Population, Health and Environment Advis
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 the 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 junior, mid- and senior-level 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 USAID’s ability to maximize results and strengthen its leadership role in global health.
BACKGROUND
More than one billion people—one-sixth of the world population—live in ecological hotspots, many of which are remote areas of critically important biodiversity under intense pressure from human activity. Biodiversity loss is a pressing global problem, with species extinctions happening at record levels. Threats to biodiversity include population pressures from natural growth and human migration; unsustainable natural resource practices, such as slash-and-burn farming; ineffective governance structures; and inadequate authority to protect local resources. In addition, the health of an individual or the members of a community often influences how that individual or community uses natural resources. When malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, lack of family planning and proper sanitation services, malaria, and/or other health related issues are present, communities often resort to increased resource use to meet their basic needs. This unsustainable use drives the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity and often leads to a spiral of increased poverty and environmental degradation. Integrated Population, Health and Environment (PHE) programs acknowledge and address these threats, but do so with respect and understanding of the complex connections among human health, livelihoods and the environment upon which people living in these areas depend . For more PHE information and resources, please visit http://www.k4health.org/toolkits/phe.
INTRODUCTION
Gorongosa Restoration Project (GRP), Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with a US office and a registered office in Mozambique. In Mozambique there is an Oversight Committee and four main departments: Conservation, Community Relations, Operations and Infrastructure, and Scientific Services. GRP is working with the Government of Mozambique’s Ministry of Tourism on a conservation and ecotourism project in Sofala Province within central Mozambique. In 2008, the GRP signed a twenty-year agreement with the Government of Mozambique to restore Gorongosa National Park (the Park). As part of this effort, the GRP is establishing an ecotourism project that will work closely with – and benefit – the fifteen buffer zone communities that surround the Park. This project will involve providing health care and education to these communities.
Gorongosa National Park was once a prime international tourist attraction. However, the Park was decimated in a civil war. As a result, both its ecosystem and the local communities are in dire need of assistance and care. Human activities in and around the Park, such as illegal poaching and uncontrolled fires, threaten the sustainability of the ecosystem. Outside the Park, lives hang in the balance due to a dearth of health care and health services for the thousands of residents in the buffer zone who live in extreme poverty and isolation. The GRP recognizes that these residents are the most important caretakers of the ecosystem; the future of the Park is inextricably tied to the health and wellbeing of these local communities. Accordingly, GRP’s plan to restore Gorongosa National Park includes a robust health care intervention using an integrated approach focused on communities and conservation. An additional opportunity for the integration of PHE activities includes the recent decision by the Mozambican government to add Mount Gorongosa (above 700 meters) to Gorongosa National Park. Northwest of the original 4000 square-kilometer park, Mount Gorongosa has one of the last rain forests in eastern Africa and is important to the Park’s ecosystem. But due to population pressures and massive deforestation, the mountain has become a major environmental challenge to the area.
USAID has provided resources to support GRP’s conservation activities and will soon award a three-year grant called the EcoHealth Project. This project includes community outreach activities that will help with HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning, sexually transmitted infections education, training for traditional birth attendants, and livelihood activities for orphans and vulnerable children and/or their caregivers. Through an integrated intervention strategy between the GRP and its resource and alliance partners, including Mount Sinai Hospital’s Global Health Center, Population Services International, the Peace Corps, US Forest Service, USAID, and others, GRP plans to capitalize on the interdependency of human health and ecosystem health. Planned activities include the formation of community leadership councils; construction and improvement of community health facilities; improvement of local outreach, education, and service delivery for HIV prevention and other needed health services; development of alternative livelihood activities (such as agricultural and other income-generating activities); and monitoring and evaluation. To integrate appropriate health strategies, the GRP is working with institutions with health expertise to capitalize on these existing local relationships and to deliver efficient health services. Current health program activities consist of a mobile clinic which services three communities surrounding Gorongosa National Park. This has been expanded to six additional communities through the soon to be awarded EcoHealth Project. Incorporated into the EcoHealth Project is the primary goal of restoring a healthy balance for the ecosystem and local population. This would be achieved through improved access to reproductive health services and education for local communities. For more information on Gorongosa Restoration Project and the organization, please visit http://www.gorongosa.net/en/page/restoration/restoration-project.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Population, Health and Environment (PHE) Advisor will work with GRP’s partners, stakeholders and staff to achieve this integrated approach to community and ecosystem health. This approach will target the population in the buffer zone communities, working primarily through their community leadership councils. Also involved will be local health volunteers, GRP staff, the Provincial Directorate of Health, the District Health Offices, Mount Sinai Hospital’s Global Health Center, Population Services International, the Peace Corps, USAID, and other health resource partners.
