VMMC Demand Creation and Linkages Agent

TITLE: VMMC Demand Creation and Linkages Agent 
DEPARTMENT:Programs 
Summary: DOD - VMMC

The project is intended for scaling up VMMC services by providing clinical team to Lesotho Defence Force through to deliver VMMC services to the military personnel including other uniformed personnel, their families and communities around the military bases.

Under the DOD project, the incumbent will promote uptake of VMMC services within and outside Thomas Wellness Centre and facilitate the adoption of healthy behaviors, including consistent condom use and HIV testing and counseling (HTC), among key audiences through tailored interactive interpersonal communication (IPC) activities. The position is also responsible for improving linkages between demand creation and service/product delivery activities to improve access to and uptake of promoted services and products.

This position is based at Thomas Wellness centre and reports to VMMC Demand Creation and Linkages Coordinator.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create demand for promoted services and products not limited to VMMC, HTC and condom, by planning and conducting interpersonal communication (IPC) activities (using standardized toolkits) with key audiences, in keeping with monthly goals and quality standards.
In collaboration with the DCL Coordinator and respective Manager, develop monthly implementation plans that indicate expected targets and villages/communities for intervention.
Distribute informational pamphlets and condoms according to IPC guidelines.
Refer people to HIV testing services, including New Start Centers, and identify and maintain condom distribution points to improve access and uptake among key audiences.
Support strategies to track and report on referrals from IPC activities to HIV testing centers, VMMC providers, and condom distribution points.
Assist DCL Coordinator in organizing outreaches in villages and mobilizing groups to ensure easier access to services and products amongst target audiences.
Complete and submit accurate weekly and monthly reports using paper-based and/or electronic reporting templates.
Participate in regular training workshops and monitoring activities to continually improve the quality and delivery of demand creation and linkages activities.
Assist the DCL Coordinator in planning and implementing special meetings and events, providing both logistical support and input on content as needed.
Ensure that IPC toolkits are maintained in good condition with all requisite supporting materials.
Contribute actively to the development of new IPC approaches and activities based upon experience in the field.
Collaborate with external stakeholders, such as chiefs, community councils and CBOs/FBOs, and develop positive working relationships to support the smooth execution of IPC and linkages activities.
Other tasks, as needed and assigned.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
Diploma in health sciences or equivalent with 3-4 years relevant work experience, including IPC, lay counseling, facilitation, or peer education required

KEY COMPETENCIES:
Experience working with a range of different audiences, including some or all of the following: couples, men, women, rural populations, or men in uniform.
Comfortable working in all PSI/Lesotho topical areas, including promotion of male and female condoms, HIV testing and counseling, medical male circumcision.
Have no reservations working with key vulnerable populations, such as sex workers and men who have sex with men.
Excellent oral communication skills, with fluency in both English and Sesotho.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS as a public health issue.
Computer literate, Microsoft Office suite and Google Mail.
Ability and willingness to work outside normal working hours, as required.
Willingness to travel via public transport and camp throughout the district to perform activities, as required.

Interested candidates should hand Deliver a covering letter, together with a current CV, copies of certified certificates and educational transcripts at :
PSI/Lesotho
138 Moshoeshoe Road
Industrial Area Maseru,

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 16th December 2014 at 16:00PM, late applications will not be considered. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you receive no response within two weeks (2) of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.