Avis de recrutement : HIV/AIDS PREVENTION TECHNICAL ADVISOR

1. BACKGROUND

Cameroon has among the highest burden of HIV in West and Central Africa (4.3% among average risk reproductive age adults – DHS 2011). High HIV prevalence is associated with high-risk sexual behaviors such as inconsistent use of condoms and lubricants and a high rate of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Stigma and discrimination have further marginalized key populations limiting their access to life-saving services such as anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and reducing the country’s ability to control the HIV epidemic.

The national response is led by the National AIDS Control Committee (NACC), which coordinates implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2011- 2015. This policy aims to reduce HIV and STI-related morbidity and mortality and alleviate its socioeconomic impact on the development of Cameroon. Among strategic approaches, the plan stresses improved access to prevention, care and treatment for key populations.

U.S. Government (USG) commitment for the response is articulated in the 2012 “PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-Free Generation”. Among various USG agencies supporting the response, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) focuses on combating the spread of HIV/AIDS through five key activities: HIV prevention in Most-At-Risk Populations (MARP) or key affected populations; care and support to children affected by AIDS; strengthening the national pharmaceutical management system; technical assistance to programs funded by the Global Fund; and operational research in the area of HIV prevention.

The USAID-funded Continuum of Prevention, Care, and Treatment (CoPCT) for HIV/AIDS with Most-at-risk Populations (CHAMP-Cameroon) is a five-year program with a total estimated cost of $18.8 million. Initiated in April 2014, CHAMP has the following objectives: (1) technical competence of partners in key populations program design and management using the CoPCT increased, (2) enabling environment for key populations HIV/AIDS programming strengthened, and (3) quality assurance/quality improvement, and monitoring and evaluation systems in the CoPCT strengthened. These efforts will expand service coverage in four focus regions and generate data for evidence-based programing. The program will employ a continuum of care approach, linking clients with community-and facility-based interventions. It will also strengthen the policy environment to support client-friendly services and appropriate social protection and advocacy.

CARE USA through CARE-Cameroon serves as the prime for this cooperative agreement in partnership with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Global Viral (GV). Together, the consortium is collaborating with the NACC, the Ministry of Health (MOH), community-based organizations (CBOs) and other stakeholders (UNAIDS, the Global Fund, the World Bank) to build the capacity of the national, regional and community response.

2. POSITION LOCATION

The Prevention Technical Advisor will be a member of the CHAMP team based at the CARE Cameroon office in site Yaoundé. The Incumbent will report to the Deputy Chief of Party

3. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical (55%)

Serves as the CHAMP technical expert for behavioral, biomedical and structural prevention of HIV/AIDS. Priority areas include, but are not limited to, linking prevention and community-based programs to care and treatment services such as online outreach mediated approach to care and treatment services, HIV testing services (HTS), gender issues including gender-based violence (prevention and response), Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms and lubricants, and information/education/communication materials. Keeps abreast of information, trends, and breakthroughs concerning HIV/AIDS and prevention, including self-testing, home testing, acute infection and provides guidance and advice to colleagues and implementing partners.
Actively participates in the development and implementation of strategies, guidelines, operational procedures and manuals, educational materials, teaching curricula, etc. for implementing HIV/AIDS prevention activities. Ensures that prevention activities are evidence-based, best practice or theory-driven, and utilize the best available data and strategies.
Provides ongoing capacity building to field actors and ensures full integration and coordination of prevention activities, approaches, and strategies across related program areas.

Program management (20%)

Conducts regular site visits and works closely with the CHAMP Site Coordinators and Prevention Officers to ensure that activities are being implemented on time and as planned. Identifies problems and proposes solutions.
Participates in the development of annual, quarterly and monthly work plans. Prepares the HIV prevention component of quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports as well as relevant presentations and briefing papers.
Coordinates with CHAMP M&E staff on specific monitoring and evaluation activities for prevention programs.
Assists implementing partners to understand compliance with all relevant Cameroon, USAID and PEPFAR regulations and procedures.

Quality assurance/improvement (15%)

Serves as the prevention team lead on all relevant quality assurance and improvement initiatives, ensuring that partner agencies understand and are empowered to contribute to/improve upon quality standards in prevention programming.
Supports partner agencies to assess progress against HIV prevention standards, identify gaps in performance, solve problems, test solutions, and scale them, as appropriate, to address gaps in standards and improve performance.

Coordination (10%)

Oversees and coordinates the implementation of HIV prevention activities in collaboration with CARE regional coordinators and other CHAMP technical leads and partners.
Represents CHAMP at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with collaborators and donor agencies. Briefs the CHAMP team on the results of such meetings and prepares written reports, as requested.
Serves as chair or rotating chair on the Prevention Technical Working Group, ensuring effective coordination of work plan development, implementation strategies, quality assurance/improvement, research, and evaluation plans.

4. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

Education: Master’s Degree in Public Health, health policy, or behavioral or social sciences or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with significant field experience.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ experience implementing HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Cameroon or in Central/Western Africa among key populations. This includes experience working with an international agency, host government or implementing partner, with demonstrated increased responsibility for activity management and design. Experience should demonstrate ability to manage and coordinate with community-based organizations, public sector entities, and bilateral and multilateral donors.
Language Proficiency: Written and oral fluency in French language is required. Fluency in written and oral English is an asset.
Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS epidemiology and current strategies for behavioral, biomedical and structural prevention is required. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS care and treatment is preferred. The candidate must have thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS program design, implementation and evaluation.
Skills and abilities: Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to work effectively on a team and to lead a team. The incumbent must be able to plan, implement, monitor and advocate for programs and beneficiaries. S/he must have strong management skills and time-management competency in order to prioritize and manage several activities simultaneously.

5. POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision received: The Prevention Technical Advisor works under the general supervision of the DCOP. The latter and the incumbent will review roles and responsibilities together, set goals, objectives, expectations and results to be achieved. The incumbent will be expected to seek advice and assistance as required.
Exercise of judgment: Good judgment is required to analyze, interpret, and adapt prior experience, particularly as guidelines are updated and new activities developed. Within a range determined by the incumbent and superiors, the incumbent exercises independent judgment in planning and follow-up of actions and assignments. The incumbent works with some level of independence.
Nature, level, and purpose of contacts: The incumbent will be expected to dialogue with a wide variety of Prevention officers.

6. SALARY AND BENEFITS

As per CARE-Cameroon compensation package.

HOW TO APPLY / COMMENT POSTULER

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity please submit a resume, a cover letter, CV, copy of certificate/diploma and a list of at least three (3) professional references NO LATER THAN 06/01/ 2020 to recrutement@carecameroun.org with “Position Title" in the subject line.