The PHE Advisor will work under the health programs of the Community Relations Department of Gorongosa National Park, receiving day-to-day guidance from the EcoHealth Project Manager. The PHE Advisor will periodically meet with technical staff on the health and environment teams at USAID/Mozambique. S/he will:
1. Provide technical assistance in the integration of family planning information and service delivery into conservation efforts
• Liaise with Gorongosa District authorities to learn about current population, health and environment policies and strategies to ensure a strong understanding of Mozambique’s PHE context
• Liaise with health authorities in Gorongosa District, develop a clear understanding of the Mozambique government’s existing population and health policies and strategies, and ensure that GRP’s health interventions are closely aligned and implemented in collaboration with these policies and strategies and in coordination with the District Health officials
• Assist the team in conducting a sociological and health survey for GRP to inform PHE integration in the buffer zone communities
• Provide technical assistance to the EcoHealth Project that supports health interventions in the buffer zone of Gorongosa National Park
• During GRP strategic and management planning processes, provide technical input on appropriate family planning behavior change communication (BCC) and service delivery strategies that can be integrated into GRP’s activities in the buffer zone communities
2. Provide technical assistance in the implementation of the family planning strategies
• Provide technical advice on technically appropriate and feasible state-of-the-art family planning BCC and service delivery strategies. This will be done in close collaboration with the Gorongosa National Park Management team and other partners such as Peace Corps Volunteers and partners from Mount Sinai Global Health Center
• Building on lessons learned on PHE implementation from the PHE community, develop expertise in PHE implementation and ensure that the PHE activities in Gorongosa are implemented in alignment with Mozambique’s PHE context and in an integrated fashion with conservation activities
• Assist in the development of Community Leader Councils (CLCs)
• Assist with developing a PHE training curricula and conduct training on PHE for the CLCs, Community Health Workers/Volunteers, other community members, and GRP staff
3. Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation plan which measures the integration of PHE interventions implemented by GRP
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure achievements in implementing integrated PHE activities. Use existing PHE resources to ensure that the M&E plan is building on best practices in M&E of PHE
• Establish data collection procedures and ensure that data is collected on a regular schedule
• Analyze and synthesize data for reporting purposes
4. Build the capacity of staff at Gorongosa National Park to take over the implementation of family planning and health activities when the Fellowship ends
• In collaboration with GRP leadership, develop and implement a plan to embed PHE integration strategies, knowledge and approaches into the Park's conservation programs and organizational practices
• In collaboration with GRP leadership, identify key GRP staff to mentor in PHE integration strategies and approaches in order to transfer technical expertise to the organization
• Develop materials documenting PHE best practices in the Mozambican context for use by the organization and its partners
• Develop relationships with the PHE community in Washington, DC (Woodrow Wilson Center, Population Reference Bureau, the BALANCED Project, etc.) and beyond in order to share and disseminate these lessons and experiences with the broader PHE community
Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational and programming need and/or (b) the Advisor’s own interests.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE
• Master’s degree in public health or a related field
• Minimum five years’ experience implementing family planning and public health activities in Africa with at least two years’ experience implementing community based family planning, or experience in implementing community level health BCC and service delivery in a resource challenged setting
• Experience with or knowledge of natural resources management, environmental management, and conservation strategies desirable. Demonstrated passion and interest for conservation required
• Experience with PHE integration highly desirable
• Knowledge of and experience with monitoring and evaluation of health activities
• Proven strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural team environment
• Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills
• Proficiency in Portuguese highly preferred or advanced Spanish required
• Ability to obtain a medical clearance to live and work in rural Mozambique required
• Due to the remote location of this fellowship, no minor dependents will be allowed
• US citizenship or US permanent residency required
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will be based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2010_Benefits_for_GHFP_Fellows.pdf
TO APPLY
All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP’s online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio 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 is required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time April 18, 2011.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer.
