USAID Country Assistance Agreement towards the implementation of the project “HIV Prevalence in Most-At-Risk Populations Reduced and Effects Mitigated”

BACKGROUND

The USAID five year Strategy for HIV Prevalence in Most-At-Risk Populations Reduced and Effects Mitigated will seek to reduce sexual transmission of HIV by targeting the most-at-risk population groups through an enhanced civil society response, and lessen the stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV & AIDS.  It will also strive to increase the availability and use of quality HIV & AIDS data to better characterize the epidemic and support evidence-based decision-making for improved programs, policies, and health services. 

In a counterpart initiative over the period 2010 – 2014 and under Assistance Objective 5 the project “HIV Prevalence in Most-At-Risk Populations Reduced and Effects Mitigated”, will be funded by USAID obligations in the sum of US$26,200,000 and Host Country obligations in the sum of US$8,292,870. The funding seeks to target national efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and to mitigate the discriminatory effects on individuals who have already contracted the virus.  At the end of the five-year strategy period expected results include:

1.  Reduction over time in prevalence rates among most-at-risk populations;
2. Healthier and more responsible sexual behaviours, attitudes, and practices; and
3. Reduced stigma and discrimination, particularly in the workplace as per agreed upon monitoring and evaluation plan for Jamaica.

The Objectives of the Project are:

Objective 1:     To increase safer sex practices and improve attitudes and behaviours among vulnerable high-risk groups. Under this objective increased access for CSWs and MSMs to HIV services and commodities will be provided, existing substance abuse programmes will be strengthened to ensure HIV prevention is included, MSM programme development and implementation will be supported, the capacity of NGOs to provide psychosocial support services and safe spaces will be strengthened and the collection of additional data to inform HIV prevention programming. 

Objective 2:     To reduce HIV Transmission by delaying sexual initiation, promoting abstinence and increasing condom use among sexually active adolescents. Under this objective the aim is to reduce risk of HIV transmission among youth 10-19 years old and to reach at- risk adolescents with HIV prevention information and services. 

Objective 3:     To reduce stigma and discrimination and improve the protection of the rights of selected vulnerable groups or most at risk populations (MARPs) through work with faith-based organizations (FBOs). The focus of this objective is to gather quantitative and qualitative information about stigma and discrimination and the presentation of research findings.  

Objective 4:     Ministry of Labour and Social Services Activities – finalize and disseminate the National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy. This objective aims to support the increased public understanding, awareness and buy in of the general public on HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy as well as improve Voluntary Compliance Programme in the private sector through new strategies, audits and workshops.  The component also supports the finalization and dissemination of a new HIV & AIDS Regulations.  

Objective 5:     To support the capacity building of stakeholders (PLWHA and CBOs) involved in policy making, programme design, implementation and M&E. Under this objective the M&E IT capacity of local partners to collect and report data to the MOH will be improved and the private sector will be engaged in HIV prevention.

Objective 6:     Support the capacity building of MOH staff involved in HIV policy making, programme design, implementation and M & E. This objective supports the development of a web-based M & E Database System for Jamaica’s

HIV/STI prevention programme as well as adequate human and administrative support through the provision of personnel and office logistics. 

Qualifications

• An MA degree in Psychology;
• Two (2) years experience in Child Psychology and Counseling;
• and counseling HIV+ clients would be an asset.  

Responsibilities

Key Deliverables

• Conduct support group sessions with PLHIV Adolescents/general PLHIV
• Provide one-on-support for PLHIV Adolescents/general PLHIV as necessary

 Technical responsibilities

• Develops and provides psychological counseling and guidance services which assist PLHIV with special emphasis on the Adolescent PLHIV and their families;
• Recommends, selects and arranges services and provides the most favorable conditions for the PLHIV.
• Provides crisis consultation, psychological counseling and therapeutic techniques with PLHIV with special emphasis on the adolescent PLHIV;
• Maintains contact with referral agencies to provide ongoing communication between the RHAs and the treatment agency;
• Provide communication and act as liaison to social agencies/agents of the state
• Attends and actively participates in relevant committee and team meetings
• Travels to conferences and participates in other educational activities, as assigned, locally and overseas
• Any other job related duties

 Administrative responsibilities

• Attend monthly/quarterly/annual meetings/conferences/workshops and special sessions (international and local) as required of Regional HIV Programme Personnel
• Prepare regional positive prevention programme monthly/quarterly/annual/ad hoc quantitative and qualitative reports and submits to Regional STI/HIV Programme coordinator/Regional Technical Director and the Director, Treatment, Care and Support, NHP.

Any related other duties as requested

Reporting relationship

• Reports directly to the Parish Medical Officer (Health) on matters related to the Parish positive prevention programme
• Reports directly to the Regional STI/HIV Programme Coordinator on matters related to the Regional positive prevention programme
• Reports indirectly to the Director, Treatment, Care and Support.

Note

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

The Director
Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations
South East Regional Health Authority
The Towers, 2nd Floor
25 Dominica Drive
Kingston 5

Email: employment@serha.gov.jm

Base Salary: Undisclosed