SCOPE OF WORK/BACKGROUND
Jamaica has an estimated prevalence of 1.6% among the general population. Based on modeled estimates and case based surveillance data, it is estimated that 29,000 persons are currently living with HIV in Jamaica. Approximately 84% of the estimated number is aware of their status. This is followed by a large gap in the continuum of care with 43% of those diagnosed on ARVs and 55% of those on treatment being virally suppressed.
The Parish Behaviour Change Communication Coordinator will work closely with Regional BCC Coordinator to coordinate and implement the regional strategy through specific interventions at the parish level.
Functions will include:
Providing technical guidance to design, implement monitor and evaluate BCC interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviours among the most at risk populations and maintaining risk awareness among the general population
- Conducting training activities to build the capacity of the parish health care workers to integrate BCC strategies in provision of care to clients
- Manage, supervise and monitor parish plans, budget and activities in collaboration with regional level staff.
- Supervising the parish BCC team including community peer educators
- Coordinating specific activities to highlight HIV/AIDS awareness days i.e. World AIDS Day, safer Sex week
- Submit annual program plans (work plan) along with a budget for submission to the donor agency for financing.
SPECIFIC OUTPUTS:
The Parish Behaviour Change Communication Coordinator will contribute to the achievement of the NHP and will be responsible for the attainment of the stated project objectives. The Officer shall have specific responsibility for the achievement of the objective, which relates to the reduction of HIV transmission in vulnerable groups within the population.
- Work plan developed and implemented using the various national strategy documents and includes the monitoring and evaluation of targeted interventions in the parish.
- Implement and coordinate at least 3 per year targeted interventions in identified high prevalence geographical communities
- Establish linkages with at least 3 selected social agencies that can provide opportunities for social inclusion for the marginalized populations
- Identify and train 60 Commercial Sex Workers within the parish
- Identify and train 100 Out of School Youth within the parish
- Identify and train 60 Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) within the parish.
- Conduct capacity building workshops with all target groups
- Establish, monitor and evaluate VCT drop in centres
- Establish and monitor non traditional condom outlets within communities
- Assist in the training of Health Care Workers, and community-based organizations as it relates to HIV/STI.
- Assist in conducting interim and impact evaluation of interventions in the parish
- Participate in all evaluation conducted by the program to guide future interventions.
- Conduct performance evaluation for staff members employed to the community peer education programme.
- Prepare and submit monthly itineraries and report, quarterly and annual reports.
- Perform any other related functions.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The Officer will report to the Medical Officer of Health for the respective Parish, and the Regional Behaviour Change Communication Coordinator HIV/STI Programme who will have the overall responsibility for ensuring the quality and timeliness of the output of the contract
QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful applicant should possess the following qualifications:
- Have a Degree in Mass Communication, Social Science, Behavioural Science or equivalent
- 3-5 years working in the field of health promotion with the general population and other marginalized groups
- Experience in behavioural change interventions
- Possess supervisory management skills and training.
- Possess good oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge in dealing with HIV/AIDS/STI,
- Behavioural change theory and Public Health.
- Experience in working in vulnerable community
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB
- Exposure to highly confidential and sensitive information
- May be required to work beyond normal working hours in order to meet deadlines.
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