The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is at the forefront of the U.S. Government (USG) response in the fight against HIV and AIDS. USAID is a key partner in the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and works closely with other USG agencies on this initiative in 36 countries. In the Bureau for Global Health (GH), the Office of HIV and AIDS (GH/OHA) has primary responsibility for the Agency's HIV and AIDS program, and provides strategic direction, technical leadership, and support to field programs in HIV and AIDS. The Office provides input to decisions concerning the strategic allocation of financial and human resources in the sector and assists in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs. This entails ensuring the technical integrity of Agency and Mission strategies; providing global technical leadership on the full range of issues related to HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment, and monitoring and reporting on the impact of the Agency's HIV and AIDS program.
The OHA Division of Prevention, Care and Treatment (PCT) provides technical leadership and support to missions in effectively planning, implementing, and monitoring care and treatment services to achieve HIV epidemic control. The consultant will work closely with and receive technical guidance from OHA Branch and Division Chiefs as his/her USAID Point of Contact (POC). The consultant will work with the OHA Division of Prevention, Care and Treatment, Behavioral/Structural Interventions Branch, specifically on HIV Testing Services (HTS).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include but are not limited to:
Assist in the development and roll out of various PEPFAR-supported USAID programs and projects focusing on HIV testing services and critical issues along the clinical cascade relating to the 1st two 90s of the UNAIDS Goals (90% of PLHIV diagnosed and 90% initiated on HIV treatment).
Provide technical assistance to the field, and as appropriate, with travel to the field for direct technical assistance as required depending upon available funding.
Review reports and data from HTS partners and PEPFAR data systems, and provide an analysis of the program direction, progress towards meeting targets and identification of key programmatic gap areas.
Participate in writing applicable HTS journal articles or manuscripts.
KEY DELIVERABLES: (SMART - tangible outcomes)
Successful development and roll out of various PEPFAR-supported USAID programs and projects focusing on HIV testing services and critical issues along the clinical cascade.
Provide technical assistance to the field, with accompanying TDY reports or other deliverables per the technical assistance required.
Improved reports and data from HTS partners and PEPFAR data systems.
Analysis of the program direction, progress towards meeting targets and identification of key programmatic gap areas.
Develop abstract(s) or other publications on relevant topic(s) for submission to a testing-relevant HIV conference or journal.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS, EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Required:
Master's degree or higher in public health, epidemiology, science or other relevant fields required.
Experience in working with USAID, USAID Missions, host country governments, implementing partners (preferably on HIV), community-based organizations, and/or other bilateral donors internationally
Demonstrated data interpretation and analytical skills
Understanding of USG processes and requirements as related to PEPFAR programming
Comprehensive understanding of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing services and critical issues along the cascade of HIV Treatment
Evidence of excellent interpersonal, facilitation and teambuilding skills/experience
Demonstrated leadership skills in negotiating and managing diplomatically sensitive issues
Demonstrated ability to apply policy directives to activity design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Have a minimum of five years' experience working with HIV issues and programs, with strong preference for experience with field programs, with at least 3-5 years' experience in an international or resource challenged setting.
Preferred:
Demonstrated ability in maintaining close counterpart relationships, both governmental and in the partner community is highly preferred
Strong knowledge of USAID procedures and experience with USAID missions