Countering Gender Based Violence Expert (Consultant position)
OVERVIEW
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking a Countering Gender Based Violence (cGBV) Expert for a potential 5-year Health Systems Strengthening Technical Assistance Program in Lesotho. This MCA funded program will provide senior level technical experts to support the Government of Lesotho’s MCA (MCA-Lesotho II) in the areas of project management, decentralized provision of health services, primary health care, digital health, health communications, public financial management, referral systems and clinical care, gender based violence (GBV) health sector response, policy support, IT services and other health service support as may be required by the Compact.
Overall, the Consultant will advise the MCA –Lesotho II as they review and approve deliverables submitted by other MCA-Lesotho II consultants. Tasks could include, but are not limited to: rapid assessments to help understand barriers and facilitators to implementation; developing recommendation advocacy briefs and papers; site visits to review implementation; conducting process evaluations to provide recommendations to improve programming, providing briefers or talking points for high-level meetings or presentations; presenting or representing on issues related to HSS (Health Systems Strengthening), PHC (Primary Health Care) and other project issues; and providing recommendations to advance solutions in complex issues that may hinder implementation.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNTERING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE EXPERT
The Countering Gender Based Violence Expert will provide expertise in the integration of cGBV into Lesotho health systems, including referral systems, use of evidence-based clinical protocols, district level implementation and community prevention.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific tasks may include the review of deliverables such as:
- The operationalization of a standardized approach to charting and on-site recordkeeping for GBV cases in all facilities at all levels within the district.
- Mapping of district-specific providers of GBV services, leveraging and updating existing mappings, as relevant.
- The assessment of existing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the defined package of essential primary care services at the district hospital and health center level, including an assessment of the clinical management of GBV.
- Research to assess the drivers of demand for PHC services (including cGBV services).
- Support relevant health and other sector teams/staff in the revision of job descriptions for focal points and nursing staff to include provision of GBV services and referrals according to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
And may provide assessment on items such as the:
- Effectiveness of capacity-building activities for DHMT (District Health Management Teams) and health care workers in the management of GBV clinical treatment and response protocols in line with the requirements of the Counter-Domestic Violence Law
Duration of assignment and travel requirements:
The cGBV expert will be required to provide intermittent assistance to the project for the duration of the assignment (approx. 5 years). The level of effort required will be confirmed during the work planning phase. A large proportion of the work will take place in Lesotho, and frequent travel throughout the country is expected
QUALIFICATIONS
- A master’s degree or higher, one of which must be in any of these illustrative fields; nursing, social work, public health, public policy, law, gender studies or a related field.
- 10 years demonstrated experience working in comprehensive programs to translate GBV legislation, policy and commitments into implementation and strengthening management structures to ensure sustainable programs. Experience working in Lesotho government systems is preferred.
- 10 years of experience integrating a GBV response in the health or social care sector, including one assignment that demonstrates experience designing, implementing or evaluating the skills development of health workers to deliver high quality decentralized GBV services preferred.
- 5 years of experience working in Africa or providing remote technical assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably in or to Southern Africa.
- 2 years’ experience in reviewing deliverables for quality, completeness and sustainability.
- Experience in capacity building, especially within Ministries of Health.
- Experience in evaluating project workplans and outputs
- Strong report writing skills in English
- Demonstrated gender and human rights approach
- Professional proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
- Preference will be given to Lesotho or regional nationals.
MSH is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. MSH will take affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed and that employees are treated without regard to their race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status. In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, MSH has developed and maintains an affirmative action program and plan.