READY+ Focal Points call for applications
About READY+

READY+ is a program designed to build Resilient and Empowered Adolescents and Young people (READY). Autonomy and the ability to make informed choices about one’s health and rights is fundamental, which is why READY helps empower adolescents and young people living with or most affected by HIV (AYPLHIV) to advocate and lobby for these services at different levels to realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

READY+ is a socio-ecological implementation model with an aim for five core achievements:

  1. Meaningful youth engagement, support, and leadership
  2. Family Strengthening
  3. Community mobilisation for change and action
  4. Youth-friendly health services and access to SRH commodities
  5. Economic empowerment and personal development

GOAL: Adolescents and young people living with or most affected by HIV, especially those who are most vulnerable, are resilient, empowered and knowledgeable, have bodily autonomy and the freedom and agency to realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Role Overview

To effectively bring about change at the personal, community, and national levels, READY+ enhances advocacy and accountability by providing training and support to young leaders. These leaders are empowered to advocate for gender equality, promote and ensure the sexual and reproductive health and rights of AYPLHIV, and hold decision-makers and policymakers accountable if needs are not met and rights are violated at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

With this background, are you a passionate and dedicated young individual with extensive advocacy skills and knowledge who is willing to serve as a READY+ Focal Point for Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe? As a Focal Point, you will play a crucial role in advocating for the needs of young people living with HIV at the country level, facilitating peer support, and ensuring access to essential health services.

Key Responsibilities

The Focal Point will collaborate with the Country Lead to deliver an impactful READY project in their respective countries. Be the face of the READY+ in the country- representing the programme and its objectives at key meetings and events and; 

  • Lead advocacy activities from the READY+ program and represent the movement at various advocacy events;
  • Work with the Country Lead to monitor high-level country plans, including country-specific advocacy objectives, development of case studies, outcome harvesting, etc;
  • Promote READY+ in the media, share implementation stories on various communication platforms, and lead lobbying or start a process for scaling up the READY+ model with either government or regional entities;
  • Produce READYCAST podcast series engaging different stakeholders in the country on the agenda of young people in our diversity;
  • Mentoring and supporting Community Adolescents Treatment Supporters in respective countries on a monthly basis;
  • Potential to participate in regional and global meetings to represent the priorities of adolescents and young people in the HIV response;
  • Reporting on country network activities and contributing to reports on the progress of READY+;
  • Provide peer-to-peer information, counselling, and support to adolescents and young people living with HIV;
  • Advocate for the direct inclusion of YPLHIV, including those identified as key populations, in planning and program processes, national policies, etc.
  • Collaborate with local health services to improve access to HIV, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health services;
  • Communicate regularly through monthly activity reports, emails, and calls with READY+ Focal Points and the Y+ Global Programmes Officer on progress, experiences, feedback, and status of the READY+ Project in-country.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be an adolescent or young person living with or affected by HIV;
  • Between the ages of 18-29;
  • A diploma or higher in Public Health, health-related education, social science or relevant studies is desired;
  • Living within the country, they will be representing either Eswatini, Mozambique, or Zimbabwe;
  • Proficient in the English language;
  • Strong communication and report writing skills;
  • Able to participate in various meetings and workshops via Zoom, Google Meet, docs, etc;
  • Experience in working with and advocating for adolescents and young people living with and affected by HIV at the national or regional level;
  • Passionate about youth advocacy and community development;
  • Experience in peer support, counselling, or community outreach is an advantage;
  • Strong networking skills;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

  • A letter of interest not exceeding 300 words clearly explains why you want the READY+ Focal Point and your experience in advocating or engaging with AYP living with HIV at the local or country level;
  • A current curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience (3 pages maximum);
  • A recommendation letter from a reputable local organisation working with AYP in the country.

Submit the requested documents through email to application@yplusglobal.org with the heading: (YOUR FULL NAMES- COUNTRY- READY Focal Point) by the 15th of September 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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