Background

The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria is currently operating in a rapidly changing environment, with numbers of HIV/AIDS cases ranking number two globally. The epidemic has in several states moved from the high risk groups to the general population. The country’s hope for effectively mounting and coordinating a mass national response is largely hinged on the State Authority Control for AIDS (SACA). A new paradigm is being formed taking into account global experiences for local action. Several multilateral and bilateral donors support the national programme

The Country’s HIV/AIDS pandemic is widely hypothesized to be both a cause and consequence of this humanitarian crisis, with a particularly disastrous impact on people living with HIV/AIDS.

Within this context, the exceeding challenging nature of tasks and demands facing UNAIDS in Nigeria becomes apparent.   PCB has encouraged strengthened support for country level (joint) governmental, multilateral, bilateral and nonpublic scaled up response to HIV/AIDS to meet the challenges faced. UNAIDS in Nigeria has thus proposed a management structure to suffice this demand.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNAIDS Country Coordinator, the National Programme Officer will:

  • Facilitate and promote collaboration on  the National HIV/AIDS Program through liaising  with SACA and other government institutions/departments. Build and strengthen state support teams in collaboration with SACA.   
  • In collaboration with SACA  develop national policy and guidelines on HIV/AIDS prevention and care by providing advice and guidance  from a national and global perspective through concept papers, research methodologies and strategies from best practices.
  • Promote and develop the overall Joint State Support Strategy. Provide guidance to bolster the development and review of state plans with SACA and other stakeholders.
  • Build relationship and liaise with Public health experts in the bilateral, multilateral agencies and other government and private institutions on sharing of technical information and cooperation.
  • Liaise with Project Director and senior staff at SACA and State Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on State strategies.
  • Guide the development and necessary policies and strategies for further scaling up of eMTCT programme in close collaboration with the state, Local Government, and other partners;
  • Strengthening the State monitoring and evaluation and health information systems and supporting the monitoring and evaluation of the Joint Programme activities within the state;
  • Act as UNAIDS Hub for the National HIV/AIDS Programme on public health issues on HIV/AIDS.
  • Strengthening State level ART polices and standards of care and promote involvement of PLWHA in delivery of ART
  • Assist and undertake activities as desired by UCC

Linkages

Internal

Purpose

 

UNAIDS Country Office – Staff at all levels

              

To discuss assignments and findings, exchange information, promote mutual understanding; to facilitate interaction.  Team work.

 

Regional Support Team and UN Team on AIDS and UNAIDS technical resource facility in the region – Staff at all levels

To provide support, give and obtain information, coordinate activities and enlist cooperation.  Team work.

 

 

 

External

Purpose

 

Multilaterals, bilateral, Co-sponsors and other coordination mechanisms, NGOs, stakeholders

 

State AIDS Programme and government officials

To facilitate and promote collaborative efforts and information-sharing; as delegated, to participate in joint projects development and implementation.

 

To discuss planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities; as related to advocacy and fund raising.

Competencies

UNAIDS Values 
  • Commitment to the AIDS response
  • Integrity
  • Respect for diversity

Core competencies
  • Working in teams
  • Communicating with impact
  • Applying expertise
  • Delivering results
  • Driving change and innovation
  • Being accountable

Managerial competencies  
  •  Vision and strategic thinking 
  •  Leading teams
  •  Managing performance and resources
  • Exercising sound judgement
  •  Building relationships and Networks

Required Skills and Experience

EDUCATION
Essential:   First university degree in  public health and/or planning, social science or related field.
Desirable: Advanced university degree in one of the above fields.

EXPERIENCE
Essential:  A minimum of 4-5 years’ experience working in the area of HIV/ AIDS and strategy /policy development. Demonstrated track record in building, leading and managing high-performing organizations and teams. Experience in communicating consistently, clearly and effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
Desirable: The incumbent ability to interact with high ranking officials of SACA, State Governor’s office, Ministry of health & Family Welfare, State AIDS Control societies and other state level organizations, medical and public health institutions, UN Co-sponsors and other key agencies.

Experience with international donors, non-governmental development organizations and/or the UN system

LANGUAGES
Essential: Excellent knowledge of English.
Desirable: Good working knowledge of another UN official language an asset.

FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Demonstrated knowledge of developmental, political and financial issues linked to HIV .
Knowledge of the UN system organizations and their delivery mechanisms.
Sound understanding of the HIV epidemic and impact