TITLE: HIV TECHNICAL ADVISOR, BENIN
DEPARTMENT: WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA
DATE: JULY 2008 (open through September 21, 2008)
Population Services International (PSI) is the world’s leading non-profit social marketing organization, operating in more than 60 developing countries. PSI creates demand for essential health products and services by using private sector marketing techniques and innovative communications campaigns. On the supply side, PSI works with the commercial sector to crease the availability of these products and services at prices that are affordable to low-income populations. With a bottom-line orientation that is rare among non-profits, PSI markets products and services for family planning, maternal and child health, and the prevention of AIDS, malaria and other diseases. For the Benin Platform, PSI is seeking a talented candidate to improve as Technical Advisor (TA), the performance of his HIV intervention by applying best practices and innovations in HIV prevention. For more information, please visit: www.psi.org/hiv.
The PSI/Benin Technical Advisor for HIV is responsible for implementing PSI/Benin HIV interventions and service delivery programs. These interventions and programs include HIV counseling and testing, Behavior Change Campaigns (BCC) or Interpersonal Communications (IPC) activities for the general population and targeted programs for most-at-risk populations (such as truckers, Commercial Sex Workers and youth), and franchised clinics providing Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) or Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services. PSI/Benin works closely with the Ministry of Health, USAID and KfW. HIV/AIDS work is complemented by other departments implementing malaria, safe water, and diarrhea programs. All activities are supported by messages and campaigns developed in-house and/or in collaboration with advertising agencies. The HIV/AIDS program implemented community level programs nationwide through local NGOs.
The HIV Technical Advisor will report to the Country Representative, but will also work closely with the Marketing and Research functional departments. The position requires strong technical skills as well as extensive management experience. He/she is part of the senior management team and plays an important role in organizational development and capacity building. He/she is also involved in both donor and government relations. PSI/Benin is a dynamic and fast-growing organization that employs 75 staff working across three sites and multiple intervention areas. This position is based in Cotonou, a safe, family-friendly post.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support HIV service delivery interventions by applying best practices and innovations in HIV prevention-this will be done through good project design, including communications strategies, work planning and budget development;
- Support HIV BCC/IPC activities through assessments, design and implementation of supervisor and implementer trainings, material development and review;
- Improve relations with local stakeholders and donors to increase knowledge about and support for PSI/Benin’s HIV programs-this is especially important as donor support for contraceptive commodities is uncertain after December 2010;
- Ensure staff recruitment/retention and training through the development and management of a capacity building efforts for national staff; and
- Provide technical and managerial supervision to the HIV department.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in public health, marketing, communication or relevant discipline;
- At least 4-5 years professional experience in the delivery of HIV prevention and service delivery interventions, including behavior change communication, counseling and testing, provider training, People Living With HIV AIDS (PLWHA), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and/or treatment;
- Experience managing HIV and/or infectious disease providers and programs in developing country settings and particularly in Western Africa;
- Experience in staffing, management and mentorship of staff;
- Experience with social marketing and private sector could be a plus; and
- Fluency in French and English.
The successful candidate will exhibit creative thinking ability, excellent communication and analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and writing skills. Outstanding donor and government relations skills are also important. The candidate must be able to analyze information fast, set clear goals, prioritize tasks, mobilize resources, and cope in a high-intensity, high-energy environment.
Please apply online at www.psi.org. No calls or emails please.
PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.
