The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) has been funded to host the HIV Control Working Group (HCWG), co-chaired by Drs. Yogan Pillay and Izukanji Sikazwe. The HCWG is comprised of African experts with relevant experience from diverse sectors, predominantly based within the Sub-Saharan African region to work collaboratively over 24- months to develop:
(i) A framework that identifies the necessary components for long-term sustained HIV control with particular reference to the Sub-Saharan African context.
(ii) A forward-looking research and program implementation agenda that informs country progress and achievements and identifies knowledge gaps which impede the provision of clear guidance to countries about how best to target their systems-building investments.
The HCWG will be supported by a Secretariat hosted by CIDRZ, staffed by a community engagement lead and other team members. The community engagement lead’s role is to set the tone for messaging and portray the HCWG’s values and vision. The community engagement lead is also responsible for and advises the Head of secretariat and Co-chairs on all aspects of complex, sensitive national, regional, and international importance that have implications for the work of the HCWG. Working closely with the secretariat head, the community engagement lead will use their specialist knowledge to spearhead, risk assess the strategic direction, planning, and management of the HCWG’s communications strategy in line with its vision.
Key responsibilities

Develop a dissemination and communications strategy to share the findings of the HCWG with relevant stakeholders at the community, country, regional and global levels
Issues policy briefs, press releases and reports to target audiences regularly
Develops guidance to assist use of evidence more consistently to inform decision-making
Synthesises, disseminates, exchange data and apply the knowledge to assist SSA countries in decision making to improve health, provide more effective health services, and strengthen health care systems
Reviews and generates data and evidence to inform knowledge translation activities, based on up-to-date reviews or other syntheses of country, regional and global evidence
Generate targeted messaging to inform funding of key priority areas including development of policies and guidelines tailored to specific contexts and audiences e.g. national, sub-national, regional
Provide technical and operational support to overall Community Engagement activities
Ensure community engagement strategies and implementation plans are evidence-based, coordinated, and well executed
Create community outreach plans that engage the community in programs designed to meet specific needs in those communities
Facilitates community dialogues to solicit input into the HCWG’s work
Lead the processes of developing advocacy strategies and plans for the HCWG and co-chairs
In consultation with the secretariat head and the co-chairs represent the HCWG in various advocacy forums
Lead all engagement with media and press, and act as the media focal point for queries internally and externally.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in social science, health promotion, development, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field
At least 10 years of experience in undertaking policy, advocacy, media and communication initiatives in HIV, health and/or development contexts;
Experience in policy and practice analysis and implementing strategic advocacy initiatives aimed at bringing changes

Competencies

Demonstrates ability of working within and learning from diverse communities and cultures;
Demonstrates independent experience with, and shows initiative in leading group processes for complex or multiple community engagement activities, accompanied by reflective insights and analysis;
Demonstrates ability and commitment to collaboratively work across and within diverse community contexts and structures to impact change; and
Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communications skills, and an ability to produce good quality documents, information for a variety of audiences and communicate good practices.

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To apply for this job please visit www.cidrz.org.