State Technical Team Leader (2)
Project ORCHID, Emmanuel Hospital Association
Location: One each at Imphal, Manipur and Dimapur, Nagaland
Last date: 31st March 2010

Background:

Project ORCHID is funded by Avahan, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s India AIDS Initiative to reduce transmission of HIV and STI among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), Sex Workers (SWs), Men having Sex with Men (MSM) and their sexual partners through a response of increased scale and coverage in selected high-prevalence districts and townships of Manipur and Nagaland in northeast India. Project ORCHID has the responsibility to ensure the development of capacity in its states to mount a response of the scale required to prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). This is largely accomplished through the strengthening of civil society responses implemented by NGOs. Project ORCHID directly supports 24 NGOs in 13 districts of Manipur and Nagaland through teams based in both states. Project ORCHID supports Targeted Interventions to over 80% of the high risk groups (injecting drug users (IDUs), sex workers (SWs) and men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM)) in project districts, reaching over 24,000 of these key populations. Project ORCHID works alongside the State AIDS Control Societies using similar approaches, but in different geographic locations. Harm reduction is the main approach and includes needle and syringe exchange programs (NSEP), oral drug substitution therapy (OST) sexually transmitted infection (STI) management, provision of condoms, behaviour change communication (BCC), efforts to create an enabling environment in which clients can access services and engage in their practices safely, abscess management, counseling, health camps and referral services. The Project, jointly implemented by the Emmanuel Hospital Association and the Nossal Institute (University of Melbourne), commenced in 2004. The second phase of the Project commenced in April 2009 and will be implemented over a further five-year period.

The second phase of Avahan funding aims to leverage national efforts to ensure sustained prevention impact. Therefore the main objectives of Project ORCHID in the current phase are to

1. Consolidate HIV prevention impact by implementing a scaled prevention program with high-risk groups
2. Ensure successful transition of HIV prevention programs to communities and NGOs through effectively building their capacity building
3. Transfer programme funding and management to government and other stakeholders
4. Create a knowledge base for scaled HIV prevention amongst IDU, FSW and MSM and document and disseminate lessons learnt

Position Objective:

To provide leadership and manage the technical operations of the Project in the state of Manipur/Nagaland in order to achieve the goals and objectives of ORCHID Phase II

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage the Project ORCHID technical teams in the assigned state (Manipur or Nagaland) and provide technical oversight of the program to ensure effective implementation of all activities in line with project objectives and agreed work plan.
• Provide leadership that builds and motivates effective teams and ensures accountability through meeting of all the donor’s and organizations’ requirements.
• Identify and manage risks, constraints and changes in the external environment for program management in the state.
• Ensure contractual compliance by the state coordination unit (SCU) in all matters relating to program including timely submission of quality program reports and other requirements to the PMU.
• Ensure contractual compliance by the implementing partners in the state including financial compliance, timely submission of quality program reports and other Project requirements.
• Undertake annual program planning in consultation with implementing partners and team members, including revising project activities as required.
• Ensure that all implementing partners and ORCHID team members are adequately trained in their area of work and provide support wherever required – including on the job training and mentoring in project management skills
• Ensure that an effective monitoring and evaluation system is complied with and work with the M & E team to closely monitor Project progress
• Ensure that data being collected from the project management information systems (MIS) is of high quality and being utilized by project staff (both ORCHID staff and NGO/CBO staff) to make evidence based programming decisions to improve quality of service provision and targeting of interventions
• Ensure that activities undertaken are in accordance with agreed plans with Avahan.
• Establish and maintain working relationships, regular communication and knowledge sharing with key stakeholders and the State AIDS Control Societies.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Higher degree in a relevant discipline (management, business administration, Public Health or international development)
• Project management experience, at least five years
• Strong technical skills- experience and ability to analyze data and undertake evidence based programming
• Proven ability to use initiative, organizational and problem solving skills – including, goal setting, planning, time management and ability to multi task
• Demonstrated ability to design and develop management, oversight and evaluation systems, preferably in a field context
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to provide on the job training, support and mentoring in project management
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Strong interpersonal and cross cultural communication skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with project partners and effective relationship management

Highly Desirable:

Knowledge and working experience in North East India
Familiarity with donor requirements for project management, including experience in managing outputs based contracts.

Understanding of and commitment to community based programs, including knowledge of NGO philosophy, management and accountability systems
Experience in coordinating national, state or provincial level programs.

• Well-developed financial analysis and reporting skills

Term of Contract appointment:

All EHA-Project ORCHID staff contracts are one year contractual appointment but extendable base on the performance and life of the project.

Application Process:

To apply:

1. Send your CV (no longer than 2 pages) via email only, together with Covering Letter outlining relevant experience and explaining why you want to apply for the role (no longer than 1 page).
2. E-mail your application to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
3. Deadline for applications: March 31, 2010
4. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email and or phone.

Please Note: Applications without covering letter and with CVs longer than 2 pages will not be taken into consideration.