National Programme Officer (HIV/AIDS Prevention Care) at UNODC - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office for Nigeria (CONIG), Abuja, Nigeria. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Representative, CONIG and the direct supervision of the Head – Justice, Integrity and Health Unit, as well as additional technical guidance of the Chief HIV/AIDS Section (HAS), Drugs Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA) of UNODC in Vienna.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will assist in providing ongoing technical guidance and policy advice to the Government and civil society organisations in Nigeria, supporting and coordinating the development, implementation, and evaluation of UNODC HIV/AIDS key policy programmatic areas, namely HIV/AIDS prevention and care related to (a) people who use drugs and (b) people living and working in prison settings. The incumbent will also facilitate collaboration and coordination activities with UNAIDS, its co-sponsors and other key players and assist the UNODC Country Office in strengthening national capacities to develop and implement strategies that deal effectively with HIV/AIDS prevention and care in those key areas. 

Within assigned authority, the Programme Officer (HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care) will be responsible for the following specific duties: 

• Support the development and implementation of UNODC technical assistance activities to the national partners in (a) the assessment of the HIV and AIDS situation in the areas identified above, (b) the development of effective prevention and care strategies and (c) reviewing and adapting national HIV/AIDS policy and implementation plans and linking them to relevant policies, strategies and plans; 
• Represent UNODC in the technical working group, inter-agency task force, UNCT, UN theme group on HIV/AIDS, CCA, UNSDCF, and other relevant forums;
• Act as a key resource person and, as such, contribute to the development of national capacity-building strategies to enhance policy and programmatic development, coordination, sound monitoring and evaluation with regard to the HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support in the UNODC key areas; 
• Support, organise and participate in advocacy meetings, round-tables, training workshops and other meetings related to specific HIV/AIDS issues; 
• Facilitate the establishment of Technical Working Groups for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support for people who use drugs and people living and working in prisons, involving all relevant stakeholders at the country level; 
• Support and participate in, when necessary, meetings and initiatives pertaining to technical working groups, inter-agency task forces, UN joint teams on AIDS, Common Country Analysis (CCA), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and other relevant fora; 
• Review, analyse and evaluate technical reports and other relevant materials on the state of prevention and care of HIV and AIDS in the key areas and facilitate dissemination of good practices; 
• Review and participate in the drafting of country programmes, project documents and grant proposals, including for the Global Fund, and contribute to the determination of their feasibility in the context of HIV/AIDS among people who use drugs, particularly people who inject drugs and in prison settings; 
• Review, research and compile material for the preparation of technical reports and other documents, such as reports to Headquarters, legislative bodies, Government and donors; 
• Manage UNODC HIV programme, coordinating activities related to budget and funding, including programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, and preparation of related documents/reports; 
• Assist with the recruitment and guidance of national staff members, consultants, and interns; 
• Prepare relevant implementation/ progress/ monitoring reports under UBRAF funding, including preparing reports such as reports to the HQs, Government, and donors;
• Collect and analyse data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables, and reports using data visualisation methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. 
• Perform other work-related duties as may be required/assigned.
• Provide inputs for reporting in the JPMS and to UNAIDS on UNODC achievements within HIV/AIDS Programme. 
• Regularly coordinate with the technical team in Vienna, including representing the office in monthly global calls with HQ. 

Competencies

Professionalism: 

• Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to drug, crime, and health-related issues. 
• Has demonstrated ability to provide effective specialised support and advice in a broad range of development assistance issues, in particular as it relates to drugs and HIV/AIDS. 
• Has the ability to ensure adequate preparation of reports or rationale with respect to key technical assistance decisions.
•  Is able to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. 
• Is able to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• Is able to deliver outputs in line with agreed schedules, budgets, and quality standards in line with prevailing rules, regulations, and procedures. 
• Has very good communication skills to liaise, negotiate and advocate with key stakeholders. 
• Has proven ability to write reports and to review and conduct presentations. 
• Is able to analyse and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; 
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. 
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 

Accountability: 

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; 
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within the prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; 
• Operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules; 
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; 
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 

Teamwork: 

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; 
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; 
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; 
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public health, health sciences or in any other relevant discipline is required. 
• A first-level university degree in combination with 02 additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in managing HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes among people who inject drugs and/or in prison settings at international and national levels is required. 
• Work experience in building successful partnerships and networking with a wide range of external partners and organisations is required. 
• Experience with Global Fund grant management procedures will be an added advantage; 
• Experience working within or in partnership with senior levels of government; 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent oral and written communication, team and networking skills; 
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team;  
• Well-developed communication skills to liaise, negotiate and advocate with key stakeholders including with other implementing agencies;  
• Ability to write reports and reviews and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues and defending recommendations; and  Excellent command of English language (oral and written) and excellent drafting skills. 
• Work experience within the United Nations or a similar international organisation is desirable. 
• Work experience with counterparts in the region is desirable.