Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, March 05 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Position Purpose
• The advisor will work closely with the project community department, community partners, project teams and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of youth-focused interventions and programs. The primary objective of this role is to facilitate meaningful engagement and participation of youths and adolescents in all project activities, ensuring their unique needs and perspectives are considered and integrated into the project’s overall strategy. The Youth and Adolescent Engagement Advisor will report to the superviser; Senior Technical Advisor – Community Services and Engagement.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement a comprehensive youth and adolescent engagement provision of HIV Testing Services (HTS) and TB screening services using the most effective modalities and strategies.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of the needs, challenges, and opportunities for engaging youth and adolescents in the project.
• Lead the development of approaches and interventions for strengthening youth and adolescents’ meaningful participation in the planning and monitoring of youth-friendly and gender-sensitive services for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and prevention of HIV and gender-based violence (GBV).
• Capacity building of staff and partners in innovative adolescent health strategies
• Collaborate with project teams and partners to design and implement innovative programs and interventions that address the specific needs of youth and adolescents.
• Lead implementation of strategies to link HIV negative youth and adolescent to appropriate HIV prevention services, particularly retaining them in services.
• Engage traditional, religious, and provincial leadership for the mobilization of the youths and adolescents’ activities.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams in implementing youth-centered interventions, ensuring they align with best practices and evidence-based approaches.
• Develop and deliver training programs for project staff, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance their understanding of youth and adolescent engagement principles and strategies.
• Provide leadership in the mobilization of priority populations, including students at universities, colleges, and schools so that they also access HIV, FP/RH, and other services.
• Mobilize key gatekeepers and leaders, including lecturers, religious leaders, workplace leaders and traditional leaders to mobilize their constituents to seek and access health services.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of youth-focused interventions, using relevant indicators and tools.
• Foster partnerships and collaborations with youth-led organizations, community-based groups, and other stakeholders to enhance the project’s reach and impact among youth and adolescents.
• Implement activities that advocate for the rights and needs of youth and adolescents within the project, ensuring their voices are heard and their perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to reach the youths and general public using traditional and social media platforms.
• Support to project subgrantees under community services including implementation of Quality Improvement Projects
• Ensure adequate matrix management, collaboration, and coordination with the Ndola technical hub advisor team (Clinical services /SIA/Transition and Sustainability).
• Stay updated on the latest research, policies, and guidelines related to youth and adolescent engagement in HIV and treatment programs.
• Contribute to project reports, publications, and presentations, sharing lessons learned and best practices in youth and adolescent engagement.
• Participate in technical working groups addressing youth and adolescent issues linked to the project.

Qualifications / Competencies
• Degree from an accredited university in health promotion, community health, project management, public health communications, social sciences, or a relevant field. Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of experience working on USAID/PEPFAR funded initiatives engaging the youths and adolescents in HIV programming at senior level.
• Experience in advocacy, communications and social mobilization of the Youths and Adolescents for the uptake of HIV, TB/HIV, MNCH, and/or FP services.
• Demonstrated competencies in designing and implementing SBC activities and community engagement processes for demand generation and uptake of HIV, TB, MCNH, and/or FP services in large-scale, complex, international development assistance programs, preferably with USAID and PEPFAR-funded programs.
• In-depth understanding and knowledge of Zambia’s SBC/community health structures and programming, as well as socio-cultural environment influencing drivers and barriers to service uptake and care seeking for the youths.
• Experience leading technical teams, achieving deliverables, and working under USAID contracts preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with government and civil society stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving and consensus-building.
• Strong professional written and oral communications skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in youth and adolescent engagement, preferably in the context of HIV and treatment programs.
• Strong understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities related to engaging youth and adolescents in health interventions.
• Knowledge of evidence-based youth engagement strategies and best practices.
• Experience in designing and implementing youth-centered programs and interventions.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools for youth-focused interventions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Knowledge of local cultural and social contexts is highly desirable.
• Zambian nationals are encouraged to apply.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
• If you believe you are the ideal person we are looking for, please submit your application letter and a Curriculum Vitae online via email describing why you are the right candidate for this position detailing your experience and three (3) professional referees from your previous and current place of employment. Please send the application through Email: pactzambiajobs@pactworld.org  and indicate the position title you are applying for in the subject line. Only the applications sent by email will be reviewed.
• The deadline for receiving applications is Sunday – 10th March 2024.
• Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

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