HIV Project Manager, Hargeisa (Handicap International)

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HIV Project Manager

Handicap International
NGO
Closing date: 21 Dec 2010
Location: Somalia - Hergeisa Town

Handicap International is looking for : HIV Project Manager
COUNTRY : Somalia (Somaliland and Puntland)
CITY : Hergeisa Town
Starting date : 15/01/2011
Length of the assignment : 12 months
Closing date for application : 21/12/2010
Advertisement reference : SHIVPM

Handicap International is an independent and impartial international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our action and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions and promoting respect for their dignity and their fundamental rights.
Handicap International is a not-for-profit organisation with no religious or political affiliation. It operates as a federation made up of a network of associations that provide it with human and financial resources, manage its projects and implement its actions and social mission.
For more details on the association: http://www.handicap-international.fr/en/s/index.html

JOB CONTEXT: Handicap International (HI) has been working in Somaliland since 1992 and in Puntland since 2007. The country office in Hargeisa supervises the implementation of two complementary HIV projects; mine risk education (MRE) throughout Somaliland and Puntland; and supports a local NGO that provides physical rehabilitation services to persons with disability and those injured by landmines. HI also supports a network of disabled person’s organizations in advocating for the inclusion of persons with disability in all services and development programmes.

Handicap International implements projects to address HIV and AIDS in 15 countries and has lead the Africa Campaign on HIV and AIDS and Disability. A new two year project funded by Global Fund started in January 2010. For the implementation of the HIV/AIDS project, HI works in close collaboration with local partners and government authorities. Partnerships with governmental organisations allow Handicap International to be involved in the implementation of regional policies, to ensure that these actions are made official with national policies, and to promote the integration of social innovation developed on the ground. HI – Somaliland program merged with the Kenya program in March 2009 to become Kenya/Somalia program under a Program Director based in Nairobi, Kenya. Somaliland and Puntland field operations are under the supervision of Country Coordinator based in Hargeisa.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

As HIV & AIDS Project Manager you will be under the supervision of the Country Coordinator and you will be responsible for the strategic implementation of the HIV & AIDS project in Somaliland and Puntland and be required to build the capacity of the local Project Officers. You will provide leadership and support in problem solving, key decision making, quality control, technical input and advice as well as planning, executing, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities (training, research, awareness creation, advocacy, documentation, policy development & mainstreaming activities).

Your activities are as follows:
- Travel to Puntland as the security situation permits to supervise and monitor all staff, partners and activities there.
- Continuously assess needs and identify gaps in services, and translate these into new program initiatives; ( Countrywide VCT quality improvement, Community home – based care need analysis etc will be first priority areas)
- Formulating and disseminating project strategy
- Organising and supervising trainings for the targeted beneficiaries
- Preparing and executing partnerships with the local partners’ and being the primary link between the project and counterparts
- Represent Handicap International at country level HIV and AIDS coordination and Working group meetings in Hargeisa and Garowe
- Prepare and submit Quarterly Financial and narrative reports to UNICEF/Global fund
- Initiating documentation and capitalisation of the best practices and experiences of the project throughout the project implementation period.
- Be an active part of the senior management team for the Somali programme

CANDIDATE PROFILE:
- Degree in Public Health or Social Sciences or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience in the HIV and AIDS field
- Significant experience in project management with at least 2 years of administrative or managerial responsibilities is necessary
- Proven experience in capacity building and transfer of competencies
- Proven ability to manage team at field level
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to live and work in conditions of limited comfort and leisure activities
- Knowledge of the Horn of Africa / Somalia or Somaliland is an added advantage.

REQUIRED LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in written and spoken English is obligatory

JOB ENVIRONMENT: Somaliland (North West Somalia) declared independence from Somalia in May 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community. Puntland aims to be a semi autonomous state within Somalia. Somaliland currently seems to be the calmer and most peaceful “country” in the region. But its economic and military weaknesses make it vulnerable. HI HIV programme has been, so far, operating freely in the project areas with only occasional field visit restrictions within Awdal region.

The Somali culture needs time and patience to be understood. The society is complex and interesting; far from the western models. However the Somali people are generally friendly and welcoming and interaction is highly rewarding. Expatriate staff can freely move in Hargeisa town without an armed escort. However, an armed escort is mandatory during field visit and all expat staff must be accompanied by a local member of staff when walking in the towns. In Hargeisa there is a 22h00 curfew for HI expat staff. Expatriate staff visit to Puntland is considered on an ongoing basis in discussion with the country coordinator. Vigilance and observance of security rules according to security plan of Somaliland is still the best solution to avoid problems. This position is open for a single person status.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:
Volunteer: 750 or 850 Euros monthly indemnity + living allowance paid on the field + accommodation + 100% medical cover + repatriation insurance
Salary: salary bracket: 2100 - 2500€ gross salary/month + 457 Euros expatriation allowance + 100% medical cover + repatriation insurance + family policy
How to apply
Please send resume and covering letter with the reference: SHIVPM to:
HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL - 14, avenue Berthelot - 69361 LYON CEDEX 07 - FRANCE
by Email : recrut05@handicap-international.org
or by our website : www.handicap-international.fr
Please do not telephone
Reference Code: RW_8BGGJU-47