Technical Advisor job with Ministry Of Health

Ministry Of Health

National AIDS & STI Control Programme

The National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) seek to recruit the following position funded by USAID/ Kenya, through Capacity Kenya project
The position will be based at the NASCOP offices in Nairobi. The programme is mandated by
the Ministry of Health to lead the health sector response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and provide the necessary institutional policy framework and technical oversight on all aspects in spearheading the fight against HIV/AIDS and STI.

Technical Advisor - Behaviour Change

REF BC/NASCOP/O3/2OI 2

Under the overall guidance of the Head of NASCOP and appropriate technical working groups, the Behavioural scientist will lead the identification, development, packaging, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based behavioural HIV prevention interventions in Kenya.

S/he will assist in developing a framework to move behavioural interventions from research to practice and work closely with program staff responsible for implementing HIV counselling and testing, voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV care and treatment to forge appropriate linkages between these services and behavioural interventions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide overall coordination and support of the planning, design, and implementation of evidence-based HIV-prevention behavioural interventions.
2. Provide technical input in the identification and packaging of appropriate interventions for wide-spread dissemination.
3. Participate in developing marketing and training materials for behavioural HIV prevention interventions.
4. Assist in training of facilitators of interventions through on the job training (OJT), mentorship, continuous education and provision of technical assistance.
5. Coordinate development of monitoring and evaluation and quality assurance materials for evidence-based behavioural interventions.
6. Develop and facilitate effective linkages across different HIV programs and services at health facility and community levels.
7. Facilitate linkage between home based care and treatment (HBCT/CT) and care treatment and strengthen health facility-community linkage.
8. Lead initiatives in the design and implementation of public health evaluations to testthe efficacy of behavioural interventions and programs.
9. Coordinate the analysis of behavioural surveys and the preparation of reports for both in-country use by the Ministry of Health and implementing partners and for peer-reviewed journals.
10. Disseminate and present behavioural data for education and advocacy to government officials, health professionals, and community leaders.
11. Disseminate and present behavioural research findings at national and international meetings.
12. Perform any other duties as assigned by the NASCOP supervisors.

Essential Requirements

• A master’s degree in behavioural or social sciences, health education, public health, sociology, epidemiology, anthropology or other related postgraduate degree.
• 7 years progressive work experience, out of which 3-5 years are in implementation of HIV prevention behaviour change interventions or health and development communication.
• Proficiency in CT (e.g. microsoft office, microsoft project or wordperfect e.t.c).

Desired Qualities

• In-depth knowledge of attitudes and cultural practices (relating to health and HIV) among different ethnic groups in Kenya.
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative behavioural research methods.
• Knowledge in behavioural survey design and implementation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the development of effective evidence-based health information and behaviour change communication.
• A good understanding of the published literature on HIV risk factors and behavioural interventions for HIV prevention.
• Ability to coordinate planning and implementation of evidence-based behavioural interventions including behaviour change communication strategies and interventions.
• Ability to design and conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative interviews and focus group discussions.
• Excellent written/oral communication, interpersonal and organization skills.
• Ability to work well in a team, and be able to collaborate well with the Ministries of Health local communities, and other implementing partners.
• Good judgment in trouble shooting, problem solving, awareness of own limitations, strong inter-personal skills and internal motivation.
• Familiarity and experience working in collaboration with GoK - MoH will be an added advantage.

If your background, experience, and competencies match the above specifications, please send your application quoting vacancy number, detailed CV indicating daytime telephone numbers and e-mail address, attach copies of academic and professional certificates, diplomas or transcripts and three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses to the
address below not later than April 10, 2012.

lntraHealth International Inc
USAID-Capacity Kenya Project
Unga House, Muthithi Road, 7th Floor
P.O. Box 66726 — 00800 Nairobi
Email: jobskenyaintraheaIth.org

Only short listed Candidates will be contacted.