HIV/AIDS Specialist - Hargeisa, Somalia (UNICEF)

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United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF
Closing date: 31 Aug 2009
Location: Somalia - Hargeisa

If you are a passionate and committed professional and want to make a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. UNICEF seeks a HIV/AIDS Specialist to be based in its Office in Somalia.

Under the guidance of the HIV/AIDS Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to the planning, implementation and monitoring of the UNICEF-supported work in HIV treatment and care as specified in the annual workplan.

Through direct assistance and a strong focus on building Somali capacity the Specialist will assist in the development and scaling up of implementation of treatment and care models for HIV. This will involve, but not be limited to linking services across a care continuum including: HIV counseling and testing; OI prophylaxis and treatment; management of TB/HIV co-infection; anti-retroviral (ARV) administration and assurance of safety in children and adults, including pregnant women; palliative care and support, including home-based care for people living with HIV (PLWH); health worker safety protection and care; and monitoring and evaluation of the clinical outcomes of care and support.

Major challenges will be to: i) overcome high levels of HIV related stigma and discrimination
ii) establish standards for treatment and care to be used by government authorities
iii) maintain quality programming in a complex emergency environment with increasingly reduced access

Your profile:

- Qualified physician (i.e. MD/MBBS or equivalent combination of education and experience) with a relevant advanced degree such as public health, epidemiology or other suitable degree.
- At least five years post-qualification experience in infectious diseases, of which at least two years should be in sub-Saharan Africa in HIV care and support programmes implementation
- Must have both clinical and public health expertise
- Must have demonstrated practical experience in managing an AIDS related clinical programme in a developing country context
- Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate and execute ideas, as well as to transfer knowledge and skills.
- Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
- Knowledge of latest developments and technology in the area of HIV prevention
- Proven skills in planning and management
- Good analytical and negotiating skills.
- Ability to organize and implement training
- Demonstrated ability to cope with stressful and difficult conditions, and political/cultural sensitivity and work harmoniously in a multicultural environment with special emphasis on Eastern Africa
- Experience working in Somalia/and or implementing HIV programmes in an emergency context is an asset.
- Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
- Fluency in English and another UN language required. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.

How to apply
If you have the experience of working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send a detailed curriculum vitae in English, AND a duly completed United Nations Personal History form (available at www.unicef.org/employ), quoting VN-09-466 to: recruit.HIV@unicef.org. Applications should be received by 31 August 2009. Only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

UNICEF’s salary and benefits package is based on the United Nations Common System; visit www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances for further information.

UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Reference Code: RW_7UMPHF-18
Source: Reliefweb