Elimination of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

This UNV assignment is guided by the framework of The Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination (Global Partnership-GP), and the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 that calls for accelerated HIV responses to end inequalities and promote Equity and Rights for All. To achieve the goal of ending inequalities, UNAIDS encourages all countries to harness the next seven years as a window of opportunity for rapidly scaling up the HIV response with emphasis on the societal enabler targets. The UN General Assembly endorsed the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: Ending Inequalities and Getting on Track to End AIDS by 2030. Achieving that ambitious goal will require maximizing existing tools, and rapidly implementing cost-effective innovations to quicken the pace of progress to achieve specific targets and end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. It will not be possible to end AIDS without addressing human rights and eliminating stigma and discrimination (S&D), including gender inequalities. HIV-related S&D is recognized as a barrier to HIV prevention, testing, care, and adherence to treatment. People living with HIV (PLHIV), key populations, and other vulnerable groups continue to face S&D, criminalization, and ill- treatment based on their actual or perceived health status, race, socio-economic status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, behavior, or other arbitrary grounds. HIV-related S&D represents a serious barrier to accomplish the targets and main objectives established at the National Strategic Plan 2021-2025 on ending AIDS in Ghana, including the empowerment of the population to prevent new HIV infections; ensure the availability of and accessibility to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services for all; ensure the implementation of a rights-based approach and the alignment with global concepts and frameworks; and promote the Greater Involvement of PLHIV, key populations and other vulnerable groups that continue to face S&D. Through the Global Partnership and its Focal Country Collaboration, UNAIDS is working with US CDC and other key partners, global initiatives and commitments driving the HIV response in Ghana and other selected countries, to strengthen a coordinated, community-led, and proactive response to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination against people living with and affected by HIV (PLHIV) across a variety of settings. To accelerate progress towards the elimination of HIV related S&D at country level, technical assistance is needed, and country partners have consistently expressed a need for long-term capacity support in programme coordination, implementation and management to achieve greater impact on the HIV related S&D agenda. This is the context under which this assignment will be performed.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNAIDS Country Director and the Program Advisor, Equity and Rights for All or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Specialist, Elimination of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination will: Coordinate with partners and stakeholders on Ghana’s engagement in critical actions included in the framework of the GP, ensuring community engagement at all levels, as well as, support, track and report the implementation of priority actions to eliminate HIV related S&D, in selected settings, prioritized for the UNAIDS-CDC CoAg, in collaboration with UNAIDS GC team and national partners. Serve as UNAIDS focal point to coordinate actions under UNAIDS and CDC CoAg and within the framework of the UNAIDS-Global Fund-PEPFAR Focal Country Collaboration Initiative (FCCI) in support to national efforts to end HIV related Stigma and Discrimination, and offer technical advisory to the Ghana AIDS Commission, CHRAJ, and other critical partners to ensure coordination, adequate implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of actions included in the FCCI as well as in the CDC CoAg, and also to assess their effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement. Support and expand the implementation of activities listed in Ghana’s HIV NSP and existing and successful interventions within other global initiatives and commitments, such as the Global Fund “Breaking Down Barriers” Initiative and the PEPFAR COPs, where relevant, while also making use of the implementation of Stigma Index 2.0, CLM, Gender Assessments, TA Needs Assessments and UNDP legal Assessments. Support and provide technical guidance to different technical committees and working groups focused on elimination of stigma and discrimination and on addressing Human Rights barriers and gender inequalities, to follow up on workplan implementation, monitoring, and reporting of results. Support the monitoring and evaluation of the enabling environment and human rights situation with emphasis on stigma and discrimination as it relates to the national HIV response, and report on programs. Support the Ghana AIDS Commission to Monitor the progress on prioritized actions to eliminate HIV related S&D included in the Strategic Plan for Human Rights-Related Barriers to HIV and TB Services (2020-2024). Strengthen civil society capacity, including community led, KPs-led and women-led organizations, and meaningful participation in addressing barriers to eliminate stigma and discrimination, including representation on the national TWGs. Support the UNAIDS country office and critical partners to review strategic documents, elaborate concept notes, write proposals/projects related to the elimination of HIV related S&D. Any other related tasks, as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNAIDS; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNAIDS procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNAIDS in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNAIDS’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values. Ability to coordinate a team. Strong leadership and mentorship skills. Effective planning and organizing skills. Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

HIV response at the national and/or international level with emphasis in human rights related matters; Extensive experience working on human rights and HIV program implementation preferably in Ghana or in Sub-Saharan Africa; with ministries of health, civil society organizations, development partners and international donors; including experience working on HIV-related Stigma & Discrimination; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in HIV response with emphasis in key populations volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System

The UN Volunteer will be based in Accra, Ghana which is currently classified as hardship category B and a family duty station. This confirms that transport, medical, education and other services are at a reasonable level compared to other countries in the region. At sea level, the climate of the country is tropical-hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 30C and little daily variation. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 24C, and nights are generally cool. The rainy season runs generally from October to May. The total population of Ghana is about 32.9 million. Ghana is a Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) country. There are a lot of options for accommodation, so houses and apartments can be easily rented for affordable prices. Also, Accra offers a variety of restaurants offering local food and international food. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. An entry visa is required for all travellers and must be obtained prior to arrival from an embassy. The Cedi is the local currency and according to the UN exchange rate system, a USD 1 is equivalent to 10.85 GHS (14 April 2023). Commercial banks are operating in the country and credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. Private and public health services are available in the city. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.