Posted: 13.09.06 10:53. Post subject: DOW

From: "Jackie MacLeod" <Jackie.MacLeod@dowusa.org>
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Doctors of the World (DOW) is seeking an International HIV/AIDS Services
Technical Consultant to assist in implementation of the "Continuum of HIV
Services for Street Youth Program" in St. Petersburg, Russia, which
includes
HIV prevention as well as access to treatment, care and support services
for
street youth among whom HIV prevalence is estimated at greater than 31
percent. The consultant will work with DOW management and the HIV Program
Coordinator and other staff in St. Petersburg to provide technical
guidance
to coordinate and enhance the implementation of the program (Fall 2006
launch) according to the implementation plan; to build technical capacity
of
staff; and to advise in the adaptation of international best practices to
local circumstances as follows:

1) Provide technical guidance: Provide technical guidance to program
staff
to ensure that program elements (HIV testing, treatment preparedness
approaches, etc.) are designed in a way that will be effective. Offer
technical input and coordination at program launch for fulfillment of
implementation plan, which has been developed, including monitoring
indicators and intervention models. Advise on planning, continuity of
vision among staff, and interdepartmental cooperation to achieve goals of
plan.
2) Build technical capacity of staff: Work with service staff to
integrate
HIV services into their activities to fulfill the program plan. Identify
technical gaps and advise on resources to fill these gaps. Liaise with
external trainers providing specialized technical expertise.
3) Advise in the adaptation of international best practices to local
circumstances: Apply technical expertise in international best practices
in
the areas of HIV testing, treatment, care, and support to enhance program
quality overall as fitting for the needs of street youth in St.
Petersburg.
Advise on potential enhancements of current systems to achieve the goals
of
the Continuum of HIV Services for Street Youth Program.

Consultant will travel to St. Petersburg, Russia for three months
(possibly
four) during program start-up, and then make two shorter trips of two
weeks
duration to provide follow-up support. Consultant will serve as an
advisor
or mentor for nine months after the initial three months to provide
consultation on program implementation via monthly conference calls, with
possible additional contact via email or telephone.

Qualifications:
* Five plus years experience working in international HIV/AIDS in the
developing world, ideally in Russia or the former Soviet Union
* Practical HIV program implementation experience (multidisciplinary)
* Experience working with youth programs, preferably street engaged or
homeless youth
* Technical skills in several of the following areas: outreach to street
youth or other at-risk populations; HIV testing, treatment, care and
support; referral mechanisms to facilitate utilization of treatment and
support services; plans and targets for individual care and services;
diverse forms of psychological support, including support groups; harm
reduction counseling and activities to support HIV-positive youth in the
areas of drug abuse and sexual health; incentive models to engage and
retain
youth in HIV services; program monitoring and evaluation; and prevention
activities, including HIV educational events for youth and development of
age- and literacy-appropriate educational materials.
* Knowledge of Russian language ideal, but not required
* Ability to maintain year-long relationship with project
* Highly committed and flexible

Term: Fall 2006 - Summer 2007
One year consultancy with initial on site work in St. Petersburg for
three-four months in fall 2006, followed by two two-week visits three and
six months after the initial visit, and monthly conference calls
throughout
the year.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience. DOW will also
cover the cost of travel and accommodation for the stay in Russia
(including
visa support, travel insurance, and local transportation) and any related
project costs.

Program DOW has identified increasing HIV prevalence among the street
youth
it has served for the
Background: past twelve years in St. Petersburg, Russia. As the HIV
epidemic grows in Russia, street youth are being particularly hard hit:
intravenous drug use and transactional sex, coupled with poor health
status
and insufficient sexual and health education render this group
particularly
at risk. Sampling conducted by DOW in May-June 2005 showed alarming
prevalence rates at over 31%. Formal studies conducted with research
partners are being completed and it is likely that even higher prevalence
will be found. This rate of infection is poised to cause catastrophic
mortality among this population unless treatment preparedness and access
to
HIV prevention and care services is strengthened.

In response, DOW, in partnership with the local Russian NGO Doctors to
Children (DTC) and in collaboration with other Russian NGOs and St.
Petersburg municipal partners such as the St. Petersburg City AIDS Center,
is integrating access to HIV testing, care and prevention services into
its
ongoing services for street youth, in order to engage the youth in health
and social services systems and enable them to access psychosocial and
medical care, including anti-retroviral therapy. DOW is also working to
strengthen local provider capacity so that more and better services are
available for these marginalized youth, as well as strengthening
prevention
knowledge and tools to decrease transmission rates among this population.

DOW Background: DOW is a New York-based international health and human
rights organization founded in 1990 that works within a network of 11
Doctors of the World/Medecins du Monde delegations. Working with local
partners, DOW seeks to increase sustainable access to health care for
marginalized populations in the U.S. and around the world. DOW works in
communities where health is diminished or endangered by violations of
human
rights, and mobilizes the health sector to promote and protect these
rights.
DOW projects provide essential care and services, but more importantly,
focus resources on training and building the capacity of local
counterparts
to carry on the mission of health at the conclusion of our efforts.

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Jennifer Leigh, Program
Associate-Russia, Ukraine, at jennifer.leigh@dowusa.org, or write or call
212.226.9890 ext.255 with questions or for additional information.