Bangladesh, Dhaka    

ICT Officer
Work for a Better Bangladesh
 http://www.wbbtrust.org/

August-February  2007 (approximate)

Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose goal is to improve public health and the environment through research, material development, advocacy, media work, capacity building of NGOs, and networking.

Specifically, WBB seeks to improve health, personal and national economy, and the environment by promoting non-motorized transport and public transit in place of private cars; by supporting policies to reduce active and passive tobacco use; and by reducing noise pollution and the use of disposable plastics and plastic bags.  WBB also seeks to improve the condition of all citizens by working for a more gender-equitable society and reducing violence against women.

Their mission is to empower citizens to work to improve their health and environment, and to make their surroundings more healthful and livable.

 
Job Description

The incumbent will develop the IT skills of the staff and allow in-depth collaborative work on IT issues that are otherwise not possible due to time and capacity limitations.

Objective 1:  Further strengthen IT skills of WBB staff (specific areas will depend on skills of volunteer)

Objective 2:  Collaboratively produce videos to be used in advocacy campaigns, most likely on the topics of      transport/environment/energy and gender.                                     

Objective 3:  Improve website and graphic design.

The incumbent will teach staff different computer programs, work with staff in creating videos that illustrate main points in our work and make suggestions for and assist with further improvements of the WBBTrust website.

Requirements

Language: Excellent written and spoken English
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility)

How to apply

Costa Rica, San Jose

Support to Technical Cooperation Strategy
Pan American Health Organization
www.paho.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency with 100 years of experience in working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.
 
Job Description

 The incumbent will contribute to the development of the informatics system and the technical cooperation strategy for Costa Rica. 

As part of the social information and communications team, the incumbent will contribute to the information management of Health promotion, gender, environment and HIV/AIDs material through the development of web-based tools and databases.

Requirements

Language: Working knowledge of Spanish
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility)

How to apply

Guyana, Georgetown

Clinical Database Officer
Public Health Strengthening in Guyana (PHSG)
www.csih.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The PHSG is assisting Guyana in the development of sustainable health information systems. The project aims to improve local capacity to collect health data, process it into information and communicate data and information from source to point of use. Through the PHSG, health sector professionals will be trained in the principles of data collection and analysis to address the country priority health needs.

 Job Description

 The interns' tasks and responsibilities include:

•            Working with identified pilot sites and users (MOH, Primary Health Care Clinics and Centres, etc) in Georgetown and Guyana Regions 4, 6 and 10 to help set up local health information databases and networks for the collection, analysis and distribution of data and information.

•            Collecting feedback, identifying and reporting to CSIH on strengths and weaknesses of the health information system.

•            Helping to solve technical problems in local networks, data entry, statistical analysis, etc.

•            Assist or lead with the development of a methodology and training of a process-based evaluation.

•            Develop/present communication material's to Project HIS

 Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility)

How to apply

Kenya, Nairobi

Telemedicine Program Assistant
International Organization for Migration
www.iom.int

August-February  2007 (approximate)

IOM is committed to the principle that human and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.  As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to:  assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management;  advance understanding of migration issues;  encourage social and economic development through migration;  uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) regional office in Nairobi, Kenya is developing a project on Improving Access to Specialized Health Care for Mobile and Hard-to-reach Population in Kenya through Telemedicine.  The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the reduction of the number of refugees/migrants sent for referral to Nairobi as well as to promote and enhance cooperation between medical professionals in Kenya and abroad by developing and promoting collaboration and implementing telemedicine services that can add value to the efforts of each participant.

Job Description

 The young professional will have the following duties and responsibilities:

1.       Conduct internet-based research on telemedicine on its global and regional history, development, implementation and usage.

2.       Develop and conceptualize the project especially on its information technology aspects.

3.       Implement the project by developing a multimedia database that includes patient data records, video materials regarding specific medical conditions and digitalized x-ray films.

4.       Encode data into the database and categorize files by medical conditions or other relevant characteristics.

5.       Develop and create an intranet website containing complete specific information regarding planning and scheduling of operational migration health activities for the Africa region.  

6.       Computerize and make graphical presentation of reports.

7.       Contribute in expanding the network of telemedicine cooperating centers interested in working with on-line professionals and institutions in Kenya

8.       Contribute to the training of local personnel in this field

9.       Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the Mentors.

