Location : Home-based with in-country travel in the Philippines, PHILIPPINES
Application Deadline : 28-Oct-13
Additional Category HIV/AIDS
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : National Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Nov-2013
Duration of Initial Contract : 3 months
Expected Duration of Assignment : 3 months
Background
UNODC, a co-sponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), provides technical assistance to countries in the area of HIV/AIDS in accordance with the relevant resolutions and decisions by the United Nations General Assembly (GA), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the Programme Coordinating Board of UNAIDS (PCB). As the UNAIDS convening agency for drug use and HIV, and for prisons and HIV, UNODC, together with other UNAIDS cosponsors, national and international partners, assists countries to achieve universal access to comprehensive HIV services for people who inject drugs and in prison settings.
In particular, UNODC's global HIV/AIDS programme supports countries in reviewing and adapting the policy and legislative environment, building the capacity of national and local partners in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating large-scale evidence based HIV programmes in the community and in closed settings.
In 2011, Member States reviewed progress achieved since the landmark 2001 UN General Assembly Special Session on AIDS. On this occasion, the General Assembly adopted a Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS that included new commitments and bold targets including reduction of HIV transmission among people who inject drugs by 50% by 2015. This represents a historic commitment that recognizes the specific vulnerabilities to HIV of people who inject drugs, while also requiring scaled-up action to meet this target.
In 2013, in order to support countries to reach this target, UNODC undertook a consultative exercise to identify high priority countries where UNODC would concentrate its efforts and resources for impact on the epidemic. UNODC identified 24 high priority countries (HPCs) for injecting drug use and HIV. These countries are home to over 5.7 million people who inject drugs (PWIDs) who represent over 40% of the global population of people who inject drugs. The Philippines was identified as one of the 24 high priority countries for UNODC's HIV/AIDS programme. Prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs has increased rapidly in recent years in Cebu city, and unofficial reports of increased incidence in Zamboanga City are also calling expanded access to and uptake of HIV services by people who inject drugs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of Regional Adviser, HIV/AIDS, UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific based in Bangkok and Chief, HIV/AIDS Section, Drug Prevention and Health Branch, Division for Operations, UNODC Vienna, and in close coordination with UNAIDS Country Office in the Philippines, the Consultant will carry out the following tasks:
- Elaboratesituation assessments on HIV/AIDS among people who inject drugs and people in prisons and other closed settings;
- Organize the sensitisation and training progpramme for the drug control and drug law enforcement officials and civil society organizations on harm reduction services in the context of increasing HIV prevalence among PWIDs in Cebu, and in Zamboanga City;
- Support the development of a human rights based and gender responsive strategic action plan, providing technical guidance on effective approaches to HIV prevention, treatment and care for people who inject drugs and people in prisons to the national stakeholders including the National AIDS Council, Department of Health, Dangerous Drug Board (DDB), The Bureau of Jail Management & Penology (BJMP) and the civil society organizations;
- Organize in–country consultations to ensure that the UNODC action plan is aligned with national strategies and with the needs identified both by the government partners and the civil society organizations promoting the principles of national ownership, and sustainability;
- Prepare technical reports and other documents, such as periodic progress reports to UNODC Headquarters and Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific;
- Disseminate relevant normative guidance, including technical guidelines on HIV prevention, treatment and care, published by UNODC, WHO and UNAIDS, to national stakeholders;
- Coordinate and facilitate development of a plan of activities/ workplan, informed by findings of reviews, supported by WHO/GFATM/UNAIDS, and the strategic action plan, for UNODC's engagement in the country in 2014 and 2015, in close partnership with the Joint Team on AIDS in the Philippines;
- Facilitate dialogue on greater involvement of people who inject drugs in the HIV response and explore the feasibility of formation of a national network of people who inject drugs; and
- Organise a national advocacy workshop / meeting aimed at enhancing high level dialogue, political commitment and action with the aim of overcoming legal and policy barriers that impact on HIV prevention service delivery for people who inject drugs.
Competencies
Corporate competencies
- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Functional and technical competencies
- Strong knowledge of the latest theories and concepts in urban development and sustainable cities in the Philippines and broader region;
- Strong analytical and research skills;
- Familiarity with current actors working on urban development challenges in the Philippines;
- Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with different stakeholders;
- Excellent in oral and written communication; have skills to write independent reports, documents, maintain systems and procedures in administering programs.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, public health or in another relevant discipline is required;
- A first-level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
- At least 7 years of experience in designing, developing and implementing HIV prevention, treatment and care and interventions for people who inject drugs;
- Experience and understanding of the harm reduction interventions in the context of HIV, including regional and national mechanisms.
Language
- Excellent command of English with proven drafting and communication skills.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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