Background

The first sentinel sero–prevalence survey was carried out in Somalia in 2004 amongst patients visiting health clinics for antenatal care, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis. The study was conducted under the technical guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and was supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and regional health authorities. The average human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence level from the study was estimated at 0.9%, which is low compared to that of neighboring countries (Kenya – 6.1%, Ethiopia – 4.4% and Djibouti - 2.9%) . However, the prevalence rate varied among the three regions of Somalia: South Central Somalia - 0.9%, Puntland - 1% and Somaliland -1.4%. Preliminary data from the 2007 ANC surveillance show that the prevalence has not decreased, and that it has actually increased in some areas.
 
However, there is still an important opportunity for multi-sectoral interventions to prevent a major HIV epidemic from emerging in Somalia in the future. There is growing optimism and a strong desire by local authorities in Somaliland, Puntland as well as the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to actively implement preventive and treatment interventions on the ground. Such dynamic political commitment is resulting in an increased openness to discuss the HIV, alongside active efforts to set up a comprehensive response infrastructure. Three AIDS Commissions – the Somaliland National AIDS Commission (SOLNAC), the Puntland AIDS Commission (PAC) and the South Central AIDS Commission (SCAC) - and their administrative Secretariats have been established in each of the three zones of the country which have greatly enhanced coordination of the responses to the epidemic country-wide.
 
Distinct challenges still remain in making a real difference in the prevention and further containment of the epidemic. Somalia is a very traditional society, thus overcoming stigma related to HIV and AIDS is a continual struggle. Many of those living with HIV often do not report their HIV status or seek assistance for fear of being ostracized. Many are not even aware of their status and put themselves and others at risk to HIV infection. High population mobility, cross-border as well as other movements occasioned by conflict and a traditionally nomadic lifestyle, makes programming for target groups difficult and could increase the chances of transmission. Negative cultural practices, especially those that relegate women to passive roles in society and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), heighten the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV infection. Low literacy levels and the breakdown of educational institutions limit the reach of written information and educational materials on HIV, especially for women and girls. Discrimination and gender based violence, lack of access to resources and control of them, which often lead to high –risk coping strategies, further increase women and girls’ vulnerability to AIDS. The weak health infrastructure, reflected in limited primary healthcare facilities and basic medical personnel as well as the lack of available trained and reliable human resource capacity conversant in HIV/issues, diminishes adequate care and treatment options. 
 
The maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the world, estimated at between 1100-1600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births with most of the deliveries taking place at home. Lack of an endorsed national reproductive and HIV/AIDS policy as well Insufficient structures and basic supplies to facilitate the provision health services to the population; lack of access by the population to reproductive health commodities, including condoms . The is also lack of a framework of dialogue and coordination for procurement activities for the country’s Reproductive Health products, in particular contraceptives
 
Partners have identified an immediate need for an improved flow of strategic information, coordination with all the relevant partners in the AIDS response, systematic collection and utilization of data for the response and support for reproductive health (RH), and promotion of women empowerment and gender equality in the AIDS response.

Duties and Responsibilities

Principal Functions performed as the zonal HIV/AIDS Advisor
  • Support strengthening of systems, structures and mechanims for AIDS response coordination and management in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with the AIDS Commissions and the Joint UN Team on AIDS (both in-country and in Nairobi)
  • Support gender analysis and gender responsiveness in the AIDS response, to tackle the multiple vulnerabilities of women and girls to HIV infection and the impact of AIDS, including but not limited to gender based violence and female genital mutilation
  • Facilitate implementation of regionally supported activities planned within the framework of UBW with Y-PEER in its focus
  • Facilitate establishment of improved mechanism for information sharing on youth programming with particular focus at peer education, the gender dimension of the epidemic, the multiple vulnerabilities of women and girls, adolescent reproductive health services and commodities coordination structures and partners within zone and Nairobi.
  • Collect/analyze and disseminate strategic information on HIV, adolescent reproductive health services and commodities response; actively consult with wide range of partners in the AIDS response to solicit and share information about the response
  • Provide support to the line ministries especially Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender/Women Affairs, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs for the optimal implementation of HIV and AIDS services, peer education, women empowerment and gender equality, adolescent reproductive health services and commodities response through the UNFPA sub- office especially the of continuous review and analysis of demographic and socio economic data and national population policies, recommending and ensuring necessary corrective action on a country level
  • Support the AIDS Commission on M&E and Strategic Information, and on the implementation of gender equality policies and programmes
  • Ensure that relevant strategic information is shared with all the partners and it is fed into the Country Response Information System (CRIS)
Principal Functions performed as the Zonal Reproductive Health Advisor
  • Assist the Ministry of Health on conducting rapid field assessment of the Reproductive Health (RH)needs of the conflict-affected population on implementation of the MISP (Minimum Initial Service Package) and other services offered to women and men of reproductive age, including adolescents
  • Provide technical advise to the Ministry of Health on developing national RH strategy and action plan with Government ministries, local NGOs and UN agencies active on the ground..
  • Provide technical assistance on the implementation of reproductive health activities accordingly with UNFPA standards and guidelines
  • Work closely with the UNFPA field office and key stakeholders to integrate adolescent reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, gender related matters and violence prevention within the UN humanitarian response, international and national NGOs programs
  • Support and integrate reproductive health services with primary health care
  • Work closely with international and local partners to develop training and IEC materials in the local language of the communities
  • Constantly seek partnership with other lines Ministries and agencies to organize trainings on RH/HIV/STI prevention and gender-based violence
  • Initiate and coordinate training sessions on reproductive health in emergencies (for health care providers, community services officers, security personnel, the refugee/IDP population etc)
  • Monitor Reproductive health programme implemented by different agencies by keeping close record of activities/trainings being implemented on ground, funds being expensed and agreements being made with local partners
  • Liase with regional and district authorities when planning and implementing RH activities
  • Strongly advocate UNFPA’s work and mandate to partners and donor agencies.
  • Prepare regular analytical reports on RH to be shared with MOH officials and UNFPA field office

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNAIDS and UNFPA
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism
Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Shares knowledge and experience from within and outside the UN Country Team.
  • Encourages UN staff to share knowledge and support in the implementation of the UN care programme
  • Develops substantive knowledge in CRIS, UN System reform and MDGs; monitoring & evaluation, strategic information and gender equality
Leadership and Self-Management
  • Focuses on result for the client
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
  • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
  • Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior

Required Skills and Experience

Education:       
  • Masters degree in Public Health, Economics, Communications or social science with a communications major.
Experience:      
  • 3 to 5 years of work experience, at least 1 year of which should be as a Masters degree holder
  • Experience in women’s empowerment and gender equality, Monitoring and Evaluation or related discipline.
  • Understanding of the UN system organizations and their delivery mechanisms and experience in strategy and policy development
  • Experience with microcomputer systems and very good knowledge of computer systems
  • Some experience in advocacy, public relations or major communications 
Language requirements:
  • Excellent knowledge, analytical, presentation and writing skills in English and Somali is required