Health Programme Assistant, Garowe, Puntland, Somalia (IOM)

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Health Programme Assistant, Somalia

International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Intergovernmental Organization
Closing date: 17 Dec 2010
Location: Somalia - Garowe, Puntland

Somali nationals only - 6 months contract with posibility of extension

1.   Background Information

The existing data on the Somali HIV epidemic points towards a likely concentrated epidemic in high-risk populations that has neither been properly identified nor addressed programmatically in the national response. In 2004, antenatal clinic (ANC) data showed HIV prevalence of 0.5% in South-Central (2), and in 2007 0.5% in Puntland (3) and 1.3% in Somaliland (4)). The relatively higher HIV prevalence currently found in Somaliland may be related to substantial trade-driven mobility and conflict-associated forced migration.

STI prevalence is also surprisingly high for a low-prevalence country, indicating that high-risk behaviours are taking place. Anecdotal accounts and the completion of two research studies by IOM and partners point towards existence of certain high-risk populations, including sex workers, their clients, transport workers (truck drivers and port workers), and other groups at increased risk of HIV.

IOM has been working in the field of HIV/AIDS in Somalia since 2006, with the completion of three research studies. IOM was the first agency to successfully conduct research on the sensitive topics of sexual behaviour, sex work, and HIV/AIDS in the Somali context, with the Somali HIV Hot-Spot Mapping and the Somaliland Integrated Bio-Behavioural Surveillance Survey among female sex workers. Additionally, IOM has conducted a recent assessment on the links between HIV and SGBV in Somaliland in collaboration with the Somaliland National AIDS Commission.

The Strategic Framework for the Somali AIDS Response (2009-2013) focuses on risk zones and groups at increased risk of HIV, as opposed to the general population. The focus of the strategic framework is intensifying integrate prevention, treatment care and support for HIV towards universal access in Somali populations.

The Global Fund Round 8 HIV Grant Principal recipient is UNICEF, and after a request for Proposals launched in September 2009, IOM was selected as the primary sub recipient for two grants including community-based HIV prevention and stigma reduction and vulnerable and at-risk youth adolescents and youth under the Global Fund Round 8 HIV grant. All activities will be conducted in line with the Somali Strategic Framework.

Furthermore, migrants in Somalia lack access to basic health promotion and primary care, with programming needed which builds the capacity of health systems to assist irregular migrants and host communities. Smuggled migrants also face special health risks. In addition to HIV/AIDS, identified migration health programming needs in Somalia include emergency medical assistance, communicable disease control and surveillance, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and psychosocial support.
IOM’s approach in the field of Migration Health is to assist governments to understand and deal with the challenges of migration and health, which gives benefits to both migrant and host communities.

The approach involves supporting governments in four strategic areas:

o Service delivery and capacity building
o Research and information sharing
o Advocacy and policy development
o Coordination within and between countries.

2.   Objectives of the Assignment

Working under the overall supervision of the Regional Migration Health Assessment Coordinator, technical supervision of the Health Programme Officer responsible for regional coordination and the Health Programme Officer for Somalia based in Nairobi, and under the direct supervision of the National Health Programme Officer in Puntland at the IOM sub-office in Puntland, and in coordination with the IOM Somali Unit in Nairobi and colleagues in the IOM regional support team for health, the incumbent will work on the IOM Somalia health programme.

The incumbent is responsible for the following tasks:

• Assist all activities including liaising with National Health Programme Officers in the field and with local partners
• Assist National Health Programme Officers in monitoring of all partners in the field, including partnership agreements, funding disbursements, narrative and financial reporting as per IOM and Global Fund guidelines
• Provide administrative assistance to the overall Somali health programme as follows:
o Follow-up with local partners in the field on project activities and reporting as needed
o Follow-up on procurement, logistics, travel and other administrative issues through the MHD Programme Support Unit
o Substantial assistance in organizing workshops and conferences
• Assist in programmatic tasks including preparation of narrative and financial reports, press releases, photography, and other programmatic support as needed
• Periodic attendance at Nairobi level HIV and/or team meetings
• Provide assistance to National Health Programme Officers in project development for health in Puntland, in collaboration with colleagues in the IOM regional support team for health, Project Development and Implementation Unit, and Somalia Unit in Nairobi
• Undertake literature searches as needed
• Coordinate with the MHD health programme assistant in Nairobi to ensure the Somalia HIV programme provides updated photos for the MHD photo library, updated 2 pagers, and other publicity information as needed
• Administrative tasks as assigned
• Additional tasks that may be assigned by the Health Programme Officer for Somalia in Nairobi and National Programme Officers in the zones

Desirable qualifications will include the following:

1. Undergraduate degree in social science or health related field preferred
2. Three years experience working in programming, preferably in health and/or HIV
3. Work and/or academic experience focusing on migrant/mobile and/or at-risk groups preferred
4. Work in the Somali context an asset
5. Strong computer skills in Ms Office especially Excel, Word, Access and Outlook.
6. Competence in MS Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, and website design an asset
7. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
8. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
9. Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines in challenging settings
10 Ability to work in multicultural and multiethnic environments
11. Demonstrated ability to identify, approach, and coordinate with stakeholders of diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise
12. Ability to work independently, including critical thinking and being personally accountable for completing tasks,
13. Ability to adapt to changing environments and expectations
14. Ability to work in a team, and between teams, with good interpersonal skills.

Languages

Excellent spoken and written English and Somali required
How to apply
Submit cover letter and CV including daytime telephone and Email contact to the Human Resources Department, PO Box 55040, Post Code 00200, Nairobi or Email Hrnairobi@iom.int
Reference Code: RW_8BNK8C-68