Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), located in Pretoria, South Africa. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Representative of ROSAF and technical guidance of the Chief of HIV/AIDS Section (HAS), Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA) of UNODC, in Vienna. For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

The incumbent will assist in providing on-going technical guidance and policy advice to the Government and civil society organizations in the region; 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. He/She will also take a leading role in the activities of the UN Joint Programme on HIV related to drug use and in prison settings, ensuring collaboration and cooperation with the UNAIDS secretariat office and co-sponsors. Within assigned authority, the Regional Adviser (HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care) will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Support the development of UNODC technical assistance activities to the national partners in (a) the assessment of the HIV and AIDS situation in the Southern Africa Region with a focus on high priority countries especially South Africa, Malawi and Zambia, (b) the development of effective prevention and care strategies, and (c) the review and adaptation of national HIV/AIDS policy and implementation plans and linking them to relevant policies, strategies and plans;
• Provide ongoing technical guidance to national partners on evidence-based drug use prevention, treatment and care in line with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)/World Health Organization (WHO) International Standards, drug demand reduction, harm reduction and comprehensive package of HIV prevention services for people who use drugs and people in prisons.
• Support the adaptation, dissemination, and implementation of UNODC tools and guidelines on substance use disorder treatment and quality assurance mechanisms, including UNODC/WHO International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders and its Dissemination Strategy for UN Member States.
• 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, organize and participate in advocacy meetings, round-tables, training workshops and other meetings related to specific Drugs and HIV 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, 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, analyze 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 regional and country programmes, project documents and grant proposals, including for the Global Fund and the World Bank, 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 people in prison settings;
• Review, research and compile material for the preparation of technical reports and other documents, such as reports to Headquarters, legislative bodies, National Government and donors;
• Support UNODC HIV programme, coordinating activities related to budget and funding, including programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, and preparation of related documents/reports; recruitment and supervision of national staff members, consultants and interns;
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Perform other work-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisors. 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 specialized support and advice in a broad range of development assistance issues in particular as it relates to drugs and HIV/AIDS. Has ability to ensure adequate preparation of reports or rationale with respect to key technical assistance decisions. Is able to identify issues, analyze 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. Is sensitive to political issues and adaptable to local environment, hardship and security/emergency. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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 prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational 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 organizational 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.
• Managing Performance: Delegates appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority to team members, ensuring that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clearly understood. Accurately assesses the time and resources required to accomplish tasks and aligns assignments with staff skills and competencies. Monitors progress against agreed milestones and deadlines, regularly discussing performance while providing constructive feedback and coaching. Encourages calculated risk-taking, creativity and initiative, and actively supports the professional development and career aspirations of staff. Conducts performance appraisals in a…