Jobs - 50632- National HIV/AIDS Officer

National HIV/AIDS Officer - OFID/UNODC Partnership on Effective HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care among Vulnerable Groups In Central Asia and Eastern Europe– Phase II

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

17-Nov-2014

Application Deadline :

31-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

31 December 2014, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

31 December 2015

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNODC has specific mandates to assist countries to provide people who inject drugs and people in prison settings 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.
In 2011 UNODC launched a 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.
Since 2013, UNODC has selected Moldova as one of the 24 High Priority Countries (HPCs) where it has focused its efforts for a greater impact on the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs. These countries were selected following an analysis of the epidemiological data on injecting drug use and HIV burden, including in prisons, and the country readiness regarding the policy and legislative environment.
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 and civil society organizations; 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; and (b) prison settings.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions / Key Outputs Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

Backstopping HIV/AIDS Programme and implementation of programme strategies
Management and supervision of activities
Creation of strategic partnerships, development of program and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy
Provision of advisory services to the Government and civil society

1. Substantive backstopping and effective implementation of HIV/AIDS Programme in Moldova

Keep abreast of the major socio-economic and political trends prevailing in Moldova with special emphasis on social and drug control related issues and provide sound analysis to the programme office in Kiev and headquarters;
Assist in the assessment of the HIV/AIDS situation in the key areas, the development of effective strategies and reviewing and adapting national HIV/AIDS policy and implementation plans;
Assist Government and civil society in building national capacity for enhanced policy development, coordination, sound monitoring and evaluation with regard to HIV/AIDS prevention and care in the UNODC key areas;
Facilitate the establishment of technical working groups (both drug use and prisons) involving all relevant stakeholders at the country level and support their functioning;
Represent UNODC in the technical working groups, inter-agency task force, and other relevant forums;
Participate in and support the work of relevant coordination mechanisms ensure UNODC quality input to the work of the UN in the area related to HIV/AIDS;
Organize and participate as a resource person in advocacy meetings, round-tables, training workshops and other meetings related to specific HIV/AIDS issues;
Review, analyze, and evaluate technical reports and other relevant materials on the state of the art of prevention and care of HIV/AIDS in the key areas and facilitate dissemination of good practices.

2. Project/Programme Management

In cooperation with the HIV programme Office Kiev ensure, conduct and coordinate planning, monitoring and evaluation in accordance to agreed evaluation design and data collection procedures of all the activities that fall under the HIV/AIDS programme in Moldova;
Ensure effective and timely delivery of the programme activities;
Prepare substantive reports such as activity/project reports, monthly reports to the HQ HIV section, Regional Office, Government and donors;
Assist with the organisation and implementation of assessment exercises, project evaluation and thematic evaluations, including drafting of TOR and recruitment of experts as well as ensuring the required follow up to recommendations formulated in reports;
Sound management of activities, administrative, financial and substantive elements of the programme; financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions;
Supervise the performance of support staff and consultants.

3. Partnerships

Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects;
Contribute to developing strategic partnerships with key constituencies, including national and local authorities, communities, civil society organizations, private sector, relevant international stakeholder in the country, other UNAIDS co-sponsors, in particular:

-   Function as a focal point with UNAIDS, as well as with other cosponsors on issues related to the prevention and care of HIV/AIDS in the UNODC key areas;
-   Explore new opportunities for and develop partnerships with key actors such as civil society organizations, private sector and local government;
-   Ensure regular communication with national partners, key stakeholders and other international partners

Lead and contribute to programme development and provide inputs to establish technical soundness and appropriateness in the context of HIV/AIDS among people who use drugs, particularly people who inject drugs and in prison settings;
Contribute to resource mobilization for the HIV programme in Moldova and ensure the regular monitoring of financial reports/transactions for all entrusted resources;
Maintain regular liaisons with key donors and identify resource mobilization opportunities;
Participate in programme development meetings and/or mission as required;

4. Others

Undertake any other HIV related duties assigned by his/her supervisor.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of the HIV/AIDS program within specific areas of cooperation. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
Promote the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNODC
Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treat all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:
1. Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda
Level 1.2: Preparing information for advocacy

Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UNODC’s mandate

2. Results-Based Programme Development and Management
Level 1.2: Contributing into results through primary research and analysis

Assess project performance to identify success factors and incorporates best practices into project work
Research linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration
Monitor specific stages of projects/programme implementation

3. Building Strategic Partnerships
Level 1.2: Maintaining a network of contacts

Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
Analyze and select materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders

4.Innovation and Marketing New Approaches
Level 1.2: Enhancing processes or products

Generate new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things

5. Resource Mobilization (Field Duty Stations)
Level 1.2: Providing inputs to resource mobilization strategies

Analyze information/databases on potential and actual donors

6. Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Level 1.2: Basic research and analysis

Generate new ideas and approaches, research best practices and propose new, more effective ways of doing things

7. Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Level 1.2: Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

Understand and apply fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
Possess basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and apply them consistently in work tasks
Strive to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
Demonstrate good knowledge of information technology and apply it in work assignments
Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team;
Well-developed communication skills to liaise, negotiate and advocate with key stakeholders including with other implementing agencies;
Ability to write reports and reviews and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues and defending recommendations.

8. Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNODC’s Goals
Level 1.2: Preparing information for global advocacy

Identify and communicate relevant information for advocacy for UNODC’s goals for a variety of audiences

9. Client Orientation
Level 1.2: Establishing effective client relationships

Research potential solutions to internal and external client needs and report back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion.
Organize and prioritize work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines

Others:
•   Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team;
•   Well-developed communication skills to liaise, negotiate and advocate with key stakeholders including with other implementing agencies;
•   Ability to write reports and reviews and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues and defending recommendations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master University degree from a recognized institution in public health, medicine, or social sciences or related field. A medical degree would be an asset.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of professional experience at the national level in the field of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programmes pertaining to people who use drugs, specifically those who inject and people in prison settings;
Project development and management experience in public health or related areas is required. Specific project management experience on HIV prevention, treatment and care will be an advantage;
Previous working experience with the United Nations system would be an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Russian and Romanian. Excellent drafting ability in the mentioned languages.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.