Stretch Assignment: Health Specialist (EMTCT/Paediatric HIV), Sierra Leone Country Office (Onsite)

Title: Health Specialist (EMTCT/Paediatric HIV)
Level: NOC/P-3
Reports to: Health Specialist (MNH /HIV)
Duration: Three months
Section: health and Nutrition Section
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Dates/Duration: Stretch assignment from 19^th February – 18^th May 2024
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.

Purpose/Rationale

UNICEF Sierra Leone Country Office is looking for an interested, qualified, and highly motivated staff member to support the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme (NACP) under the Ministry of Health (MOH) in timely and effective implementation of the planned programme activities in EMTCT, Paediatric HIV, HIV supplies’ procurement, and system strengthening for care and support services for children in Sierra Leone. The overarching focus is on integrating EMTCT and Paediatric HIV into RMNCAH, Nutrition and TB Programmes.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide technical support to implementation of programme activities in EMTCT and Pediatric HIV with specific focus on training of frontline healthcare workers, support supervision / mentorship, and supply chain strengthening for HIV commodities.
2. Ensure regular monitoring and analysis of the implementation of EMTCT and Pediatric HIV activities through field visits and/or exchange of information with MoH/NACP, partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
3. Provide technical guidance and operational support to MoH/NACP, NGO partners, and UN partners on programme development planning, management, implementation and delivery of results related to EMTCT and pediatric HIV.
4. Participate in and provide technical inputs on EMTCT and Pediatric HIV to MoH/NACP and partner working groups, round tables, advocacy events and other discussions; and ensure planned programme activities are endorsed by MoH/NACP and results expected are achieved
5. Support the processing of financial and other administrative requirements of the Health and Nutrition programme including follow-up of direct cash transfer requests and liquidations.

Duration
This stretch assignment will be for a period of three (3) months.

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

1.  Advanced university degree in public health, medicine, or another related field.

2.  Minimum five years’ experience in supporting and/or managing EMTCT/Pediatric HIV programmes, preferably in high burden countries / regions.

3.  Familiarity with UNICEF administrative, financial, and supply processes is required.

4.  Excellent coordination and collaboration skills with Government counterparts and partners.

5.  Fluency in written and spoken English language is required.

Funding arrangement
This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.).

The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 30 days, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their Head of Office before applying.

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an

Please upload a full profile and

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Your last two PERs
• A signed approval letter or email confirmation from supervisor and
• A signed approval letter or email confirmation from Head of Office

Note:

• Candidates may be contacted for an informal interview and supervisors may also be contacted for references.
• Final selection of candidates will be subject to discussion and agreement with management, with a view to securing the best interest of both the organization and staff.
• Once the selection process has been completed, the receiving and releasing units will communicate to reach an agreement on the proposed start date for the recommended candidate.