1019- Senegal- Civil Society Institute for Health and HIV in West Africa

The Civil Society Institute for Health in West and Central Africa is a regional mechanism for consultation, coordination, and synergy. The Civil Society Institute Secretariat was established in January 2019 and currently consists of 141 civil society organisations (CSOs) in 21 countries. Its approach is to identify, enhance, and support the role and expertise of CSOs in an effective, inclusive health response. The Institute aims to develop an effective and sustainable health response in West and Central Africa through a mechanism for consultation, coordination and synergy between civil society organisations working in the health sector.
The Institute is currently implementing the Last Mile First initiative with technical support from Johns Hopkins University. The main aim of this initiative, which is funded by USAID and the Global fund, is to enhance the community's response to the HIV epidemic specifically in West and Central Africa. The initiative has three intervention domains that are given the highest priority:

1. Improve the implementation and operational methods used by CSOs and CBOs to directly address the gaps and barriers that impede effective responses to HIV and TB.
2. Strengthen community involvement and contribution to coherent policies and decision-making processes on issues affecting vulnerable groups
3. Develop capacity and technical support for CSOs and CBOs in areas where gaps exist

The student will work collaboratively with JHSPH faculty and team members based in Baltimore as well as the Institute, the primary in-country collaborating organization, to ensure the successful conduct of the initiative. The position will be based in Dakar, Senegal, with the potential for travel within Senegal or West Africa.
They will have the opportunity to engage with an organization whose work aims to achieve universal access to healthcare and human rights, placing communities at its heart.
The main activities will consist of providing technical support to the Civil Society Institute and local implementers for the successful implementation of the project. Activities include supporting the development of proposals, and program reports, conducting desk reviews, leading data analysis, and co-developing trainings, toolkits, and briefs, under the supervision of staff at the Institute and Hopkins. Additionally, the student will have an opportunity to observe and engage in additional public health programs and interventions led by the Institute aiming to strengthen civil society organizations, through advocacy and capacity building for a better response in the fight against AIDS. country.
This program offers an intersection of professional and academic opportunities in driving evidence-based public health programming in a low-income country. Working in the field with local counterparts allows the applicant to observe current public health programs operated by the Civil society, what is efficient and effective, and critically analyze how they would design future projects. The ability to apply academic theory to the practical application of developing evidence-based projects from epidemiological and programmatic data will be an invaluable experience for the student.

The professional work environment at the site is positive and fosters productivity across team members, study and program staff. The workplace operates in a mature, respectful manner and collaboration and team work occurs across the study and program staff at the Institute. The program team – both at the Institute Santé and here at Johns Hopkins – is supportive, unified, and communicative.

This placement would be a good fit for someone who is motivated, enjoys working as part of a team in a multicultural environment, and can take the lead on projects. Regular mentoring and supervision will be provided in perso and/or remotely by JHU faculty and team, however it will be the responsibility of the student to use the ideas and advice provided by the investigative team to move aspects of the project along, requesting additional support along the way when needed.

Program evaluation, implementation science, Epidemiology and biostats (620 series or above preferred); Human rights, health and policy, project management, quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Experience working with marginalized populations and on sensitive topics preferred.
A minimum of 20 weeks is required unless COVID-19 related travel restrictions prohibit this duration, although students who wish to stay longer are encouraged to do so and expenses will be covered to support this. Students who continue to work with the project for longer than 20 weeks will likely have more of an opportunity to assist with data analysis and manuscript development.

Name: Stefan Baral, Department of Epidemiology, gturpin@jhu.edu

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

I am very responsive, flexible, and open to all forms of communication including email, phone, and in-person. Our research team work closely with our in country partners, ensuring all our members are supported and are able to fully engage in this work in a productive and meaningful way. We work as a unified team and provide support and mentorship across multiple levels.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

A complementary student will be interested in the work, hardworking, and able to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment. We are looking for students that are excited about the work, willing to learn, and interested in integrating within the partner organization.

The monthly stipend is sufficient to cover housing, food and use of public transport if able to safely travel due to COVID-19. Students wishing to travel internally for personal reasons may incur out of pocket expenses.

We will work with the student to develop a budget to cover monthly expenses including housing, transportation, groceries, and other basic living expenses. Any living expenses not covered by the GHEFP grant will be covered by the project. Flights to and from Senegal will be covered by the project.