Job Description
Job Purpose
The Regional Advocacy Officer will support NASCOP and NACC in implementing HIV
prevention advocacy strategy including improving the legal and policy environment for HIV
prevention. The position will report to the advocacy manager and support in designing and
implementing strategies to safeguard the human rights of priority populations, PLHIV and
health care workers. The Regional Advocacy Officer will champion the agenda to address
structural barriers related to service access including stigma, discrimination and violence,
engage in dialogue and sensitization of law enforcement and health care workers. The
position will be based at the project’s main office with significant travel to supported
counties, sub counties and health facilities
Key Responsibility
- Support NASCOP and NACC to implement the advocacy plan and efforts to ensure that
barriers to access to HIV prevention services are addressed successfully;
- Support NASCOP and NACC with data, evidence, case studies to help them advocate for
HIV prevention programmes with policymakers, national committees, academic partners,
the media and the public;
- Support NASCOP and NACC to ensure that HIV prevention programmes follow high
ethical standards and protect the human rights of all including service users and
providers;
- Support the strategic information team at NASCOP and NACC to ensure that evidence to
understand structural barriers are included in all monitoring and evaluation activities;
- Support NASCOP and NACC to analyse evidence collected by the institutions or other
stakeholders to assess the gaps and devise strategies to address the structural barriers;
- Produce evidence based reports, briefing notes and other materials to advocate for
positive policy environment for HIV prevention in Kenya;
- Work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that implementation of the national advocacy
strategy is coordinated across counties and stakeholders;
- Organize and participate in the national and county advocacy subcommittees as well as
the Technical Working Groups;
- Undertake training of trainers on various concepts of advocacy as well as provide
ongoing sensitization, technical support and guidance to all stakeholders; and
- Perform any other related duties as required.
Qualification and Experience
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in social sciences, public health or law;
- Seven years of experience of working in HIV prevention in Kenya;
- Five years’ experience in working with government to support them develop and
implement advocacy strategies for HIV;
- Experience in developing advocacy strategies for priority populations;
- Experience of working with police and judiciary on HIV prevention issues; and
- Experience of working with a variety of stakeholders including non-health stakeholders.
Skills and Attributes
- Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships and to exercise initiative, tact
and diplomacy;
- Excellent networking skills;
- Articulate and able to communicate in a clear, professional manner with staff and
stakeholders;
- High degree of proficiency in presentation and training skills;
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political ethical issues
surrounding HIV infections and population based programming;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage a high-volume workflow, adhere to
timelines with minimal supervision, as well as to lead and work collaboratively with
others;
- Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint) essential; and
- Fluent in written and spoken English and Kiswahili.