Cameroon has among the highest burden of HIV in West and Central Africa (4.3% among average risk reproductive age adults – DHS 2011). The prevalence among key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and their clients, is alarmingly high. Existing data suggests a prevalence of 36% among FSW, 34% among MSM, and 16.2% among long-distance truck drivers. High HIV prevalence is associated with high-risk sexual behaviors such as inconsistent use of condoms and lubricants and a high rate of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Stigma and discrimination have further marginalized key populations, especially MSM and FSW, limiting their access to life-saving services such as anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and reducing the country’s ability to control the HIV epidemic.
The national response is led by the National AIDS Control Committee (NACC), which coordinates implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2011- 2015. This policy aims to reduce HIV and STI-related morbidity and mortality and alleviate its socioeconomic impact on the development of Cameroon. Among strategic approaches, the plan stresses improved access to prevention, care and treatment for key populations.
U.S. Government (USG) commitment for the response is articulated in the 2012 “PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-Free Generation”. Among various USG agencies supporting the response, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) focuses on combating the spread of HIV/AIDS through five key activities: HIV prevention in Most-At-Risk Populations (MARP) or key affected populations; care and support to children affected by AIDS; strengthening the national pharmaceutical management system; technical assistance to programs funded by the Global Fund; and operational research in the area of HIV prevention.
The USAID-funded Continuum of Prevention, Care, and Treatment (CoPCT) for HIV/AIDS with Most-at-risk Populations (CHAMP-Cameroon) is a five-year program with a total estimated cost of $18.8 million. Initiated in April 2014, CHAMP has the following objectives: (1) technical competence of partners in key populations program design and management using the CoPCT increased, (2) enabling environment for key populations HIV/AIDS programming strengthened, and (3) quality assurance/quality improvement, and monitoring and evaluation systems in the CoPCT strengthened. These efforts will expand service coverage in four focus regions and generate data for evidence-based programing. The program will employ a continuum of care approach, linking clients with community-and facility-based interventions. It will also strengthen the policy environment to support client-friendly services and appropriate social protection and advocacy.
CARE USA through CARE-Cameroon serves as the prime for this cooperative agreement in partnership with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Global Viral (GV). Together, the consortium is collaborating with the NACC, the Ministry of Health (MOH), community-based organizations (CBOs) and other stakeholders (UNAIDS, the Global Fund, the World Bank) to build the capacity of the national, regional and community response. CARE Cameroon is seeking an experienced, motivated, and committed individual to serve as Administrative Assistant part of the CHAMP team.
Position location :
The Administrative Assistant will be a member of the CHAMP team based at the CARE Cameroon office in Bertoua. The Incumbent would provide logistics and administrative and clerical support to CHAMP staff; monitor and provide information, recommendations and/or direction as requested by The Deputy chief of Party Coordinates a variety of activities of the CHAMP projects
Basic functions :
Administrative management :
- Coordonate CHAMP project meetings and logistics ;
- Schedules a wide variety of activities of CHAMP (e.g. appointments, meetings, drafting of report) ;
- Performs Logistics and administrative/clerical functions; carries out routine office procedures e.g., types, files, copy documents, and schedules and confirm appointments ;
- Plan the movements of the staff ;
- Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops, and/or trainings for the purpose of providing or receiving information, and supporting the needs of the attendees ;
- Maintains a wide variety of manual and electronic documents files and records for the purpose of providing up-to-date information and/or historical reference in accordance with established administrative guidelines requirements ;
- Responds to a variety of inquiries from a variety of internal and external partners and collaborators for the purpose of providing information or direction and/or facilitating communication among partners ;
- Works in close collaboration with the CARE Cameroon Finance, administrative and logistic teams.
Fund management :
- Holding of the Cash activities and operation. Caisse de Fonctionnement (300,000 XAF) ;
- Keeping of records revenue/expenditure ;
- Seizure operations in the input mask ;
- settlement of invoices less than 200.000 XAF ;
- Control of accountant document ;
- payments of the missions of the staff and activities ;
- cashing of the balances remaining missions and activities ;
- Holding of receipt books ;
- monthly closing of the different petty cash ;
- requests for replenishment of petty cash whenever balances reach 20% ;
- Follow-up on invoices.
The successful candidate will have a proven record in administration, strong interpersonal skills, and a history of working successfully in teams.
Desired minimum qualifications :
- Education : Associates Degree with field experience required ;
- Experience : Minimum 2 years of experience in administrative/clerical in an international organization. Experience with international CBOs a plus ;
- Language Proficiency : Written and oral fluency in French language is required. Additional fluency in written and oral English is preferred ;
- Knowledge : Understanding of rules and regulations related to USAID project funding, sub-contracting and reporting requirements desired ;
- Skills and abilities : Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of a team. S/he must have strong time-management skills in order to prioritize and manage numerous activities concurrently.
Position elements :
- Supervision received : The Administrative Assistant II works under the general supervision of The Regional Logistic Coordinator. The latter and the incumbent will review roles and responsibilities together, set goals, objectives, expectations and results to be achieved. The incumbent will be expected to seek advice and assistance as required ;
- Exercise of judgment : Good judgment is required to analyze, interpret, and adapt prior experience, particularly as guidelines are updated and new activities developed. Within a range determined by the incumbent and superiors, the incumbent exercises independent judgment in planning and follow-up of actions and assignments. The incumbent works with some level of independence ;
- Nature, level, and purpose of contacts : The incumbent will be expected to dialogue with a wide variety of CBO Finance and administrative representatives ;
- Supervision exercised : Supervises directly the Receptionist, the Full time Janitor and the Part-time Janitor and reports to the Regional Logistics Coordinator.
Salary and benefits :
As per CARE-Cameroon compensation package.