Health Administrator - Northern Uganda
Terms: 6 months (renewable)
Start: Immediate (Dec 1, 2009)
Compensation: housing, insurance, living stipend
Location: Gulu and Kitgum, Uganda
Background: Visions in Action (VIA) is an international NGO based in Washington D.C. which works in relief and development in Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Liberia and Mexico. Over 700 volunteers have been placed in the areas of education, human rights, communications, public health, HIV/AIDS, micro-enterprise, social work and community development. VIA has worked in Uganda continuously since 1991.
VIA is currently implementing a new three-year project in Northern Uganda with the goal of decreasing HIV/AIDS rates among war-affected youth. Services include the opening of four Voluntary Counseling & Testing (VCT) Centers in two districts, Gulu and Kitgum, designed to counsel and test 26,000 youth per year for HIV, provide medical referrals, and conduct peer support groups. VIA will build the staff capacity of three local NGOs to operate these centers, conduct a widespread information and education campaign on HIV testing and prevention to reach 300,000 youth in towns and IDP (Internally Displaced Person) camps, and conduct workshops on abstinence, anti-discrimination, and HIV+ care and support. Building on its successful volunteer model, VIA will train local Ugandan youth as peer HIV counselors to implement counseling and testing services at stationary and mobile VCT clinics, including visits to the IDP camps.
Responsibilities:
• Manage VCT centers and mobile clinics in partnership with project staff including program planning, staff scheduling, logistics, provision of testing supplies
• Manage VCT client records and database; assure follow-up with clients
• Compile data and reports; ensure quality management.
• Assure that local NGO partners are meeting their workshop and outreach targets
• Provide technical support to VCT Center staff.
• Assist in the Information, Education and Communication campaign as required.
• Assist in grant writing where required.
Qualifications:
• At least one year of experience in health administration, public health, or health services management.
• Knowledge of public health information, education, and communications methodology in an African development context.
• Experience supervising and/or training others preferred.
• University degree required.
• Fluent in English; excellent communication skills required.
• Provide own laptop computer to use in the field
• Willingness to work in a difficult and insecure environment.
Benefits: This is a supported volunteer position for a limited term of 6 to 12 months. VIA will provide volunteers with shared housing, basic health coverage, and a monthly stipend ($300), and visa/work permit. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of their airfare and pre-departure health costs.
