EpiC Project Description:

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC), a global project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Government (USG) that provides strategic technical assistance and direct service delivery to achieve HIV epidemic control among all at-risk populations; strengthen global health security (GHS), including outbreak response; improve maternal and child health (MCH), address malaria; and nutrition.

In 2020, FHI 360 through EpiC launched a new multi-year project in Central Asia being implemented in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Currently, in Tajikistan EpiC implements HIV, GHS, MNCH and nutrition activities, working closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MOSPP).

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Government Relations Liaison. The position will be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and is open to citizens of Tajikistan or persons who have legal authority to work in Tajikistan.

Job Description:

The Government Relations Liaison (GRL) reports directly to the Country Representative/Project Director for EpiC Tajikistan and is responsible for strengthening and maintaining strategic, effective and collaborative partnerships with the government institutions and acting as an intermediary between the EpiC and all levels of government, e.g. relevant government ministries and agencies. GRL will effectively coordinate and maintain all government relations activities and ensure successful resolving of any project issues related to the government structures. The GRL will also be responsible for maintaining, further developing, and growing EpiC’s existing network and communication channels with the Government institutions of Tajikistan.

Position Responsibilities:

• Liaise with relevant government authorities and maintain strategic relations with them to support program operations and communications efforts of EpiC Tajikistan to receive project objectives.
• Analysis of government regulations and policies to generate recommendations to guide program design and results-based management.
• Communicate and advocate EpiC Tajikistan priorities to local, regional and national government officials and staff of government institutions.
• Monitor legislation and policy activities, updates in health sector and advise EpiC Core Project Management Team about relevant policy proposals, changes, approvals and actions to avoid duplication of activities and enable EpiC to make necessary adjustments to program strategies, activities and approaches.
• Works with the EpiC Tajikistan Project Leadership Team to identify priority government relations issues.
• Timely prepare necessary documents, correspondence, policy texts, recommendations, resolutions, manage their registrations within government entities and receive formal approval of government authorities to support program operations and communications efforts of EpiC Tajikistan.
• Strategize, negotiate, plan, schedule, participate or lead in meetings with EpiC Core Project Management Team with relevant structures of the government.
• Advocate and lobby to persuade diverse audiences from among government officials to accept the EpiC Tajikistan’s position on various issues; function as EpiC’s advocate on issues of legislative concern and respond to requests and inquiries after coordination with EpiC Tajikistan Project Leadership Team.
• Collaborate with government institutions and receive formal approvals to implement EpiC requests, trainings, meetings, conferences, roundtables, dialogues or presentations, technical working group meetings, etc.
• Arrange and lead during technical working group meetings and represent and advocate for EpiC priorities.
• Develop and utilize advocacy channels and networks for the organization to achieve relevant advocacy objectives.
• Provide guidance to the EpiC Tajikistan Project Leadership Team to ensure that it is operating in accordance with Tajikistan Government policies and procedures, laws and plans.
• Upon request from the EpiC Tajikistan Project Leadership Team, assist with preparations for key meetings with government partners (briefings, content, delivery tips, agenda, presentations, etc.).
• Upon request, attend and represent EpiC Tajikistan at external meetings with government stakeholders and report to the EpiC Tajikistan Project Leadership Team.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree or higher in public health, international development, or related field. A master’s degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
• At least 8 years’ experience successfully in health systems strengthening programs, especially collaborating with government senior officials.
• A well-developed network of senior government contacts and the ability to liaise with senior officials in a cordial and productive manner.
• Thorough understanding of Tajikistan strategic priorities key government policies and procedures in health sector.
• Advanced understanding of health sector challenges and opportunities.
• Proven ability to provide strategic guidance and advice to support improved government service provision.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination/negotiation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong Russian and Tajik written, oral, and presentation skills. Knowledge of English is an advantage.

Travel Requirements:

• 20% within Tajikistan, as needed.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

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