The Regional Network for Equity in Health in Southern Africa (EQUINET) is seeking a dynamic and committed public health professional as a programme officer to support the work in EQUINET EQUINET works on issues of equity in health in southern Africa and supports research, policy development and analysis, information dissemination, networking and advocacy through institutions across southern Africa. (See www.equinetafrica.org) The programme officer works closely with the programme manager, the co-ordinators of EQUINET’s theme work and the steering committee. The work involves: - Reviewing and providing technical and administrative support to the research, publication and policy intervention work, within specific themes and across the network; - Preparing calls for grants, meeting and conference announcements, briefings and reports; - Implementation and reporting on network wide activities (skills workshops, training, student grants, cross cutting research and analysis, conferences, publications and policy intervention); - Ensuring the production and dissemination of EQUINET publications; - Organising and ensuring reporting on core EQUINET processes, including evaluation work, the steering committee meetings and the EQUINET conference; - Presenting EQUINET work and analysis in policy platforms, networks and joint alliance work in the Southern African Development Community (SADC); - Providing input to the EQUINET website, newsletter and data bases. QUALIFICATIONS/ SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POST: - Preferably Masters level qualification in a field relevant to public health - Knowledge of and experience in public health, equity issues and research and/or policy experience - Proven ability to manage a programme of work, based on short briefing and set objectives, to take initiative and work independently - Proven experience of working within networks or multidisciplinary teams and ability to relate well with senior officials, researchers, and civil society organisations - Proven ability to write well and to synthesise and summarise information succinctly for different audiences - Ability to use electronic and internet communication - Willingness to travel extensively. - Citizen (preferably) or resident of a southern African country REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS This is a full time position for, in the first instance 2 years. The remuneration Package is negotiable. APPLICANTS: Should submit to Dr. Rene Loewenson at the Training and Research Support Centre (TARSC) their CVs and names of three referees, as well as a letter outlining the skills and experience offered to EQUINET. Provide also two recent documents you have written that provide evidence of research, policy, review work done. Applicants should send their responses (electronic or hard copy) to reach TARSC by January 19 latest. Shortlisted respondents will be interviewed in late January. The post will be available as of 1 February 2004 and starting date is negotiable. TARSC 47 Van Praagh Ave, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe Ph: 263-4-708835 Fax: 263-4-737 220 Email: rene@tarsc.org