National Project Officer – HIV Prevention

Under the overall supervision of UNODC Regional Representative and the technical guidance of UNODC Regional HIV Adviser, the Programme Officer will be responsible for implementation of UNODC technical assistance projects in the UNODC HIV/AIDS key policy areas, namely HIV/AIDS prevention and care related to (a) drug use, particularly injecting drug use and (b) prison settings. S/he will also facilitate collaboration and coordination with UNAIDS, its co-sponsors and other key players and assist the UNODC Office in Zambia in strengthening national capacities to develop and implement strategies that deal effectively with HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Within assigned authority, the National Project Officer will assist in the implementation of UNODC projects in the area of HIV prevention and drug demand reduction.

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Design and implement technical assistance activities in Zambia related to HIV prevention among people who inject drugs and in prison settings and drug demand reduction
• Organize and participate as a resource person in advocacy meetings, training workshops and other meetings related to HIV prevention among people who use drugs and in prison settings
• Provide substantive support to meetings and conferences including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents and presentations, and supporting administrative aspects
• Conduct consultations with the government agencies, health service providers, civil society partners and other stakeholders to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of harm reduction activities
• Prepare work plans, progress reports, analytical reports etc.
• Support fundraising through research, preparation of proposals and facilitating consultations with donors and counterparts
• Liaise with UNAIDS as well as with other co-sponsors on issues related to the prevention and care of HIV in the UNODC key areas
• Perform other functions as required.
• Competencies

Core Competencies

Professionalism:

• Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to HIV prevention among people who inject drugs and in prison settings
• Has knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as of the work of the United Nations in HIV prevention among key populations and treatment of drug use disorders
• Has ability to identify issues, analyse and contribute to the resolution of problems/issues.
• Has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns
• shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges

Team Work:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise
• Is willing to learn from others
• Places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments
• Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Commitment to continuous learning:

• Initiative and willingness to learn new skills.
• Technological Awareness:
• Proficiency in the MS Office package, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required.
• Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public health, social sciences or a related discipline is required.
• A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in supporting the implementation of programmes/projects in HIV prevention among key populations is required.
• Experience in providing technical assistance to national counterparts for developing and implementing policies and services addressing drug use and HIV is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English with excellent drafting skills.
• Disclaimer
• Important applicant information
• All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters:

• Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity:

• UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply.
• All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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