About US:
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an International NGO which seeks to “Strengthen Health Systems in Africa with strong emphasis on Infectious Diseases through Research and Capacity Development.” IDI has five operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment, Training, Research, and Outreach programmes. With funding from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/PEPFAR, IDI has been implementing comprehensive HIV/AIDS services in the mid-western Uganda Districts of Kiboga, Kibaale, Kyankwanzi, Hoima, Masindi, Buliisa and Kiryandongo since 2009. IDI has recendy won a five year follow on project with the title “Accelerating Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Service Delivery through Health System Capacity Building and Technical Assistance of District Health Teams and Health Facilities in Western and West Nile Regions in the Republic of Uganda under PEPFAR.”
Job Summary: The District Technical Support Officers will be the technical advisors to the district health team (DHT) and will support district-led programming for a decentralized HIV/AIDS response. The incumbent will initiate, plan, coordinate and evaluate project activities designed to enhance capabilities, governance and functionality of DHTs. The job holder will work very closely with the DHOs Office, health facilities and other stakeholders in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He/she will lead capacity-building efforts to reinforce competencies of DHTs and HCWs and will be the key liaison between IDI and the district.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Serve as a principal liaison between the DHT and the Project Management.
In charge of identifying synergies with other projects to avoid duplication of services.
Support in monitoring the district-led programming and sub-granting to districts.
Prepare regular briefings in relation to performance of district-led programming.
Actively coordinate and adapt lessons learned from HSS activities to further strengthen and expand interventions to achieve the Project goals.
Identify barriers to implementation of district-led programming and propose corrective action.
Assess compliance of the partner districts to the terms and conditions of the partnerships.
Conduct capacity building and technical assistance to the DHT and HFs.
Provide technical assistance to DHTs regarding managing of sub-grants and financial agreements.
Conducting regular site visits to review project performance, ensuring that districts are in compliance with the finance agreements, and with the performance expectations as outlined in their work plans.
Prepare regular and ad-hoc progress reports on district-led programming.
Represent the Project on all important district level fora e.g. DACs meetings, District Technical Planning Committee (DTPC) etc.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidates should preferably hold a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery or a related health field. A Masters’ Degree in Public Health, Master of Science (MSc) or related field
A minimum of three or more years’ public health experience
Specialized training in HIV/AIDS will be an advantage.
Past experience in strategic planning, health systems strengthening (HSS) and participatory approaches.
Familiarity with the functioning of the decentralized Local Government System of Uganda.
Working knowledge of PEPFAR/US Government programming policies and regulations, procedures and practices, which bear on project management in support of cooperative agreements.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with the DHTs and HFs.
In-depth knowledge and experience in HIV/AIDS.
Past experience with Monitoring and Evaluation of programs.
Project planning skills and a good understanding of sub granting systems to local governments.
Fluency of the local languages within the supported districts is desirable.
How to Apply:
All interested candidates should submit their applications, cover letters, updated CVs (with 2 professional referees) and copies of their academic credentials to:
The Human Resources Manager,
Infectious Diseases Institute,
College of Health Sciences, Makerere University,
P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
Deadline: Monday 18th May 2015 by 5:00PM