HIV/AIDS Programme Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political process in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks.

The Mission has been asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional roadmap, focusing on major population centers and lines of communication, protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the return to displaced persons, the extension of State authority and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections.

(http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusma/

Under the direct supervision of Chief HIV/AIDS Officer , the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval; • Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on HIV/AIDS programmes/project and related topics or issues; • Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval; • Prepares budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system; • Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of HIV/AIDS programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtains necessary clearances, processes and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. • Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management; • Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc. • Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, etc. • Assists with organizing and delivering orientation training for mission personnel and national uniformed personnel on HIV-related policies, protocols and procedures of the UN and peacekeeping missions, and undertakes on-the-job training activities, both internally and externally; • Performs any other related duties as may be assigned by the Chief HIV/AIDS Officer or delegated authority.

When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to :
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• Coordination of programme and project planning conducted and programme status monitored • Basic information/data on HIV/AIDS programmes/project compiled, summarized and presented effectively • Project documents, especially cost plans/budgets are reviewed for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures • Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Annual and other related reports are drafted periodically • Support rendered in training or sensitization campaigns for specific target groups;
• Meetings/workshops/seminars in HIV and AIDS are prepared; • Assisted in assessing, monitoring and evaluating training, e.g. conduct of baseline surveys and Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Behavior (KAPB) among other studies, including identification of appropriate tools and approaches for such activities/exercises at Sector levels; • VCCT Services offered to target group when requested. • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working

• A minimum of five (05) years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required.

• Excellent capacity to transfer knowledge and skills to a wide range of different target groups including members of the Uniformed Services and or Armed groups;

• Trained and qualified in HIV&AIDS training and/or counseling, or demonstrate attitude to undertake training during the assignment under the guidance of the Head of the Unit an added advantage;

• Sound knowledge of and practice in report writing, documentation and presentation;

• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System;

• Sound security awareness.

Bamako is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a nonfamily duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2023 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 594.51 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication.

Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali.

For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.

14. Conditions of Service for international UN Volunteers: Initial contract from Entry on Duty (EOD) until 30 June 2023 with further possible extension based on Mission’s mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) which is composed of the Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents. The VLA is intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities for volunteers with no dependents. In addition, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis. The VLA and WBD taken together form the net core entitlements.

The above-mentioned amounts are calculated using the MLA rate applicable for the duty station to which the family allowance (if applicable) is added: $US250 for one dependent and $US 450 for two or more dependents.

The MLA for the duty station is obtained from the base rate of US $ 1,631 which is reviewed once a year and is adjusted on a monthly basis according to the movement (upwards or downwards) of the Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) applicable for each duty station. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) to ensure that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations despite varying costs of living. The applicable MLA is calculated as follows: MLA = (MLA base rate x PAM) + MLA base rate. See ICSC website http://icsc.un.org for more information on the applicable PAM rates.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the assignment (if the volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to taking up the assignment) and, under strict conditions, also in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty station (duty stations can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations). Life, health, permanent disability and malicious acts insurances are included, as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements as per the local MORSS), DSA payment for official travel, periodic home visit, final repatriation travel (except in the event of a resignation within the initial contract period), and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.