Requirements

Language: Proficient in English. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
Education: Degree in Information Technology/Computer Science Field/Health Informatics
Other: Proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel and Website Design/Maintenance.

How to apply

Kenya, Meru

Curriculum Development Officer
Kenya Methodist University
http://www.kemu.ac.ke/

August-February 2007 (approximate)

KEMU is an autonomous private, not-for-profit Christian institution of higher learning situated in Meru Town on the North Eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. It was envisioned, proposed and facilitated by the Methodist Church in Kenya, the local community, other Kenyans and overseas friends. The University maintains an ecumenical Christian atmosphere. KEMU is one of the few universities in the country located in a rural area. This placement puts the University in direct contact with rural and low-income groups and also justifies the University’s proactive approach to community development.

 Canadian partner – Centre for Global Health

The Centre for Global Health at the Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa is a research institute dedicated to improving the uptake, translation and transfer of evidence-based health interventions that can improve health equity in both developed and developing countries.  A recent initiative sponsored by the Centre for Global Health is the development of an Academic NGO (ACANGO). The aim of ACANGO is to develop an innovative intervention network that is intended to help groups quickly and inexpensively access diverse resources which will assist them to organize interventions aimed at reducing health disparities in low income communities.

Job Description

Specifically, the student will conduct a literature review and key informant interviews to assemble the global intelligence of curricula developed to build capacity of NGOs and grassroots organizations in research skills including evaluation, monitoring and application of knowledge.  The intern will develop a database of these existing capacity building curricula for NGOs that will be placed on our Academic NGO website as part of our online repository of evidence-based reference material (www.acango.org).

Objective 1: to assist KEMU in assembling global intelligence on the state of the art in developing leadership, advocacy, research and evaluation skills for NGO and grassroots members

Objective 2: to develop an online, searchable database of this global intelligence

Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility)

How to apply

Panama, Panama City

Junior Advisor on ICTs
Pan American Health Organization
www.paho.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency with 100 years of experience in working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.
 
Job Description

Working along with the Ministry of Health and PAHO local staff and using web resources, the incumbent will work on the following:

Objective 1: Strengthen the PAHO’s Virtual Health Libraries (VHL), called BVS and other virtual libraries and networks on health in Panama and sub-region.

Objective 2: Provide maintenance and propose improvements to the INFOCOM platform, and portals in such a way that will better progress the performance of INFOCOM, as sub-regional program for sharing health information and knowledge among C.A countries, Dominican Republic and Belize.    

Objective 3: Train local and sub-regional health workers on INFOCOM and VHL uses, and applications.

Requirements

Language: Working knowledge of Spanish
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility)

How to apply

South Africa, Cape Town

Database Developer
Students Health and Welfare Centres Organization
www.shawco.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

SHAWCO - the Students' Health and Welfare Centres Organization, is University of Cape Town’s unique, student-driven community outreach organization, where students have the opportunity to do voluntary work in several communities in Cape Town.

 Youth development, as well as the provision of care for the elderly and the disabled are the two areas that the communities want SHAWCO to focus on. Healthcare projects and running multi-purpose community centres with skills training and recreation projects also remain a part of SHAWCO's strategy.

Canadian partner – Centre for Global Health

The Centre for Global Health at the Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa is a research institute dedicated to improving the uptake, translation and transfer of evidence-based health interventions that can improve health equity in both developed and developing countries.  A recent initiative sponsored by the Centre for Global Health is the development of an Academic NGO (ACANGO). The aim of ACANGO is to develop an innovative intervention network that is intended to help groups quickly and inexpensively access diverse resources which will assist them to organize interventions aimed at reducing health disparities in low income communities.

Job Description

The incumbent will work with the Students Health and Welfare Centres Organization in Cape Town, South Africa to develop a database of learners, names, contact details, progress in the classroom, attendance registers etc and coordination in getting the different projects aligning to achieve SHAWCO goals to evaluate its interventions in the areas of arts, sports, life skills and tutoring in Math and Sciences. 

This database will include output and outcomes of the different interventions and will be used as the basis for evaluating programs.

