AFRO-NETS> Seeking consultants for regional information needs assessment

[SAfAIDS <priscilla@safaids.org.zw>]

Seeking consultants for regional information needs assessment
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Seeking Consultants from Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia and Lesotho

Southern Africa AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) 
wishes to recruit 5 national consultants to undertake a regional in-
formation needs assessment in Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia and 
Lesotho. In conjunction with the Regional HIV/AIDS Information Net-
work (RHAIN), SAfAIDS is conducting this project to understand the 
current HIV/AIDS information needs and gaps in five regional coun-
tries. Partners of RHAIN form a technical resource network, which 
aims to mobilise the strengths and expertise of organisations working 
in the area of HIV/AIDS information and media development in Southern 
Africa. Initial participants in this network include SAfAIDS, Panos, 
Health Development Network (HDN), Health Systems Trust (HST), The 
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations 
Integrated Regional Information Network (UN-IRIN), and German Devel-
opment Cooperation (GTZ).

Consultants are required for Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia and 
Lesotho. Each consultant will be responsible for:

a) Developing and designing a consultative tool for planning and con-
ducting the Information Needs Assessment in their specific country. 
The Information Needs Assessment should identify gaps in knowledge, 
information and technical expertise as well as make recommendations 
to RHAIN partners on how to meet the needs of information users. 

b) Using a variety of research methods, the consultant will design to 
achieve a comprehensive report of the broad range of HIV/AIDS infor-
mation needs in the region. The overall design should comprise a par-
ticipatory approach to needs assessment, identifying the gap of 
stakeholders, availability and accessibility of information and in-
corporating their contributions, including examples of best practices 
and lessons learned in their specific country.

c) Writing a report highlighting the available information products, 
uses of information technology, and providing an outline for the de-
velopment of a regional information strategy by the RHAIN Network.

d) The consultant for Mozambique will be required to explore the use 
of Portuguese in HIV/AIDS information services.

e) Information collected by the consultant will be compiled into a 
database of national/regional information sources which will be made 
available both electronically and in print.

Key Requirements

* Advanced university degree or equivalent work experience in Health
  Development;
* Ability to liase and network with donor agencies, UN agencies,
  HIV/AIDS NGOs, development agencies, Government Ministries and Me-
  dia;
* Understanding of technical information issues in delivery of
  HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health services;
* Extensive and effective research, analysis and writing skills;
* Strong planning and good communication skills; 
* Ability to coordinate complex activities under time constraints; 
* Excellent communication skills in English; 
* Proficiency in Portuguese (for Mozambique); 
* Ability to use computer software.

Duration: thirty days

Conditions: 
* Competitive remuneration;
* Positions will be based in the 5 countries and local consultants
  preferred;
* Reports directly to SAfAIDS, who is the overseer of the Needs As-
  sessment.

Interested individuals or organisations are invited to submit their 
concise CV with three contact references and a one-page cover letter 
of motivation outlining the country you wish to conduct the Needs As-
sessment. You may wish to support your application by relevant capa-
bility statements including documents for consideration and verifica-
tion of this role. Submit your application to SAfAIDS by 7 December 
2001:

SAfAIDS
P.O.Box A509
Avondale, Harare
Tel: +263-4-336-193/4
Fax: +263-4-336-195
mailto:priscilla@safaids.org.zw

SAfAIDS is a registered Private Voluntary organization, that assists 
in strengthening the skills and capacity in Southern Africa to under-
stand and effectively address the socio-economic impact of AIDS, and 
promote effective HIV prevention and care programmes. The organiza-
tion supports research initiatives and disseminates results, assists 
other organisations in HIV/AIDS programme and policy development.

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