READY Project Lead at Y+ Global: Empowering Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV

The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global) is seeking a dynamic and motivated READY Project Lead to manage and advance the READY+ project, a vital initiative focused on enhancing the resilience, empowerment, and knowledge of adolescents and young people living with or most affected by HIV (AYPLHIV).

About READY+

READY+ is part of the READY portfolio designed by and for AYPLHIV. Launched in 2016, the program initially focused on Eswatini, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. It has since expanded into Angola, Malawi, and Zambia as part of its second phase (2021-2026). Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Maputo, READY+ works to ensure that AYPLHIV have bodily autonomy and the agency to assert their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The initiative directly engages young people aged 10-24, targeting those who are most vulnerable and affected by HIV, including girls and young women, sex workers, LGBTQI+ people, migrants, and other key populations. In its second phase, READY+ has reached over 50,000 adolescents and young people impacted by HIV.

A youth-centered implementation model is key to READY+, where adolescents and young people living with or affected by HIV are trained as peer supporters and advocates. These individuals, known as Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS), are instrumental in driving the program forward at personal, community, health facility, and governmental levels.

Role Overview

As the READY Project Lead, you will oversee the coordination, delivery, and impact of the READY Project, which aligns with Y+ Global’s 2022-2025 strategic plan. This includes advocating for policies that reflect the rights and needs of young people living with HIV, particularly those from marginalized communities. Your role will also focus on ensuring safe and supportive communities through community dialogues that challenge social norms and promote gender equality.

This position is open for remote work, with the option to relocate to Cape Town, South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Coordination
   • Oversee the delivery, performance, and impact of the READY Project.
   • Manage existing contracts and monitor the process of contracting new grantees.
   • Ensure compliance with fund management procedures, including due diligence, data protection, and safeguarding measures.
   • Support communication, coordination, promotion, and reporting of activities.
2. Partnerships
   • Coordinate and manage key partnerships, including Frontline AIDS, under the guidance of the Executive Director.
   • Participate in READY Consortium meetings and facilitate connections within the HIV Response network.
   • Collaborate with country-level stakeholders for smooth implementation of READY project activities.
3. Communications
   • Develop a youth-centered communications strategy to advocate for policies supporting young people affected by HIV.
   • Create impactful content such as success stories, blogs, and social media posts.
   • Manage READY+ social media platforms and design digital campaigns to increase visibility and engagement.
   • Track communication activity impacts, prepare reports for stakeholders, and provide training on effective communication practices.

Eligibility

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A young person between the ages of 18 and 33 (at the time of application).
• Must be from or residing in one of the READY 6 priority countries: Angola, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
• Experience in implementing youth-led organizations or engagement with READY activities.
• A Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, development, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in program management, finance, or general administration.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Strong reporting and writing skills.
• Experience with non-profit organizations, especially youth-led organizations (an asset).
• Knowledge and passion for HIV, TB, Malaria, SRHR, and gender-based violence.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Demonstrated experience advocating for the diverse needs of adolescent girls and young women.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following by Friday, 17 January 2025:

1. Curriculum Vitae (Maximum of 3 pages)
2. Cover letter outlining your motivation for the position (1 page)

Please email your application with the subject line ‘Application for READY Project Lead_[YOUR NAME]’ to application@yplusglobal.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

For more information, visit the call for applications.