NGO Resource Centre recruitment - Information Officer for Avian Influenza

Subject: NGO Resource Centre recruitment - Information Officer for
Avian Influenza
Date: Tue, 08 Nov 2005 14:12:35 +0700
From: NGOcentre <info@ngocentre.org.vn>
To: undisclosed-recipients: ;



The NGO Resource Centre is currently recruiting a short-term Information
Officer to support coordination and information sharing in relation to
avian influenza.

The recruitment notice and job description are copied below, and also
available online at http://www.ngocentre.org.vn/avianflu

The application deadline is next Monday, 14 November 2005.
VUFO-NGO Resource Centre

*RECRUITMENT NOTICE*

*Information Officer – Avian Influenza*
for support to co-ordination between NGOs and with government and donors
responding to Avian Influenza

(30 hours/week for 3 months with possible extension)

*Background*

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A (H5N1) was first detected
in Vietnam in December 2003. Since that time, Avian influenza infections
amongst animal populations have been confirmed amongst at least 10
countries within the region. As of now, Vietnam has recorded the highest
rate of animal infection, as well as the highest numbers of human cases
and fatalities. Despite control measures, H5N1 virus outbreaks are still
occurring within the region. Outbreaks have also recently been detected
in bird populations as far away as Russia, Kazakhstan, Romania and
Turkey. Currently, a massive poultry vaccination program is underway in
Vietnam. However, fresh outbreaks among poultry are still expected
during the coming winter months.

Generally, human cases of avian influenza infection have occurred only
in people in close contact with infected animals. However, since the
identification of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in
Vietnam and other countries in the region, FAO and WHO have been warning
of the possibility that the H5N1 virus could mutate or combine with an
existing human influenza strain, resulting in rapid and sustained
human-to-human infection. Citing precedents, including the 1918-1919
'Spanish Flu' and more recent pandemics, they consider that significant
preconditions for a possible international human pandemic now exist.

In this context, an increasing number of donors and international NGOs
are supporting Vietnam's avian influenza control efforts. This is
resulting in more resources becoming available at the national and local
levels, however also increasing the challenges of coordination in order
to avoid duplication, ensure consistent messages and program activities,
and reach priority locations and populations. The seasonal nature of
infection incidence suggests that the coming winter months will be a key
period for timely information sharing.

To contribute to overall government, donor and NGO efforts on
information-sharing and co-ordination, the NGO Resource Centre has
support from the Academy for Educational Development (AED), Plan
International and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to recruit a
short-term Information Officer. This position will be based at the NGO
Resource Centre, and will develop information sharing via meetings,
email lists, documents and the NGO Resource Centre website to support
agencies responding to Avian Influenza in Vietnam.

The position will be recruited for an initial period of 3 months, with
possible extension. Costs for the initial period of US$ 3,300 will be
shared equally between the three supporting organisations. The NGO
Resource Centre will provide supervision and support.
JOB DESCRIPTION


*Position* Information Officer - Avian Influenza

*Accountable to* Managing Co-Director

*Hours per week* 30 hours/week (work schedule to be discussed)

*Duration*
3 months (during November 2005 - February 2006) with possible extension


*Overall Responsibility*

The Communication Officer is responsible for supporting information
sharing to support effective and timely program activities and
co-ordination between NGOs and with donors and government responding to
Avian Influenza in Vietnam.


*Main tasks and responsibilities*

* Develop and maintain regular contact with a network of contacts
working on avian influenza co-ordination, information sharing and
program responses within Vietnam and internationally. This will
particularly include the UN Avian Influenza Donor Co-ordination
Specialist, the Communications focal point in WHO, Embassies and key
INGOs in order to maximise information sharing and co-ordination
activities.

* Develop an Avian Influenza section on the NGO Resource Centre
providing updated information, resources and links for agencies
responding to avian influenza. As far as possible, information will be
provided in both English and Vietnamese. (Training and support on using
the NGO Resource Centre's website content management system (CMS) will
be provided).

It is expected that the website will be updated daily and will include:

- a matrix of government, donor and NGO activities on avian influenza.
This will include contact details and information on activities and
locations

- daily and weekly email bulletins summarising outbreak incidence,
co-ordination activities, and other new information, resources and
developments related to avian influenza in Vietnam and the region

- information on Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
strategies, background research (e.g. KAPB studies, piloting and
efficacy assessments) and actual IEC materials and resources to share
via the website and library. Encourage information sharing and
collaboration between agencies conducting IEC activities related to
avian influenza.

* Organise and facilitate co-ordination and information sharing meetings
at the NGO Resource Centre. Participate in other relevant NGO,
government and donor co-ordination and information meetings on avian
influenza in Vietnam.

* Play a key facilitating role for advocacy activities from agencies
responding to avian influenza to governments

* Work with other NGO Resource Centre staff and Working Groups to
maximise the effectiveness and impact of information sharing and
co-ordination activities.

* In the event of an outbreak of sustained human-to-human, play a key
role in co-ordinating information sharing and responses together with
other key information focal points in Vietnam and internationally


*Position Requirements*

- Excellent Vietnamese and English language communication skills
- At least two years working with an INGO or similar in Vietnam
- Highly developed communication, networking, and analytical skills;
able to process and respond quickly to new information
- Ability to interact with a wide range of individuals and institutions
- Confident working with computers and information technology in general
- Diplomacy and patience
- Commitment to the sharing of information and resources to support
INGOs and other development actors in Vietnam


*Application Procedures*

Qualified applicants are invited to send their application letter and
detailed curriculum vitae to Mr. David Payne, Co-Director via
info@ngocentre.org.vn no later than 5.00 pm, Monday 14 November 2005.
Please put "Application for Information Officer - Avian Influenza" in
the subject line of the email.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. No
phone contact please.





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NGO Resource Centre
Add: Khach san La Thanh
218 Doi Can, Hanoi
Tel: (84-4) 8328570
Fax: (84-4) 8328611
Email: info@ngocentre.org.vn
www.ngocentre.org.vn
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