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 junior, mid- and senior-level 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 USAID’s ability to maximize results and strengthen its leadership role in global health.
BACKGROUND
More than one billion people—one-sixth of the world population—live in ecological hotspots, many of which are remote areas of critically important biodiversity under intense pressure from human activity. Biodiversity loss is a pressing global problem, with species extinctions happening at record levels. Threats to biodiversity include population pressures from natural growth and human migration; unsustainable natural resource practices, such as slash-and-burn farming; ineffective governance structures; and inadequate authority to protect local resources. In addition, the health of an individual or the members of a community often influences how that individual or community uses natural resources. When malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, lack of family planning and proper sanitation services, malaria, and/or other health related issues are present, communities often resort to increased resource use to meet their basic needs. This unsustainable use drives the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity and often leads to a spiral of increased poverty and environmental degradation. Integrated Population, Health and Environment (PHE) programs acknowledge and address these threats, but do so with respect and understanding of the complex connections among human health, livelihoods and the environment upon which people living in these areas depend . For more PHE information and resources, please visit http://www.k4health.org/toolkits/phe.
INTRODUCTION
Gorongosa Restoration Project (GRP), Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with a US office and a registered office in Mozambique. In Mozambique there is an Oversight Committee and four main departments: Conservation, Community Relations, Operations and Infrastructure, and Scientific Services. GRP is working with the Government of Mozambique’s Ministry of Tourism on a conservation and ecotourism project in Sofala Province within central Mozambique. In 2008, the GRP signed a twenty-year agreement with the Government of Mozambique to restore Gorongosa National Park (the Park). As part of this effort, the GRP is establishing an ecotourism project that will work closely with – and benefit – the fifteen buffer zone communities that surround the Park. This project will involve providing health care and education to these communities.
Gorongosa National Park was once a prime international tourist attraction. However, the Park was decimated in a civil war. As a result, both its ecosystem and the local communities are in dire need of assistance and care. Human activities in and around the Park, such as illegal poaching and uncontrolled fires, threaten the sustainability of the ecosystem. Outside the Park, lives hang in the balance due to a dearth of health care and health services for the thousands of residents in the buffer zone who live in extreme poverty and isolation. The GRP recognizes that these residents are the most important caretakers of the ecosystem; the future of the Park is inextricably tied to the health and wellbeing of these local communities. Accordingly, GRP’s plan to restore Gorongosa National Park includes a robust health care intervention using an integrated approach focused on communities and conservation. An additional opportunity for the integration of PHE activities includes the recent decision by the Mozambican government to add Mount Gorongosa (above 700 meters) to Gorongosa National Park. Northwest of the original 4000 square-kilometer park, Mount Gorongosa has one of the last rain forests in eastern Africa and is important to the Park’s ecosystem. But due to population pressures and massive deforestation, the mountain has become a major environmental challenge to the area.
USAID has provided resources to support GRP’s conservation activities and will soon award a three-year grant called the EcoHealth Project. This project includes community outreach activities that will help with HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning, sexually transmitted infections education, training for traditional birth attendants, and livelihood activities for orphans and vulnerable children and/or their caregivers. Through an integrated intervention strategy between the GRP and its resource and alliance partners, including Mount Sinai Hospital’s Global Health Center, Population Services International, the Peace Corps, US Forest Service, USAID, and others, GRP plans to capitalize on the interdependency of human health and ecosystem health. Planned activities include the formation of community leadership councils; construction and improvement of community health facilities; improvement of local outreach, education, and service delivery for HIV prevention and other needed health services; development of alternative livelihood activities (such as agricultural and other income-generating activities); and monitoring and evaluation. To integrate appropriate health strategies, the GRP is working with institutions with health expertise to capitalize on these existing local relationships and to deliver efficient health services. Current health program activities consist of a mobile clinic which services three communities surrounding Gorongosa National Park. This has been expanded to six additional communities through the soon to be awarded EcoHealth Project. Incorporated into the EcoHealth Project is the primary goal of restoring a healthy balance for the ecosystem and local population. This would be achieved through improved access to reproductive health services and education for local communities. For more information on Gorongosa Restoration Project and the organization, please visit http://www.gorongosa.net/en/page/restoration/restoration-project.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Population, Health and Environment (PHE) Advisor will work with GRP’s partners, stakeholders and staff to achieve this integrated approach to community and ecosystem health. This approach will target the population in the buffer zone communities, working primarily through their community leadership councils. Also involved will be local health volunteers, GRP staff, the Provincial Directorate of Health, the District Health Offices, Mount Sinai Hospital’s Global Health Center, Population Services International, the Peace Corps, USAID, and other health resource partners.
