National Health Programme Officer, Hargeisa, Somaliland, Somalia (IOM)

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National Health Programme Officer, Somalia

International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Intergovernmental Organization
Closing date: 31 Dec 2010
Location: Somalia - Hargeisa, Somaliland

Somali Nationals only - 6 months 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 IOM Regional Representative in Nairobi and Health Programme Officer responsible for regional coordination, under the direct supervision of the Health Programme Officer for IOM Somalia, in close collaboration with the IOM sub-offices in Somaliland and Puntland, and in coordination with the Somali Unit in Nairobi and colleagues in the IOM regional support team for health, the incumbents (one in each zone) will implement the IOM Somalia health & HIV programme.

• Manage all health and HIV activities in the zone, as well as backstopping for health and HIV colleagues in the other zones
• Manage health programme assistant based in Somaliland
• Monitor all partners in the field, including partnership agreements, funding disbursements, narrative and financial reporting as per IOM, UNICEF and Global Fund guidelines
• Monitor quality of activities undertaken by partners including technical content, budget spending, collaboration with stakeholders, etc.
• Monitor programme progress of partners including the adherence to work plan, timeframes, project log frame and output tracking
• Manage the planning of baseline assessments in risk zones and other assessments as part of the project activities and overall health programme, including assistance to the consultants in methodology development, data collection, analysis, write up and dissemination of the findings
• Manage the development and roll out of IEC and BCC materials to be developed at the beginning of the project
• Conduct monitoring visits to the field including all project sites (pending security situation)
• Assist National Health Programme Officers in the zones and Health Programme Officer for Somalia in Nairobi to develop donor reports, press releases and management of public information related to the project
• Liaise with AIDS Commissions, stakeholders and partners in the field related to health and HIV/AIDS, including provision of technical leadership, where indicated
• Undertake rapid needs assessments to advise development of health & HIV programming
• Identify assertively health programming opportunities in Somalia – within and beyond the field of HIV, for liaison with health partners, for identification of data needs, and for assisting supervisors in development of concept notes for resource mobilization, in close collaboration IOM colleagues and with government
• Attend all relevant field level health and HIV meetings including meetings held by the AIDS Commissions
• Perform additional tasks that may be assigned by the Health Programme Officer for Somalia, based in Nairobi

Desirable qualifications will include the following:

1. University degree in social sciences, health related field or an equivalent
2. Postgraduate degree preferred, in public health or related field
3. Minimum 5 years experience working in programming, preferably health and/or HIV related, 3 years of which in a suervisory/management level
4. Work and/or academic experience focusing on migrant/mobile and/or at-risk groups preferred
5. Work in the Somali context an asset
6. Computer use including Microsoft Office
7. Strong computer skills in Ms Office especially Excel, Word, Access and Outlook
8. Competency in use of MS Publishing, website design, and Adobe Photoshop an asset
9. Exceptional writing skills
10. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
11. Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines in challenging settings
12. Ability to work in multicultural and multiethnic environments
13. Demonstrated ability to identify, approach, and coordinate with stakeholders of diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise
14. Ability to work independently, with flexibility
15. Ability to work in a team and 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_8BNJVH-37