2 Counsellors,(MRC/UVRI)-Employment, career opportunity in Uganda

Job Title: Counselors
Organization: The MRC/UVRI Uganda Virus Research Unit on AIDS
Location: Masaka, Uganda
Vacancy:  2Posts
Deadline: 16th Oct 2013
Reports to: Scientist

About MRC/UVRI:
The MRC/UVRI Uganda Virus Research Unit on AIDS was established following a request in 1988 from the Uganda Government to the British Government for collaboration on the research of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency. The Unit is a center of excellence in HIV/AIDS related research. It conducts large-scale epidemiological and intervention studies, clinical trials, virological and immunological research and behavioral studies, clinical trials, virological and immunological research and behavioral studies, and has generated a wealth of research results that have been used to inform policy and practice, and that have led to a large number of scientific publications in peer reviewed journals over time. The Unit is based at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe. MRC/UVRI is seeking keen, experienced and suitably qualified Ugandans to join a team of dedicated clinical and research staff working on the IPM 027 trial “A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial of a dapivirine vaginal matrix ring in healthy HIV-negative women”.

Job Summary: The Counsellors will provide high quality counseling for study participants and VCT in study communities with the aim of reducing the risk of HIV infection and transmission.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
    Responsible for Counselling (Pre and Post Testing) Sessions
    HIV/AIDS education to community
    Community mobilisation for VCT and existing trials/ Studies
    Promotion of condom use and other HIV prevention services.
    Secure relevant counselling records safely.
    Offer continuous risk reduction counselling to study volunteers
    Gather data on uptake of counseling
    Provide crisis management, whenever needed
    Keep participants results confidentially in a secure place
    Refer VCT clients where necessary.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

    The applicant should possess a diploma in SWASA, Development studies or a related field.
    Additional certificate in Counseling from a recognized institution
    A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role in a recognized health or research organization
    Good interpersonal/communications skills.
    Fluency in verbal and written English and Luganda.
    Highly organized, detail-oriented and self-motivated.
    Ability to ride a motorcycle will be an added advantage.


How to Apply:
All candidates should send their applications including copies of academic qualifications, curriculum vitae and names plus telephone contact details of three (3) referees should either be addressed to: The Human Resources Manager MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute, P. O Box 49 Entebbe, Uganda or send by email: mrc@mrcuganda.org
NB: Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews