Capacity Development Officer

Technical Support Facility

Job Description

Capacity Development Officer

(Joint recruitment by CAFS and IPPFAR)

Background

The Technical Support Facility (TSF) for Eastern Africa has been established to respond to the growing demand for quality short term technical assistance (STTA) in strategic areas of planning and management for scaling up HIV and AIDS responses across Eastern Africa.

The TSF is managed by CAFS supported by IPPFAR and The Alliance and funded by UNAIDS as part of its strategy to help strengthen co-ordination and capacity for effective HIV and AIDS interventions in line with national priorities and plans. TSF EA currently serves Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Position: Capacity Development Officer (CDO)
Reporting to: Technical Assistance Manager
Location: Nairobi, with travel to TSF EA countries
Application deadline: 27th May 2011

The CDO will leads in the design, implementation and monitoring of the TSF’s comprehensive Capacity Development Program combining professional development of consultants and strengthening the capacity of country partners in planning and managing of technical assistance.

The CDO will work closely with the Technical Resource Consultant (TRC) in charge of Capacity Development and the Technical Assistance Officers under the supervision of the Technical Assistance Manager.

Main Responsibilities/Tasks

Manage & monitor a Comprehensive TSF Capacity Development Strategy and Programme

• Implement the TSF CD strategy program with appropriate redesigns to ensure a comprehensive program that responds to changing country partner and consultant needs
• On a semi-annual basis undertake a needs assessment of consultant and country partner capacity strengthening priority requirements
• On a regular basis, identify HIV-focused courses run by CAFS and IPPFAR that country partners and consultants can access and work with training leaders in both institutions in the development and roll out of the same
• On a continuous basis, research and circulate available online training programs and resources to consultants and country partners
• Regularly identify other available trainings offered regionally with a view to creating synergy with other TSFs and potential CD partners
• Drawing on various needs assessments, ensure the TSF maintains a cutting edge program approach comprising a range of activities e.g. mentoring, mixed-team approaches, peer-reviews, professional development reviews, consultant accreditation etc.
• With the TAM and other external TA as required, develop needed methodologies, curriculum materials and workplans for components under the CD program inclusive of the TSF’s organizational development approach, mentoring approach, among other areas
• Undertake mid and annual internal reviews of the CD programme and make recommendations for its strengthening
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the quality of CD services/opportunities provided
• Regularly review feed-back from clients about consultants and feedback from consultants about clients to inform strengthening of CD programme
• At regular intervals assess skills gaps of the TSF consultant database and make recommendations on needed training and/or coaching

Implement GFTAM Supported Capacity Development Component for Country Partners

• In consultation with the TAM, support capacity development of GFTAM funded program of work
• Identify priority GFATM grantees; design and implement relevant CD initiatives to enhance GFATM grant performance
• Ensure design of above is incorporated into overall CD strategy document
• As required, identify and utilize existing tools to assist in strengthening grantee capacity to enhance grant performance; develop new tools on needs basis
• Identify other relevant trainings in the region offered by GF funded contractors; liaise with contractors to access opportunities for TSF consultants and country partners
• In consultation with TSF TAM, review and adjust the CD program to integrate any expanded CD activities flowing from new injections of other donor funds
• Assist in developing a training package on GF process in collaboration with other regional CD organizations

Design and Manage Consultant Professional Skills Development Program

• Manage any logistics associated with roll-out of CD programme
• On a continuous basis, gather relevant resources for sharing with targeted national consultants and make available for uploading to online knowledge hub
• Design and implement a mentoring/shadowing program for national consultants
• Working closely with TAM, identify consultants for enrollment in the CD Programme and identify a cadre of competent consultants to serve as mentors
• On a semi-annual basis, assist in organizing a regional sharing forum for consultants
• Maintain regular contact with country partner stakeholders to identify CD needs as they arise and make recommendations on how TSF should respond

Contribute to broader TSF planning, reporting and marketing processes

• Adapt and share tools across TSFs
• Co-ordinate and monitor progress on the implementation of the work plan
• Ensure timely narrative reports made to the TSF TAM on a quarterly basis or upon request
• Support in identifying CD and TSF marketing opportunities together with the TAM and design, produce and disseminate materials for marketing the TSF CD program

Education and experience

• Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. public health, education, etc)
• Minimum of 5-8 years experience in professional development and/or capacity building/institutional strengthening
• Extensive experience in the African health sector and HIV/AIDS is essential
• Demonstrated high level of experience/familiarity with consulting work and/or consulting company preferred
• Excellent oral and communication skills
• Track record in either curriculum development, training and/or facilitation
• Ability to work with all levels of stakeholders
• Exceptional planning and organising ability
• Exceptional writing, editing and report writing skills
• Demonstrated knowledge in monitoring & reporting on development initiatives

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications with a detailed CV to the following address: TSFEasternAfrica@cafs.org

Though we appreciate all applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted