The Position:

The Middle East and North Africa region has the lowest HIV prevalence in the world (less than 0.1%) with 240,000 people recorded to be living with HIV in 2018. While HIV prevalence is thought to be limited in the region, concentrated  epidemics  are  starting  to  show  up  in  several  countries among the key population (UNAIDS 'AIDSinfo' February 2019),  UNAIDS ‘Miles to go: global AIDS update 2018.)

Despite its low prevalence, the region is an area of increasing concern. Around 8,400 people died of an AIDS-related illness in 2018 as a result of very poor access to antiretroviral treatment (ART), with only 32% of those needing ART having access – far below the global level of 59%.

In 2018, there was estimated to be 20,000 new HIV infections across the region. These were concentrated among people from key population groups such as sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men and all of whom face criminalization, stigma and discrimination.   Common   routes   of   transmission   in   this   region   vary between countries.

Although substantial progress has been made in understanding HIV epidemic in recent years, knowledge of this region's epidemic is comparatively limited in terms of HIV and AIDS data.

The major concerns in the Arab Region include but not limited to, cultural norms political uprisings and  conflicts in a  number of countries in the region which undermined efforts to tackle the HIV epidemic in this region: Lack of data and effective HIV surveillance systems to enable them to track epidemic, still limited access to HIV testing and counselling as well as treatment and care services. In addition to that criminalization and discrimination toward key population groups and Lack of legal framework that apply human rights principles in HIV responses, access to sex education in the region, are also factors that reinforce the vulnerability of people living with HIV.   Consultant will report to the youth adviser.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

To contribute to global efforts to fight HIV, UNFPA ASRO (Youth & HIV\AIDS unit) is planning in 2020 to develop a paper on HIV\AIDS in the Arab region.  This paper will document  situation of HIV/AIDS in the region including key population issues, achievements, challenges in terms of access to HIV related prevention, treatment and care services , availability of data, stigma and discrimination, lessons learned and strategic role that should UNFPA play in this area.

For this purpose, a consultant will be hired to develop this position to be utilized as an advocacy tool.

You would be responsible for:

• Develop a plan for developing the position paper. This plan should be discussed and agreed with ASRO youth unit.
• Ensure an substantial  literature review of the most recent available references and sources of information in the area of HIV\AIDS, SRH and other relevant strategic frameworks in order to be in line with UNFPA vision:  UNFPA commitments towards young people, ICPD, Nairobi commitments, UNAIDS framework.
• Develop the position paper
• Facilitate a webinar with Youth & HIV\AIDS programme officers/Focal points; Representatives from YPEER and other Youth Networks and Other relevant Partners  to present the paper for review and validation
• Revise the position paper taking into account comments and suggestions provided during webinar
• Share the final versions with Youth unit

Duration:  15 working days working remotely, with no expectation of travel

Required Qualifications and Experience

• First university degree along with post graduate degree in medical sciences, public health, social science or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in social sciences or related fields.
• Working with UN or INGO in the area of HIV will be an asset
• Experience in conducting trainings, training of trainers workshops
• Previous experience with focus on youth and SRH/HIV aspects is considered as an asset
• Excellent analytical and writing skills
• Familiarity with the mandate of UNFPA
• Very good command in English and Arabic, both oral and written

Required Competencies

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Disclaimer

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fees in connection with the application on recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

How to apply:

1) Please email your CV/Resume along with a cover letter to asrovacancies@unfpa.org by 9 June 2020.

2) Please specify the position title in the email subject

3) Only applications sent to asrovacancies@unfpa.org will be considered

4) Applications received after the deadline of  9 June 2020 will be disregarded