We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of the LINKAGES National AIDS Control Program (NACP) Technical Advisor in Liberia for the USAID-funded project, Linkages across the Continuum of HIV Services for Key Populations Affected by HIV (LINKAGES), under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program in Liberia. LINKAGES is implemented by FHI 360 in partnership with Pact, IntraHealth International and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and conducts a range of activities to reduce HIV transmission among key populations (KP) — sex workers (SW), men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender persons (TG persons) and people who inject drugs (PWID) — and improve their enrollment and retention in care and treatment across the HIV cascade. LINKAGES will accelerate the ability of governments, key population leaders, organizations working with key populations, and private-sector providers to plan and implement services that reduce HIV transmission among key populations and their sexual partners and extend the lives of those already living with HIV. The key elements of LINKAGES strategic and technical approaches are:
- Identifying key populations and locales and comprehensively assessing risk,
- Diagnosing “leaks” and revealing access barriers within the HIV services cascade,
- Scaling up “what works” while innovating to ensure the most strategic use of resources and access to newly emerging technologies,
- Addressing structural barriers and transforming local KP organizations,
- Ensuring interventions are sustainable over the long term, and
- Supporting the mainstreaming of human rights, gender and competency and capacity development.
The LINKAGES Liberia NACP Technical Advisor will be based out of the NACP and provide technical support to the government program as and when requested. S/he will guide the NACP by updating them on the latest technical developments in HIV programming and advising them in strategic planning and operational plan development. Pertaining to strategic planning, the advisor will specifically provide technical assistance to support the review, development, dissemination and implementation of evidence-based strategic documents related to the national response to HIV. Further, s/he will assist the NACP in coordinating with technical partners, multilateral agencies, donors and other agencies. This position is critical to strengthen the national response to HIV in Liberia and coordinate efforts between LINKAGES and the NACP. The position will be based out of the NACP and will report to the Program Director of the NACP and the LINKAGES Project Director.
The position will be based in Monrovia, Liberia. Liberian nationals and candidates currently based in the West Africa region are encouraged to apply.
Suitably qualified candidates openly living with HIV and/or who are representative of the key populations affected by HIV are also actively encouraged to apply.
Position Responsibilities
- Provide senior technical support to the Program Director of the NACP.
- Update the NACP on the latest developments and technical updates on HIV.
- Advise the NACP in strategic planning and operational plan development.
- As requested, assist the NACP in coordinating with technical partners, multilateral agencies, donors and other agencies
- Provide technical support in the development and dissemination of national guidelines and strategies pertaining to KPs and HIV.
- Build NACP capacity for resource mobilization and assist partners with strategic processes
- Support NACP coordination of capacity development efforts for local organizations to facilitate strengthened community responses and systems, demand creation for HIV services and overall implementation of HIV prevention, care and treatment services and strategies.
- Serve as the liaison between LINKAGES and the NACP and ensure that technical efforts are coordinated and conducive to maximum results achievement.
- 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 Liberia or other countries in the region.
- Broad knowledge and understanding of public health in Africa.
- Proven experience in being able to negotiate with government stakeholders and ensure outcomes are achieved in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to lead development and implementation of national HIV prevention, care, and treatment strategies, especially those specific to key population groups.
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding public health issues among key populations in Liberia.
- Must be comfortable in representing the program vis-à-vis various audiences and stakeholders, including government, donors, sub-grantees, multilateral organizations, beneficiary communities, the media and civil society;
- Ability to meet deadlines with strong attention to consistency, detail, and quality.
- Ability and willingness to travel within country or region and internationally approximately 30% of the time.
- At least 10 years of experience related to program management of donor-funded health programs, especially those focused on HIV/AIDS.
- Must have experience in capacity-building efforts in developing countries (preferably in Africa) and advocacy and institutional development within government channels.
- Must have exceptional written and oral communication skills, extensive computer skills, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, and be highly motivated and organized.
- Fluency in oral and written English.
- Previous experience in Africa is strongly preferred; Liberia experience is a plus.
- Preference will be given to candidates with significant experience working with government institutions and a strong command of the HIV testing, diagnostics and treatment landscape.
Typical Physical Demands:
- Typical office environment.
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.
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