Innovative Harm Reduction Coordinator - PWID at TB HIV Care

Purpose of the position:

• The Coordinator will coordinate and support implementation of a project on innovative harm reduction interventions funded by the Open Society Foundations.  The position is responsible for ensuring the project activities are implemented, including drug surveillance (drug checking, testing of residual drugs in returned needles and use of drug testing strips among people being worked up for opioid agonist therapy), communication of trends in drug markets and building awareness around overdose prevention sites.  The Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating surveillance activities, training, communication, engagement and capacity building activities. The person will also be responsible for drafting and submitting relevant reports and fostering stakeholder engagement.

Minimum Requirements    

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, public health, or related field
• Formal training in research or harm reduction as well as links with stakeholders involved in drug testing or surveillance will be an advantage
• Previous experience in setting up communities of practice or similar platforms to share information relating to drug use issues/ harm reduction interventions is highly desirable
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in research or relevant project management in the public health, harm reduction or drug use health is essential
• Experience in arranging and leading training or stakeholder workshops
• Experience in harm reduction and PWUD programming is beneficial
• Ability to travel as and when required
• Lived experience of drug use will be an advantage
• A valid driver’s license is essential

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Support the implementation of a street drug checking pilot
• Support the implementation of fentanyl drug testing into opioid agonist therapy programmes
• Create, maintain and expand a network of allies who support overdose responses
• Support efforts to improve drug and drug overdose surveillance activities and systems
• Support and deliver training and workshops to build advocacy, leadership and knowledge of overdose prevention sites
• Support and build capacity of stakeholders to understand trends in drug use
• Coordinate implementation of project activities
• Provide logistical and administrative support for meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagements
• Document and report on meetings, trainings and advocacy engagements using programme tools
• Support communication with local ethics committees around approvals and reporting
• Prepare and submit high-quality monthly activity reports
• Participate in learning and development opportunities (trainings, workshops, information sessions etc.).
• Track policy developments in drug trends and harm reduction to inform advocacy priorities and strategies.
• Develop competency to disseminate findings and engage stakeholders

Skills and Competencies    

• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Computer literacy and IT skills
• Problem-solving
• Stakeholder management
• Excellent organisational and administration skills
• Reporting and statistics