Objective 1: to assist UCT and SHAWCO in developing a database of learners

Objective 2: to develop measurable outcomes and outputs to be included in this database

Objective 3: to assist with collecting data and evaluating the outcomes of the interventions

Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: Experience developing and setting up databases (MS Access). Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams. Knowledge of educational principles and child psychology is an asset.

How to apply

Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

Web-based systems designer
PAHO Caribbean Epidemiology Centre
www.paho.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency with 100 years of experience in working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.

 Job Description

1.         Design computer web based systems for the aforementioned project

2.         Develop the systems using appropriate web-designing tool with SQL server as the database

3.         Produce the system and use documentation for the systems developed.

The mortality reporting system will make the mortality data in the region easily accessible to all for planning and research.

With the increase in TB incidence as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic it has become necessary to improve the management of TB data.  Web-based reported is being identified for more timely and accurate reporting.

The systems developed will be maintained by CAREC and be routinely used by CAREC member countries belonging to the Caribbean region.

Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility)

How to apply

Vietnam, Hanoi

Network and Communications Officer
PATH Canada-Vietnam
www.pathcanada.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

PATH Canada is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose goal is to improve health, especially the health of women and children, in developing regions of the world. Our mission is to increase the effectiveness, availability and appropriateness of practices and technologies used in primary health care. PATH Canada's definition of "technology" includes:

• the systems and practices through which health care is delivered
• the equipment and devices used in primary health care
• the information and skills that must accompany each technology

Job Description

 The Network and Communications Intern will support PCV’s computer network and

communications system, and will work to improve general IT knowledge among PCV staff members.

For Objective 1:

·         Provide technical development and consultation for the PCV network backup system & network operating system, network administration support, ensuring smooth operation of LAN, network printing, internet & email software.

·         Undertake periodic maintenance of computer hardware and software for all computers in the PCV office.

·         Regularly update the network security program. Update software programs as required. Install and relocate equipment as needed.

For Objective 2:

·         Maintain regular contact with ISP and email service provider, including troubleshooting when required, to ensure smooth daily communications within the office.

For Objective 3:

·         Provide the PCV staff with advice and guidelines on organizing information on computers and upgrading necessary programs.

·         Provide software training to PCV staff on specific functions of regularly used applications in the Microsoft Office package (Ms Word, Ms Excel, Ms Access, Ms PowerPoint, etc.) as well as Microsoft Project Manager and other software programs as needed.

·         Provide recommendations to the PCV Deputy Director on computer and network systems improvements, hardware, and/or operations as required.

Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country
 

How to apply

 Quito, Ecuador

Information Resource Coordinator
Centro de Estudios y Asesoria en Salud- CEAS
www.cih.ubc.ca/ www.ceas.med.ec

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The UBC Centre for International Health represents and regroups a broad network of members of the UBC community interested in global and international health. It is the base for a University Partnership in Cooperation and Development Tier 1 capacity building project in Ecuador and an organizing centre for related Canadian- Ecuadorian research collaborations that are being pursued.

The Centro de Estudios y Asesoria en Salud (CEAS) is an explicit partner to the Tier 1 Project. It provides academic direction and leadership to the masters program and facilitates the implementation of project activities at a national level in coordination with the UBC faculty and support teams. It is also a collaborator with the Global Health Research Program at UBC in various research projects that are being initiated.

Job Description

The information Resource Coordinator is responsible for liaising the UBC team in Canada, three partner universities and CEAS in Ecuador. He/she will provide technical, administrative and logistical support to the Project and will also help strengthen capacity at each local university.

The incumbent’s responsibility will include:

·         Lead the development and update of a public website and an intranet according to the needs of the project. Manage all the website content for the Tier 1 Project.

·         Coordinate with all organizations and individuals involved the production of content and uploading of web pages in a timely and efficient manner.

·         Provide some training to local intranet users. Create and guide the development and use of databases to support the capacity building of related research.

·         Develop TEKT (Technical Enhancement Knowledge Translation) opportunities in collaboration with UBC experts for considerations by project team.

·         Gather and synthesize financial information from national collaborators and research partners for report preparation.

·         Report bi-weekly to the support staff team in Ecuador and in Canada on the progress of the project.

Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English and intermediate level of Spanish
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility). Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

How to apply

Vietnam, Hanoi closed!

