Technical Advisor Gender and Youth-DREAMS Prevention Officer-Key Population job at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP)

About the Organization

MUWRP is committed to actively engaging communities at various stages of the research process, from trial protocol development, through implementation, to dissemination of research findings. Scientists are encouraged to participate in engagement activities with the public both inside and outside the research community. Sharing our research work is a crucial part of the MUWRP pillars. MUWRP ensures the community members are informed of the research protocols taking place in their communities.

Job Description

Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP's portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program (EIDP) for surveillance of influenza and influenza-like viruses and other emerging infections in humans and animals; also, a PEPFAR funded program in HIV treatment, care and prevention in the districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Buvuma, Buikwe, Luwero, Nakasongola. Additionally. MUWRP seeks to fill the following position.
Contract Tenure: 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to the needs of the Organization

Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Guidance

Program Design: Developing and refining program strategies and interventions that address gender inequalities and youth empowerment within the context of HIV prevention.
Best Practices: Identifying and promoting best practices for integrating gender and youth considerations into prevention programs targeting key populations.
Guideline Development: Creating and updating technical guidelines, manuals, and tools for implementing gender-sensitive and youth-focused prevention activities.

Capacity Building

Training Programs: Designing and conducting training programs for staff, partners, and stakeholders on gender and youth issues related to HIV prevention.
Mentoring: Providing ongoing mentoring and technical support to program staff and local partners to enhance their capacity to implement gender and youth-focused interventions.
Resource Development: Developing educational materials and resources to support gender and youth programming within DREAMS initiatives.

Program Implementation and Monitoring

Implementation Support: Assisting in the implementation of gender and youth-focused HIV prevention activities, ensuring they are culturally appropriate and effective.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Developing and utilizing M&E frameworks to track progress, measure outcomes, and assess the impact of gender and youth interventions.
Data Analysis: Analyzing program data to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improving gender and youth-focused prevention efforts.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

Advocacy: Advocating for the inclusion of gender and youth perspectives in national and local HIV prevention policies and programs.
Partnerships: Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders.
Community Engagement: Engaging with communities to raise awareness about gender and youth issues and promote active participation in prevention programs.

Research and Knowledge Management

Research: Conducting or supporting research initiatives to generate evidence on effective gender and youth-focused prevention strategies.
Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating research findings, lessons learned, and best practices through reports, publications, and presentations.
Innovation: Encouraging innovation and the adoption of new approaches to address gender and youth challenges in HIV prevention.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Educational Requirements

Advanced Degree: A master’s degree or higher in public health, social sciences, gender studies, international development, or a related field.

Professional Experience

Experience: At least 5-7 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing gender and youth-focused programs, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in gender analysis, youth development, and HIV prevention strategies.
Field Experience: Experience working with key populations, including adolescents, young women, and marginalized groups, in diverse cultural and geographical settings.

Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills: Proficiency in gender and youth program design, implementation, and evaluation.
Training and Facilitation: Strong skills in designing and delivering training, workshops, and capacity-building activities.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze program data, identify trends, and make evidence-based recommendations.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report writing, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
Project Management: Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and monitoring program activities.

Personal Attributes

Commitment: A strong commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment, and HIV prevention.
Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings and with marginalized populations.
Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and build positive relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Innovative Thinking: Openness to new ideas and approaches for addressing gender and youth challenges in HIV prevention.

Knowledge Areas

Gender and Youth: In-depth understanding of gender dynamics, youth development, and their impact on HIV prevention and care.
HIV/AIDS: Comprehensive knowledge of HIV epidemiology, prevention strategies, and care protocols.

Policy and Advocacy: Familiarity with policy development, advocacy strategies, and the regulatory environment related to gender, youth, and HIV prevention.