Lesotho HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Specialist

Pact is an international non-profit corporation whose mission is to build empowered communities, effective governments and responsible private institutions that give people an opportunity for a better life. We do this by strengthening the capacity of organizations and institutions to be good service providers, represent their stakeholders, network with others for learning and knowledge sharing, and advocate for social, economic and environmental justice. Interdependence, responsible stewardship, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and respect for local ownership and knowledge are core values across all of our programs.

In Lesotho, Pact is providing grants to improve community-based care and support services to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and to implement prevention interventions in collaboration with NGOs, CBOs and FBOs with USAID's HIV/AIDS Program. Pact also provides partners with high-quality technical expertise to assist them in delivering effective programming, as well as capacity building services to increase their ability to provide HIV/AIDS services.

The overall objective of the HIV and AIDS Management activity of the Metolong Dam Water Supply Programme (MDWSP), funded by the World Bank, is to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on the communities affected by the MDWSP and the work force building and supporting the construction works. The key area of focus of the HIV and AIDS Management activity is to proactively engage local communities in education and prevention measures in anticipation of the influx of temporary workers while specific provisions on HIV and AIDS management addressing the workplace are included in construction specifications for contractors.

Total project implementation will be carried out in two phases. Phase I of the services shall be completed within four calendar months of commencement of the services. Phase II of the services shall be carried out throughout the duration of the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Management Programme over 27 months period. The total service period is envisaged to be 31 months. Phase I (i) Develop an Integrated HIV and AIDS Management Policy; (ii) Develop an Integrated HIV and AIDS Management Programme for the communities affected by activities of MDWSP; Phase II (iii) Implement, Monitor and Evaluate Implementation of the Integrated HIV and AIDS Management Programme (iv) Monitor and evaluate implementation of individual Contractors’ HIV and AIDS Management Plans

The HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Specialist is critical in assisting with project activities such as literature reviews and stakeholder analysis, identifying HIV/AIDS prevention and care interventions, developing and drafting an integrated HIV Management Policy. S/he will work with the Team Leader/HIV and AIDS Specialist to create a community engagement strategy, prevention plan, care, treatment and support plan, and consolidated management plan. S/he will also work closely with communities on engagement strategies and developing a Community Outreach Plan to raise HIV/AIDS prevention awareness among the communities.

Qualifications: • Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline required in public and HIV and AIDS Management.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in public health, HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention, communication or a related field. • Knowledge and experience working in HIV and AIDS prevention and education issues as well as experience in health or behavior change communication are preferable.
• Strong writing and communication skills; experience in policy development a plus • Experience in community-led prevention programs, advocacy and outreach and awareness raising. • Previous Lesotho or SADC experience is required: Lesotho national is preferred.

Under Phase 2, it is envisaged that the Specialist will be deployed intermittently as his input is required. The HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Specialist will be expected to contribute 6 man months towards the 31 month program.

To apply please visit Pact’s website and view our current openings: http://www.pactworld.org/cs/job_openings_list.

Note: This is a proposed position that is contingent upon award funding.