Advocacy Officer (VP) - LEPRA Society (Apply by: 18 Apr 2014)

REF No LSRO/HR/VIH/AO-001

REPORTING TO Program Manager

LOCATION Bhubaneswar

JOB TITLE Advocacy Officer –Vihaan Project

LAST DATE OF APPLYING 18/04/2014

Advocacy Officer

LEPRA Society “Vihaan Project” is a GFATM (Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria) Round 4, Phase II Grant program being implemented by India HIV/AIDS Alliance through various Sub-Recipients (SRs) and Sub-Sub Recipients (SSRs) in 31 districts of India to improve the survival and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS by scaling up Care, Support & Treatment Services for the community by establishing Care & Support Centre (CSCs) as a part of the national effort to improve the treatment outcomes and meet the needs of the PLHIV – including high-risk groups, woman and children over a period of three years.

LEPRA Society is the SR for the state of Odisha and the project is being implemented in the 9 districts.

Key responsibilities

• The Advocacy Officer will be responsible for the (name of organisation) advocacy work and for informing, influencing and documenting advocacy work within the Vihaan program. S/he will work closely with the Program Manager, to coordinate state and district level advocacy work, capacity building of partners and external stakeholders and will liaise with other teams to ensure the participation and emphasis on the role of community participation and resource mobilization.
• Under the supervision of the Program Manager, lead the strategizing, planning and co-ordination to build and successfully implement advocacy initiatives under the Vihaan Program.
• In coordination with the Program Manager, develop strategies to ensure information and initiatives from all SSRs
• In coordination with programme and technical staff, identify key areas for advocacy and development of advocacy work plan with SSRs
• Manage the system for strengthening the linkages with the Government and non-Government departments and leverage resource for SSRs
• Manage and strengthen the system for follow up the advocacy implementation practices at grass root level and document the challenges in implementation of the result of advocacy practices
• Undertake the responsibilities to ensure the document to key issues related basic rights and legal rights of high risk group people
• Develop, document and disseminate good advocacy practices, working in close consultation with the Programmes team and SSRs
• Participate in relevant programme activities at state and district level to inform and guide cross state learning policy development and best practices in advocacy
• Identified the gaps and challenges in mobilization of local resources and undertake the responsibilities to develop the plan of action for resource mobilization
• Provide technical assistance to build the capacity of SSRs in area of advocacy, both by distant and on-site support
• Develop, collate and disseminate advocacy resources, and provide advocacy guidance to the Programmes team.
• Develop the state specific advocacy plan as per key issues of PLHIV
• Take responsibility for day-to-day management of advocacy projects, in close liaison with other Alliance India teams, in particular Senior Advocacy Officer and Vihaan team
• Establish, maintain and strengthen effective relationships with relevant stakeholders, including state and district government agencies, SSRs
• In consultation with the Program Manager, represent organisation in appropriate state and district level forums
• Undertake other responsibilities not outlined above which are commensurate with a role of this nature and which have been discussed and agreed between the line manager and the post holder

Qualification & Experience

• Degree in social sciences, health or development field (or equivalent) with at least 3 years of relevant experience in the health or development sectors. The criteria for selection will be relaxed for members from PLHIV or key population group with relevant experience and calibre and final decision lies with the interview panel.
• Experience of undertaking advocacy and networking with Govt. and other institutions at State and district levels.
• Strong analytical skills, facilitation skills to undertake evidence based advocacy
• Strong analytical skills, and the ability to synthesize complex concepts and to communicate them effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently and strong liasoning skills with Govt. departments, corporate units and civil society organizations
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Good computer skills using MS office
• Ability and willingness to undertake extensive travel within State/States & other parts as necessary
• Strong commitment to HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Fluent in English,Hindi and Oriya
• Experience of working with diverse base of people and communities.
• Proven track record of delivering on stipulated time.

Compensation 

2.52 Lakhs per annum (CTC)

How to apply

If you have the skills and necessary experience and are interested in this position please forward your application along with detailed resume in the specified format downloaded from www.leprasociety.org (careers column) to hrdrob@leprahealthinaction.in specifying the REF.NO in the subject line or by post/courier specifying the REF.NO & post applied for on the cover of the application to the HR Executive, LEPRA Society, Plot No – N1/89, IRC Village, Nayapally, Bhubaneswar – 751015, Orissa. (Other formats will be rejected). Only shortlisting candidates will be contacted.

LEPRA Society is an equal opportunity employer.

PLHIV are encouraged to apply