JOB SUMMARY

Inter religious council of Ethiopia is an umbrella organization made up of seven major religious institutions found in Ethiopia, namely the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC), the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), the Ethiopian Catholic Church (ECC), the Evangelical Church Fellowship of Ethiopia (ECFE), the Ethiopian Seventh Day Adventist Church (ESDAC), the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) and the Ethiopian Kale Hiwot Church (EKH). It was established as an independent and registered entity in 2010 and it has been certified by the then Ministry of Federal Affairs; now Ministry of Peace. Its objective includes promotion and systemization of inter-faith learning, collaboration and synergy to address issues of common concern such as peace building, conflict transformation and inter-faith dialogue. It also mainstreams the crosses cutting issues in all its development strategies such as HIV/AIDS, Human Trafficking, Climate change, and different harmful practices (Child marriage, FGM, GBV and domestic violence, etc.). Therefore, IRCE is the only institution of its kind in the country that promotes peace, culture of dialogue and enhances social wellbeing based on shared and common values of religious teachings.

IRCE has been awarded a grant by USAID Ethiopia to implement PEPFAR’s Faith based Retention and Adherence Initiative for 23 months based on availability of funding and performance. The grant intends to strengthen organizational capacity by the recipient and, concurrently, deliver strategic HIV advocacy, communication and social mobilization (ACSM) to faith-based audiences in close collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia in PEPFAR geographic focusing areas.

IRCE seeks a Public Health Specialist to provide technical and strategic leadership in the development and implementation of Public Health and GBV response among faith-based communities, the internally displaced population, PLHIV and survivor of GBV. The incumbent of the position will be responsible for ensuring that the Public Health activities are aligned with global guidelines and best practices in the field. The incumbent of the position repots to project director.

Key Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Management and Implementation

• Proactively participate in the development of work plan and ensure public health and GBV components are integrated in project work plan;
• Responsible for development and execution of effective Public Health programming to support quality case management, psychosocial support and empowerment activities for targeted faith-based communities, internally displaced population and GBV survivors;
• Develop strategy and tools to guide public health and GBV prevention and response activities to increase HIV treatment adherence;
• Conduct continuous analysis of the achievements of the project and undertake field monitoring visits to identify technical quality of services, evaluate gaps in performance of team and amend/adjust work plan accordingly;
• Develop and support implementation of standard SOPs that will guide case management and clinical management in compliance with best-practice and international standards of Public Health and GBV response, including mandatory reporting requirements;
• Develop training manuals and build capacity on Public Health skills-building and supportive counselling as it relates with HIV and GBV for staff, spiritual leaders, volunteers and PLHIV;
• Develop referral mechanisms and tools to facilitate referrals to community level and health facility services and ensure services is provided to the clients;
• Provide technical support to colleagues and partners, including psychosocial and awareness-raising on matters related public health and medical services for survivors of sexual and gender violence;
• Coordinate the mapping of stakeholders and health service facilities relevant for integrated Public health service provision and GBV prevention and response;
• Develop context specific, technically relevant, public health and GBV related IEC materials;
• Ensures technical oversight and field-monitoring of the program staff in close coordination with program managers, notably to ensure quality control and adequate implementation of the planned tools and frameworks;
• Ensure the project team is adhering to GBV programming guidelines and GBV is integral part of the project;
• Accomplish other duties assigned by immediate supervisor.

Representation and Coordination

• Lead the creation and reach out to external stakeholders to improve referral pathway and services mapping for survivors of GBV;
• Represent the project on different Public health and GBV coordination forums;
• Maintain a strong working relationship with relevant section of Ministry of Health and other partners to support the provision of quality care to all survivors;
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including community members and leaders, PLHIV associations, USIAD IPs, and NGOs, to enhance multi-sectorial cooperation and coordination.

Reporting and Documentation

• Consolidate existing assessments on GBV and Public health situation in the setting and/or engage the displaced and host populations in conducting relevant participatory analyses, rapid needs assessments, etc. in coordination with other partners as required;
• Capture lessons learned and best practices, sharing these with management for future planning supporting training needs of project personnel;
• Capture data and generate evidence on Public health and GBV aspects so as to improve planning and implementation of the project; of the project and use
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarter, semi-annual and annual reports on timely manner;

Number of Position: (01)

Reporting to: Project Director

Knowledge and Skills

• Public health and substance abusive assessment skills;
• Culturally sensitive;
• Experienced in intake interviewing techniques;
• Knowledge and skill in comprehensive case management services;
• Experience in counselling families of HIV-positive clients on emotional support.

Job Requirements:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Public health, psychology, counselling or related field with a minimum of 5 and 7 years of experience respectively; out of which 3 years working on Public health;
• Certified Public Health Professional certification or similar is advantageous;
• Previous experience working on a Public healthcare is preferred;
• A sound understanding of various therapy types, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), Gestalt therapy, multimodal therapy, and more;
• Superior problem-solving and observational skills.