Interpersonal Communication Agent, Maseru, Lesotho

The Strengthening High Impact Interventions for an AIDS-free Generation (AIDSFree) Project is a five-year cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (2014-2019). AIDSFree is implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. with partners Abt Associates, Inc., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, EnCompass LLC, IMA World Health, The International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Jhpiego Corporation, and PATH. AIDSFree supports and advances implementation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief by providing capacity development and technical support to USAID missions, host-country governments, and HIV implementers at the local, regional, and national level.

AIDSFree is seeking Interpersonal Communication (IPC) Agents to promote the adoption of healthy behaviors, including consistent condom use, HIV testing and counseling (HTC) and advocating for cultural norms change and increased awareness of HIV and violence prevention, among key audiences through tailored interactive interpersonal communication (IPC) activities. IPC agents are responsible for improving linkages between demand creation and service/product delivery activities to improve access to and uptake of promoted services and products, in addition to community mobilization activities such as promoting male engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Create demand for promoted services and products by planning and conducting interpersonal communication (IPC) activities (using standardized toolkits) with key audiences, in keeping with monthly goals and quality standards.
  • Facilitate Stepping Stones curriculum in communities to promote cultural norms change and increased male engagement.
  • In collaboration with the IPC Coordinator and respective Team Leader, develop monthly implementation plans that indicate expected targets and villages/communities for intervention.
  • Distribute informational pamphlets and condoms according to IPC guidelines.
  • Provide referrals for HIV testing services, 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 AIDSFree Lesotho and sub-grantees 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 IPC 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.
  • Meet regularly with chiefs and community councils to discuss successes and challenges of implementing community norms change activities.
  • Facilitate community dialogue sessions in Maseru and Berea.
  • 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 assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Interpersonal Communication (IPC) Agents should have the following qualifications:
  • Degree in social or health sciences or similar qualification, preferred.
  • Experience in IPC, lay counseling, facilitation, or peer education will be an added advantage.
  • 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 topical areas, including promotion of male and female condoms, HIV testing and counseling, medical male circumcision.
  • Preparedness to work 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.

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