Global Health Fellows Program
Technical Advisor Level II: PEPFAR Strategic Information Liaison/Deputy Coordinator
USAID/Namibia
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Assignment: Two years fellowship
GHFP-09-125
The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute (PHI) in partnership with the Harvard School of Public Health, Management Systems International, and Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. GHFP is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The goal of GHFP is to improve the effectiveness of USAID Population, Health and Nutrition programs by developing and increasing capacity of health professionals in Washington, DC and overseas. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of a broad spectrum of health professionals; a diversity initiative focused on providing internship and mentoring opportunities in international public health to underrepresented communities; and professional and organizational development activities to bolster USAIDʼs ability to maximize results and strengthen its leadership role in international health.
INTRODUCTION:
The US Presidentʼs Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supports activities designed to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, treat those infected, and care for individuals, including orphans and vulnerable children, who are affected by the disease. The PEPFAR-Namibia country team includes staff from USAID, Peace Corps, and the US Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and State. The US Government (USG) is planning to contribute over $105.8 million through PEPFAR in Fiscal Year 2009 to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Namibia.
The PEFFAR Strategic Information Liaison/Deputy Coordinator will assist the PEPFAR-Namibia Country Coordinator and team Namibia in managing critical and time-sensitive communications and work products between and among the various USG departments and agencies involved in the Emergency Plan. S/he will liaise routinely with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator in the US State Department (particularly the Namibia Interagency Core Team and Country Lead), with designated USG/Windhoek counterparts, and with representatives of the USG PEPFAR Interagency Country Team. In the absence of the Country Coordinator, S/he will serve as the Acting Country Coordinator.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting directly to the Namibia Country Coordinator, the PEPFAR Strategic Information Liaison/Deputy Coordinator will be expected to remain current at all times on national, development partner, and global coordination mechanisms related to HIV/AIDS in Namibia, including the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, the HIV/AIDS Partnership Forum, and others. S/he will manage day-to-day operations of the Coordinatorʼs office and provide strategic information planning and assistance to the Country Coordinator. Specific responsibilities include:
A. Coordinate Interagency Planning through the PEPFAR-Namibia Country Team
- Manage interagency planning in preparing the PEPFAR budget and Country Operational Plan (COP) narratives, reports, memoranda, and other material.
- Assist agency strategic information personnel in preparing annual and semi-annual performance results reports (APRs and SAPRs) and reviewing public health evaluations (PHEs).
- Assist the Coordinator in developing and implementing a long-term strategic Partnership Compact between the USG and the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN).
- Manage logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad hoc meetings of the PEPFAR Interagency Team and Interagency Technical Teams.
- Serve as co-convener (with the Coordinator) of regular meetings with PEPFAR liaisons from other USG implementing agencies.
- Provide oversight and technical guidance to the teams and personnel responsible for quality assurance and data entry for COPs, APRs, and SAPRs.
B. Perform Budgeting, Personnel Management, and Administrative Tasks
- Serve as principal PEPFAR point of contact for US Embassy/Windhoek financial, general services, and other administrative offices regarding the PEPFAR Coordinatorʼs office budget.
- Develop effective work/training opportunities and manage effective use of Presidential Management Fellows, interns, and other temporary personnel.
C. Promote PEPFAR-Related Public Affairs and Diplomacy
- Assist the PEPFAR Namibia team in planning and executing site visits and other events for visiting dignitaries.
- Work with the Coordinator and the US Embassy Public Affairs Officer to ensure timely and complete responses to media requests for information on PEPFAR in Namibia.
- Work with the Coordinator to proactively identify and plan opportunities for Mission leadership (Ambassador; Deputy Chief of Mission; and CDC, Peace Corps, and USAID country directors) to highlight PEPFAR success stories.
D. Coordinate with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC)
- Serve as a principal point of contact for queries from OGAC regarding status of PEPFAR-Namibia planning and reporting.
- Take the lead in distributing to PEPFAR-Namibia team ad hoc requests from OGAC, and coordinating team responses to OGAC.
- Participate in teleconferences with OGACʼs Namibia Core Team and country lead.
- With the Country Coordinator, manage iterative participation in headquarters interagency reviews of the annual Namibia Country Operational Plans, semi-annual and annual performance results reporting, and other PEPFAR-wide review processes.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Masterʼs degree in public health, epidemiology, public policy, international development, sociology, or related discipline
- A minimum of five yearsʼ experience in public health and/or development programs in developing countries with demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in program analysis, management, and planning
- At least 2 yearsʼ demonstrated experience in a developing country or resource poor setting in strategic planning, program management, and implementation
- Knowledge of and experience with complex, web-based program planning and reporting databases
- High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity, and originality to interpret strategy; to analyze, develop, and present work; and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs
- Ability to analyze and monitor complex health situations
- Ability to manage and work with diverse teams
- Strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills
- Knowledge of USG policies and guidance related to PEPFAR implementation preferred
- Fluency in a foreign language desirable
- Must be able to obtain medical clearance to work in Namibia
- US Citizenship or US Permanent Residency required
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Starting salary will be commensurate with experience and salary history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs.
TO APPLY:
All candidates are required to apply through GHFPʼs online recruitment system (https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/), which allows you to store your CV, profile and biographical data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals will be required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by February 15, 2009.
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