Position Description

The MOSAIC Research Assistant and Youth Representative will provide general research and operations support to the MOSAIC research department with the implementation and maintenance of research studies related to the introduction of new biomedical prevention products. In addition to this the research assistant will be acting as a youth representative and review study related document from a youth perspective, participate in the Global Youth Advisory Board (Next-Gen Squad) and lead the Eswatini Youth Advisory Committee

Key Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the MOSAIC Eswatini HIV Prevention Technical Advisor, liaises with and coordinates across the various technical project staff and relevant shared operations departments to ensure strong program management.
• Identify key gender and youth stakeholders, institutions, and individuals to engage in product introduction.
• Support youth and gender representation forums and participate in monthly meetings to discuss new HIV prevention products.
• Supports development and review of MOSAIC study materials, including protocol, data collection tools and standard operating procedures.
• Engage other young people in getting feedback in planned/implemented interventions as necessary, including consultations meetings on study protocols and tools;
  • Compile feedback reports from youth and share as required.
• Support the implementation of snapshot focus-group-discussions with youth and gender groups to understand perceptions and ideas on HIV prevention, including integration of messages on PrEP into existing digital platforms.
• Participate in local health promotion campaigns, youth events and relevant technical working groups when possible and ensure integration of HIV prevention information.
• Contributes to report-writing and project documentation efforts (e.g., success stories, website updates, etc.), and may assist technical staff with completion of project deliverables.
• Actively participate on the Global MOSAIC Next-Gen Squad to review progress toward project goals as a way of promoting accountability to end users/advocates.
• Coordinate and facilitate Eswatini Youth Advisory Committee meetings and relevant trainings.
• Support HIV prevention ambassador’s trainings in coordination with the Gender Integration and Youth Engagement Officer.
• Provide feedback on selected youth/gender outputs (such as the Gender/Youth Strategy).
• Serve as a facilitator for cross-country learning among young people.
• Attend and actively participates in regular meetings of the MOSAIC Gender/Youth Team sharing insights on both successes and challenges to advance collective learning.
• Facilitate awareness and prevention conversations with youth in formal and informal environments.
• Conducts other relevant duties, including administrative support, as assigned.

Minimum requirements

• Associate degree or International Equivalent in International development, business administration, public health, social sciences or a related field.
• 0 – 2 years work experience on a development project in similar capacity.
• Experience working with NGO’s in research/youth/ gender/HIV related structures and projects.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially in terms of report-writing and editing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and competency in developing and maintaining good working relations with project team members, diverse staff across the organization, and external clients and partners.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams).
• Be adaptable, approachable, empathetic and willing to take initiative. Knowledge on HIV prevention, care and treatment is an advantage.
• Self-driven, with capacity to work independently.
• Prior experience engaging in Youth Advisory committees will be an added advantage

Typical Physical Demands

• Typical office environment with some national travels
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift 5-50 lbs

Technology used

• Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, cell phones, tablet.

Travel Requirements

• 20-30% within Eswatini