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Posted: 13.09.06 10:53. Post subject: DOW
From: "Jackie MacLeod" <Jackie.MacLeod@dowusa.org> --------- 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.
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