The LINKAGES Lesotho Project Director will provide technical and management leadership to the Lesotho LINKAGES project. The primary responsibility of the Project Director is to ensure successful implementation of the LINKAGES work plan and achievement of the project’s targets and goals. The LINKAGES Project Director provides technical and programmatic oversight and assistance directly to the project activity areas as well as provides technical support for all aspects through the HIV cascade with all KP implementing partners nationally. He/she will ensure that technical efforts are evidence-based, community-driven and will contribute to the deliverables in the annual LINKAGES implementation plan. This position is critical for the development of quality and evidence-based approaches to support MSM, FSW and TG persons to be reached and linked to a variety of services along the HIV prevention, treatment, care and support cascade (identify, reach with prevention services and commodities, link to HIV and STI testing and counselling, wrap-around services referrals, peer outreach and navigation activities for improved linkages, retention and adherence to ART.
- Lead the development and implementation of program descriptions, implementation plans, program strategies, program reports and work plans.
- Responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of all technical activities in the annual LINKAGES work plans.
- Supervise and provide overall program and technical guidance to the LINKAGES Lesotho team in compliance with the organizational procedures and the standards.
- Provide technical and programmatic expertise in HIV prevention, care and treatment activities for female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender people.
- Participate in reviewing and providing feedback on partners’ M&E framework, plans and reports to ensure quality program reporting of results
- Oversee production of timely and accurate technical reports to FHI 360 and USAID as required.
- Coordinate community engagement and empowerment activities with key population groups for universal access to HIV and other health services.
- Ensure that HIV prevention commodities such as condoms and lubricants are available for KPs on a consistent basis and in adequate supply throughout the community in the targeted districts.
- Work with the Ministry of Health (MOH), National AIDS Council (NAC) and other government agencies to ensure that quality of services provided reduces barriers and improves access to services for KPs.
- Work with CBOs, CSOs, other KP partners, local health centers and the MOH to increase the uptake of HIV and other health and wellness related services both at a community and clinic level.
- Contribute to the achievement of high quality results in accordance with the targets identified in the work plan.
- Keep abreast of developments in larger HIV/AIDS and KP field; document project methodologies, results, and outcomes, and in collaboration with LINKAGES HQ develop abstracts and publications.
- Contribute to program quality according to FHI 360 standards including quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
- Lead the development of Scopes of Work (SOW), memorandums of understanding (MOUs), KP TWGs, technical management of activities for consultants and local institutions partnering with LINKAGES to ensure that activity timeframes and budgets are met and products are reviewed and finalized.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Proven skills in the implementation of HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs for female sex workers, and/or men who have sex with men, and transgender persons in Lesotho or other countries in the region.
- Demonstrated ability in the design, implementation, and management of public health/international development programs.
- Demonstrated ability in developing and implementing HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs with key population groups.
- Proven skills in staff management, mentoring, partner coordination, Government interaction, leadership and networking.
- Experience working with civil society organizations to plan and implement HIV programs.
- Understand the situational needs of key population groups, and have worked to support and implement activities to reduce violence, stigma and discrimination.
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding public health issues among key populations in Lesotho.
- Experience of proactively identifying risk, addressing issues and appropriately communicating these to the project staff and USAID.
- Experience in establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different organizations and cultures.
- Ability to meet deadlines with strong attention to consistency, detail, and quality.
- Ability to travel within country or region and internationally as needed.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 8 years of demonstrated key population programming expertise, with substantial community engagement, HIV prevention, care, and treatment experience with female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and/or transgender individuals.
- At least 5 years of demonstrated excellence in a technical advisor and leadership position, preferably in an international development context and working with key population groups.
- Experience with U.S. government rules and regulations and experience working in an international NGO/PVO environment desirable.
- Previous experience in Southern Africa is strongly preferred; Lesotho experience is a plus.