The PHE Advisor will work under the health programs of the Community Relations Department of Gorongosa National Park, receiving day-to-day guidance from the EcoHealth Project Manager. The PHE Advisor will periodically meet with technical staff on the health and environment teams at USAID/Mozambique. S/he will:
1. Provide technical assistance in the integration of family planning information and service delivery into conservation efforts
• Liaise with Gorongosa District authorities to learn about current population, health and environment policies and strategies to ensure a strong understanding of Mozambique’s PHE context
• Liaise with health authorities in Gorongosa District, develop a clear understanding of the Mozambique government’s existing population and health policies and strategies, and ensure that GRP’s health interventions are closely aligned and implemented in collaboration with these policies and strategies and in coordination with the District Health officials
• Assist the team in conducting a sociological and health survey for GRP to inform PHE integration in the buffer zone communities
• Provide technical assistance to the EcoHealth Project that supports health interventions in the buffer zone of Gorongosa National Park
• During GRP strategic and management planning processes, provide technical input on appropriate family planning behavior change communication (BCC) and service delivery strategies that can be integrated into GRP’s activities in the buffer zone communities
2. Provide technical assistance in the implementation of the family planning strategies
• Provide technical advice on technically appropriate and feasible state-of-the-art family planning BCC and service delivery strategies. This will be done in close collaboration with the Gorongosa National Park Management team and other partners such as Peace Corps Volunteers and partners from Mount Sinai Global Health Center
• Building on lessons learned on PHE implementation from the PHE community, develop expertise in PHE implementation and ensure that the PHE activities in Gorongosa are implemented in alignment with Mozambique’s PHE context and in an integrated fashion with conservation activities
• Assist in the development of Community Leader Councils (CLCs)
• Assist with developing a PHE training curricula and conduct training on PHE for the CLCs, Community Health Workers/Volunteers, other community members, and GRP staff
3. Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation plan which measures the integration of PHE interventions implemented by GRP
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure achievements in implementing integrated PHE activities. Use existing PHE resources to ensure that the M&E plan is building on best practices in M&E of PHE
• Establish data collection procedures and ensure that data is collected on a regular schedule
• Analyze and synthesize data for reporting purposes
4. Build the capacity of staff at Gorongosa National Park to take over the implementation of family planning and health activities when the Fellowship ends
• In collaboration with GRP leadership, develop and implement a plan to embed PHE integration strategies, knowledge and approaches into the Park's conservation programs and organizational practices
• In collaboration with GRP leadership, identify key GRP staff to mentor in PHE integration strategies and approaches in order to transfer technical expertise to the organization
• Develop materials documenting PHE best practices in the Mozambican context for use by the organization and its partners
• Develop relationships with the PHE community in Washington, DC (Woodrow Wilson Center, Population Reference Bureau, the BALANCED Project, etc.) and beyond in order to share and disseminate these lessons and experiences with the broader PHE community
Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational and programming need and/or (b) the Advisor’s own interests.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE
• Master’s degree in public health or a related field
• Minimum five years’ experience implementing family planning and public health activities in Africa with at least two years’ experience implementing community based family planning, or experience in implementing community level health BCC and service delivery in a resource challenged setting
• Experience with or knowledge of natural resources management, environmental management, and conservation strategies desirable. Demonstrated passion and interest for conservation required
• Experience with PHE integration highly desirable
• Knowledge of and experience with monitoring and evaluation of health activities
• Proven strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural team environment
• Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills
• Proficiency in Portuguese highly preferred or advanced Spanish required
• Ability to obtain a medical clearance to live and work in rural Mozambique required
• Due to the remote location of this fellowship, no minor dependents will be allowed
• US citizenship or US permanent residency required
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will be based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2010_Benefits_for_GHFP_Fellows.pdf
TO APPLY
All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP’s online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio 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 is required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time April 18, 2011.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer.
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