PREVENTION OFFICER (KATAVI)

Locally known as the Walter Reed Southern Highlands AIDS Program, the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) is an international non-governmental organization working in several countries conducting research studies and providing care and treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS.  HJFMRI is funded by the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief PEPFAR.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHSW), HJFMRI has been leading a comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania since 2004 with support from the President's Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  The program is based in the Mbeya and has since extended to more than 100 health facilities in Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma regions, which collectively represent a catchment area of about 6 million people.  Mbeya region is one of high prevalence regions in Tanzania and expansion of HIV care and treatment programs is critical.

Walter Reed Program is seeking qualified candidate to fill the positions below.  Cover letters and resumes should be sent to the Human Resources Manager, P.O. Box 6396, Mbeya or e-mailed to;  recruitment@wrp-t.org   NOTE:  to be considered, applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE. Deadline for submission of the application is December 25th, 2014. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements as detailed below should not submit applications.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Job Title: Prevention Officer
Reports to: Regional Outreach Coordinator
Location: Katavi

General Overview:

The Prevention Manager will serve as the primary technical expert and contact for WRP prevention activities at the organizational and community level. The Prevention Manager will facilitate the development, modification, and/or adaptation of appropriate prevention strategies, with the goal of improving target community access to and use of prevention information and services. The Prevention Manager is expected to collaborate across technical areas to strengthen the continuum of response from HIV Prevention to Care.  Working with local partners, s/he will facilitate the expansion of prevention services at the health facility level and in community settings. The Prevention Specialist will build the capacity of local partner organizations to deliver high-quality prevention services.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Liaise and consult regularly with the relevant authorities, partner organizations, community leaders and beneficiaries in relation to the planning, design and implementation of WRP and partner HIV prevention activities;
• Work with WRP medical team and partners to integrate prevention activities with biomedical intervention where appropriate
• Develop integrated, innovative and gender sensitive interventions for the provision of comprehensive HIV prevention for vulnerable and at risk populations, youths in and out of school, and the general population;
• Provide technical leadership in the development of approaches and strategies for mobilizing partner organizations and communities for the establishment or strengthening of HIV prevention strategies and activities;
• Serve as the prevention lead in the design and implementation of combination prevention strategies and plans;
• Build the capacity of the partner organizations and government technical staff to deliver high-quality HIV prevention services;
• Provide on-going support through coaching, supervision visits and mentoring to partner organizations implementing prevention activities;
• Document, consolidate and disseminate knowledge and information regarding best practices, lessons learned, and proven approaches both within and outside of WRP;
• Ensure quality implementation, achievement of results for activities within the WRP project and within partner projects, and collaborate with other WRP program departments to ensure effective teamwork;
• Collaborate with partners to develop quality assurance (QA) mechanisms and ensures that QA mechanisms are in place and functional;
• Facilitate the expansion of HIV counseling and testing services, provide overall leadership and sound advice at facility and community settings, and improve post-test referrals for all clients;
• Develop annual work plans, budgets and reports for Prevention activities; and ensure integration of project activities into wider WRP annual plans and the Outreach Department work plans;
• Develop work plans and oversee prevention activities for three regional outreach coordinators
• Extend technical support to local partners in preparing and submitting timely monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports;
• Liaise with the M&E Department to ensure that the HIV prevention components are functional (e.g. clarity of indicators, quality of M&E data collection tools, data quality and reporting).

Requirements:

• University Degree in social or behavioral science (e.g. public health, epidemiology, education/educational psychology, social work, nursing, etc.);
• At least five years of progressively responsible HIV program management and technical experience in clinic and community based settings, preferably in an outreach context;
• At least two years of experience with IEC/BCC programs ;
• Demonstrable experience in developing health education materials a plus;
• Knowledge of the current developments and best practices in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, globally and in Tanzania
• Proven skills in analysis, communication, networking, advocacy and negotiation.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili required.
• Ability to use standard software applications (Word, Power Point, Excel, etc.)
• 20% travel required

Walter Reed Program is an equal opportunity employer; women are highly encouraged to apply.