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 full-time Technical lead strategic information and Research, and other staff members, whose role is to design, lead strategic and technical work, and working groups, for evidence-based, impactful, and forward-looking HIV control efforts. Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of secretariat, the Technical lead supports the delivery of HCWG’s programme and technical services on HIV control and research, in partnership with in-country, regional and international implementers.

Key responsibilities

• Provides technical and programmatic support to the HCWG and implementing partners on HIV control
• Prepares background information and undertakes short term analyses on the HIV epidemic and HIV control, as requested, to inform the deliberations of the HCWG
• Supports HCWG members and stakeholders’ collaboration on key technical areas/activities
• Provides technical input and develops draft reports for further input by HCWG and Co-Chairs, including but not limited to, technical reports as needed by the Funder, Government agencies or Public Health Policy organisations, Stakeholder briefs
• Supports the development of any manuscripts and their publication in peer reviewed journals by the HCWG
• Works with the HCWG and other stakeholders to develop a research agenda based upon HCWG deliberations
• Reviews policy papers, strategies, workplans, reports, technical outputs and other substantive documentation and submits recommendations resulting from this review for consideration or decision by the HCWG
• Constantly assembles and catalogs technical issues for which guidance at the country level is required or lacking and assists in the development and/or dissemination of guidance on specific technical areas
• Leads the development and design of HIV control framework and consensus building
• Facilitates information sharing and the sharing of available technical resources to support building the capacity of regional and country partners to implement their HIV Control framework and action plans.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in medicine, public health, epidemiology, behavioral and social sciences, or related field.
• Additional training related to HIV /AIDS will be advantageous
• 10 years or more of technical, policy and/or programmatic experience in HIV
• Prevention and Treatment or Public Health.
• Minimum 7 years experience in conducting Research and Evaluation on HIV or Health.
• Experience in meaningful engagement with civil society, clinicians, researchers and government and implementation partners.
• Strong language skills: ability to work in English. French and/or Portuguese will be an added advantage

Competencies

• Results-based programme development and management
• Contributes to the achievement of results through research and analysis and effective monitoring of programme/project implementation;
• Uses analytical skills to identify opportunities for project development and participates in the formulation of proposals ensuring substantive rigor in the design and application of proven successful approaches;
• Makes timely and appropriate decisions taking into consideration diverse and complex issues; and
• Documents and analyses innovative strategies, best practices and new approaches.
• Uses appropriate analytical tools and logic to gather, define and analyse information
• Demonstrates an ability to set clear and appropriate priorities focusing on tasks and activities which have a strategic impact on results
• Anticipates and meets information needs of the team and other stakeholders
• Conceives, participates in, coordinates and occasionally leads special projects or other designated programmatic efforts
• Coordinates, designs and leads strategic and technical work, dialogue platforms, working groups etc. for evidence-based, impactful, and forward-looking HIV responses; and
• Demonstrates evidence of exceptional editorial and writing skills for a range of technical and non-technical audiences.

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