HIV/AIDS Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for those dedicated to child welfare.

Job Overview:
The HIV/AIDS Officer plays a crucial role in providing professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for HIV programmes/projects within the Country Programme. This includes development planning, delivery of results, and managing various technical and administrative tasks. The officer will facilitate programme development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of results. The position emphasizes a life cycle-based approach focusing on childhood and adolescence, ensuring that vulnerable children, including those living with disabilities and affected by HIV, receive the necessary support and services. The officer will also engage in networking and partnership building to enhance programme effectiveness and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support programme development and planning by contributing to the design and implementation of HIV programmes/projects.
• Manage and monitor programme delivery to ensure results are achieved effectively and efficiently.
• Provide technical and operational support for the implementation of HIV programmes, ensuring adherence to best practices and guidelines.
• Build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to enhance programme reach and impact.
• Engage in innovation and knowledge management to improve programme strategies and outcomes.
• Conduct capacity building initiatives to strengthen the skills of local partners and stakeholders involved in HIV response efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in public health, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, or other health-related sciences. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in HIV/AIDS planning and management or relevant areas of health care is required. Experience in HIV/AIDS programme/project development within the UN system or similar organizations is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of health issues in developing countries and the ability to work in fragile settings.

Educational Background:
A University Degree in relevant health-related fields is mandatory. This includes disciplines such as public health, epidemiology, health policy, and management, among others. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of health systems and the specific challenges faced in HIV/AIDS management.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of professional experience in HIV/AIDS planning and management, particularly at the international level or in developing countries. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on health care initiatives, emergency preparedness, and programme/project development. Relevant experience in the UN system or similar organizations is highly desirable, especially in contexts that involve vulnerable populations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in local languages relevant to the Botswana context, as they can enhance communication and engagement with communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Gaborone, Botswana. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF's standards of conduct. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and UNICEF is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.