to human trafficking with evidence-informed, comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care services through advocacy; support in developing effective legislation and policies; support in developing comprehensive evidence-based strategies and programmes; building capacity of national stakeholders including government agencies, civil society and community organizations to ensure optimum coverage of these population groups with HIV services.UNODC launched a new project in Moldova that addresses programmatic aspects and capacity building needs with the ultimate aim to improve availability, coverage and quality of HIV services for injecting drug users and prisoners. The position is located in the UNODC project office in Chisinau. The focus of the job is to assist in providing ongoing technical guidance and policy advice to the Government; to assist in leading and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of UNODC HIV/AIDS key policy programmatic areas, namely HIV/AIDS prevention and care related to (a) drug use, particularly injecting drug use (b) prison settings and (c) the trafficking in persons.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Regional HIV/AIDs Advisor in Ukraine and Moldova, the National HIV/AIDS Officer contributes to the effective and efficient implementation of the UNODC/OFID project: Partnership on Effective HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care among Vulnerable Groups in Central Asia and Eastern Europe - Phase II. The incumbent applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.The National HIV/AIDS Officer works in close collaboration with the Project Team for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery.
The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNODC programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.
Summary of Key Functions:
The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients. More specifically:
- Assist with the development of UNODC technical assistance activities to the Government in (a) the assessment of the HIV/AIDS situation in UNODC’s three key areas (b) the development of effective prevention and care strategies and (c) reviewing and adapting national HIV/AIDS policy and implementation plans;
- Assist with the development of national capacity building strategies to enhance policy and programmatic development, coordination, sound monitoring and evaluation with regard to the HIV and AIDS prevention and care in the UNODC key areas;
- Contribute to the establishment of technical working groups for HIV/AIDS prevention and care among drug users and in prisons, involving all relevant stakeholders at the country level;
- Provide support and participate in, when necessary, meetings of technical working groups, interagency task forces, UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS, Joint UN Team on AIDS, Common Country Assessment (CCA), United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and other relevant fora;
- Provide support, organize and participate in advocacy meetings, round-tables, training workshops and other meetings related to specific HIV/AIDS issues;
- Analyze, research and evaluate technical reports and other relevant materials on prevention and care of HIV/AIDS in the key areas and facilitate dissemination of good practices;
- Assist with the development and reviews of programme and grant proposals, including for the Global Fund and the World Bank, and contribute to the determination of their technical soundness and appropriateness in the context of HIV/AIDS among drug users, particularly injecting drug users, in prison settings and as it relates to the trafficking in persons;
- Assist with the research and initial drafting of technical reports and other documents, such as reports to headquarters, legislative bodies, governments and donors;
- Prepare, update and implement annual and quarterly work plans and progress reports; ensure timely preparation and compilation of the Programme/Project Quarterly Work Plans/Progress Reports/Budget Forecasts and its submission to the UNODC;
- Assume direct responsibility for managing the project budget. Ensure that project funds are available when needed and disbursements achieved as per the work plans;
- Develop working networks and partnerships with the governmental, non-governmental, private sector and other development organizations in the subject area; liaise with government stakeholders and other partners to ensure proper coordination and partnership in common development efforts. Work implies frequent interaction with the national partners, officers and technical staff of UNODC; representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, experts.
- Provide through progress reporting continuous analysis of the achievements, facilitate project reviews, evaluation and audits.
- Provide well-researched background documents, sound analysis and written contributions on issues and developments related to HIV/AIDS prevention and care; effective and timely liaison and interaction internally and externally; effective assistance and participation in the preparation, organization and implementation of activities on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, including training.
Additional Responsibilities:
- In close coordination with the Regional HIV/AIDS Advisor, assume full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently all project activities and resources (human, financial, physical / material assets, etc) of the project in order to meet expected results.
- Build, motivate and lead a high performing team consisting of short term experts.
- Undertake personnel performance appraisals for the experts supervised/coordinated.
- Assist the Regional HIV/AIDS Advisor in the development of annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs, and assist in developing periodical project and other reports and close monitoring of activities and disbursements.
- Apply UNODC programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide. Keep abreast of UNODC programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning.
- Contribute to the wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels.
- Provide regular reports to the Regional HIV/AIDS Advisor and flag any deviations from the work plans immediately.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to drug control. Ability to demonstrate good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Knowledge of the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Good communication skills to liaise negotiate and advocate with key stakeholders, including with other implementing agencies. Proven ability to draft a variety of written outputs for both general and technical audience and deliver presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues and defending recommendations.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Proven ability in working in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team.
Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. Proficiency in MS Office.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- University Degree in public health, social science, management or in any other relevant discipline.
Experience:
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in managing development assistance programmes, specifically HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes among injecting drug users and in prison settings at national and international level would be an asset.
- Familiarity with the country UN system would be an asset. Experience of efficient communication with central and local public authorities.
- Previous experience in managing development assistance projects and supervision of staff to meet project results. Previous experience of working under tight deadlines and pressure.
- Experience in financial management of projects and strategic planning of interventions as per settled deadlines, objectives.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in oral and written Romanian, Russian, and English is a must.
- Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.