Terms of Reference
UNAIDS Lesotho Communication and Data Support Internship
Background
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) is the main advocate for accelerated and coordinated global, regional, and national action on HIV. The mission of UNAIDS is to support fast tracking of the HIV response including preventing new HIV infections, providing treatment, care, and support to those already living with the virus, reducing the vulnerability of individuals and communities to HIV, and alleviating the impact of the epidemic. Lesotho, together with other member states adopted the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: Ending Inequalities and Getting on Track to End AIDS by 2030” at the June 2021 High Level meeting. This declaration sets ambitious targets aimed at Ending the AIDS Epidemic by 2030.
UNAIDS Country Office in Lesotho works closely with several key partners to advance the mission of the organisation as given above. Its main partners include Government Ministries especially the Ministry of Health, National AIDS Commission, Development Partners in particular PEPFAR, USAID, CDC and the Global Fund and Civil Society Organisations especially networks of people living with HIV. To improve and support its work, UNAIDS is seeking an intern. The ideal intern will have
- communication skills
- skills in basic data analysis and compiling information
- a passion for public health and development
Justification
The UNAIDS Country is inundated with several requests for support ranging from high level strategic guidance to basic support for presentation of HIV strategic information and material in user friendly ways and documentation at events.
Tasks
UNAIDS Lesotho would like to offer internship opportunity to a university graduate to gain experience in HIV and specifically communication, analysis and presentation of data and HIV information for different audiences but also supporting in the coordination function of UNAIDS office.
In close consultation with UNAIDS advisers, the specific tasks for the intern will be to:
- Support in increasing the intensity and visibility of UNAIDS Lesotho Office’s work and general HIV information through social media and other appropriate platforms.
- Assist in UNAIDS’s work with stakeholders involved in the HIV response, especially those working with young people.
- Support in the production of quality reports and other related HIV material for the office and in support of partners’ work.
- Assist in synthesising data and strategic information on HIV and sharing with diverse audiences of stakeholders using different platforms, and appropriate formats.
- Support the UNAIDS office in advancing the HIV prevention agenda through appropriate communication and advocacy
- Assist in responding to various requests from different stakeholders on UNAIDS’s work and initiatives and HIV data with the support of the assistant.
- Assist in the provision of administrative and logistics support including organising meetings, liaising with national partners on UNAIDS supported events, taking notes, report writing etc.
Internship Benefit
- Intentional learning objective goals that are structured into the experience and supervised by a professional with relevant and related background in the field.
- Promotes academic, career and/or personal development.
- Includes learning objectives, observation, reflection, and evaluation.
- Balances the intern’s learning goals with the organization’s needs.
- For a minimum of 3 months and can be extended to 6 months dependant on the COVID-19 situation and national restrictions
- Full time position but flexible working hours under UNAIDS Working Arrangements Policy are permitted.
- Reasonably safe working environment with the necessary tools to perform the learning goals agreed upon for the duration of the internship.
Remuneration
- A stipend which represents the contribution of the organization towards accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the internship will be paid.
- During the internship period official travel may exceptionally be required.
- Interns will be provided with general medical illness, accident, and emergency illness coverage insurance.
Management, Reporting and Supervision
The intern will be supervised by the adviser-services for all, who will automatically provide mentorship based on agreed learning objectives.
Duty station and duration of the assignment
The duty station for the intern is the UNAIDS County Office in Maseru, Lesotho.
The duration for the internship is for a minimum of 3 months and can be extended to 6 months and will start at a time agreed by the preferred intern and the Country Director.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate qualification in social sciences, data analysis, communication or related from a recognised University or Tertiary Institution and graduated within the last 12 months.
- Studying towards a postgraduate qualification would be an added advantage.
- Knowledge of the HIV epidemic in general is a must and the situation in Lesotho is an added advantage.
- Working knowledge of Excel and presentation skills.
- Good oral and written communication skills in English is a must.
- Working knowledge of social media platforms that are popular in Lesotho.
- Good networks with civil society including media companies and houses in Lesotho is an added advantage.
- Candidates must be at least 20 years of age at the date of application.
- Candidates must be Lesotho citizens.
Competencies
- Ability to work effectively in teams, adapt and integrate easily with the team, work cooperatively in support of team objectives.
- Ability to convey ideas and thoughts in a clear and convincing way in one-on-one discussions or groups presentations and ability to produce clear correspondence and written reports.
- Ability to effectively apply their knowledge and skills to the job, and to consistently learn and improve performance.
- Ability to show initiative and enthusiasm in their work, effectively organize and manage time, and deliver high-quality results in line with agreed objectives.
- Ability to innovate and find new ways of working and improving results while maintaining a strong service orientation.
- Ability to take ownership of assigned responsibilities, to be productive, fulfil commitments and use resources responsibly.
Application
Interested and suitable candidates should submit their CV/resume in PDF format to [email protected] by 5 January 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.