CSEARHAP Communications Coordinator/HIV/AIDS & Health & Nutrition Sectors
PATH Canada-Vietnam
www.pathcanada.org  

October-March  2007 (approximate)

PATH Canada is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose goal is to improve health, especially the health of women and children, in developing regions of the world. Our mission is to increase the effectiveness, availability and appropriateness of practices and technologies used in primary health care. PATH Canada's definition of "technology" includes:

• the systems and practices through which health care is delivered
• the equipment and devices used in primary health care
• the information and skills that must accompany each technology

PATH Canada bridges the gap between user and provider of primary health care services. Through field assessment and operations research, we identify user needs, and assist in identifying priority actions. We work with local partners to design and implement projects to adapt practices and technologies to specific social, cultural and resource settings.

Job Description

The incumbent will assist with communications relating to CSEARHAP, MAP-4 (the project’s regional executive working group). The young professional will develop the leading website on mobility and HIV in the region. He/she will ensure communication dissemination is available in all of the country partner languages. Also, help develop a unified communications message consistent with other program promotional activities.

The young professional will provide updated information on the program website, review all content for consistency and obtain necessary approvals and permissions; work to develop 5 language environment within the website to reflect the work and objectives of the national partners in their own languages; work with Ho Chi Minh City based website designers to ensure that project communications methods and content are suitable and appropriate; work with newsletter editor to ensure content is scalable across program communications platforms; maintain and grow the program’s internal document retrieval, storage and archival system.

Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English. Other languages are a definite asset.
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility). Great communications and development skills.

How to apply

 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo

Computer Technician/Trainer/Special Projects Coordinator
SONRISAS-Smiles Foundation
www.thesmilesfoundation.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The Smiles Foundation is dedicated to giving the children of the developing world the opportunity for a healthier and more fruitful existence. The Smiles Foundation value’s the rights of equal access to education and health without exception of race, sex, age, and economic status. They believe that if children are educated and raised with proper health practices, they will be better equipped to meet the challenges of our changing world and they will develop the self-confidence needed to fulfill the leadership roles of tomorrow.

Job Description

The young professional will be expected to accomplish the following:

Objective 1:       Research current health issues in the Dominican Republic using participatory rural appraisal within selected communities.

Objective 2:       Develop new health related lectures for educators.

Objective 3:       Maintain and increase the functionality and efficiency of all the computer equipment and software.

Objective 4:       Enhance the organization’s image.                        

Requirements

Language: Fluent in English and Spanish
Education: Degree in Health, Education, Marketing related field/ICT experience
Other: Experience in Database development and management required. Cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility). Experience in leadership roles. Creativity in designing lesson plans, newsletters.

How to apply

 Kenya, Nairobi

MIMOSA Database Developer
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
www.iom.int

August-January  2007 (approximate)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) regional office in Nairobi, Kenya has been supervising and coordinating Africa-wide the Health Assessment Programme for Africa and other health assessment programs for various resettlement countries (i.e., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, United Kingdom) for refugees and migrants from the African continent. One of the main activities of these programmes is global quality assurance and follow-up of medical cases to include operational planning & monitoring, technical support and quality control, file processing, analysis and dissemination of operationally relevant data, active follow-up of medical cases, among others. A patient database (MIMOSA) has been put in place in order to support migration management and, in particular, the migration health assessment processing of refugees and migrants. MIMOSA also serves as a base for migration health research.

Job Description

The young professional will have the following duties and responsibilities:

1.       Conduct internet-based research on biometrics (i.e., identification mechanisms such as bar code system) to strengthen anti-fraud strategy in assessing refugees and migrants

2.       Assist in implementing, upgrading and improving the biometrics project especially on its information technology aspects and interface/linkage with the MIMOSA database.

3.       Develop and create a web-based health induction mechanism/tool, which will serve as an easily accessible electronic training manual for health personnel in the region. A web version should be developed.

4.       Design a program to analyze operationally relevant data and monitor quality assurance and follow-up of medical cases

5.       Provide recommendations concerning suitable variables and indicators for data capture thru the Mimosa database, produce epidemiological reports based on various resources

6.       Develop an electronic reporting and monitoring system for quality assurance program

7.       Computerize and make graphical presentation of reports

8.       Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the Mentors.

Requirements

Language: Proficient in English. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
Education: Degree in Information Technology/Computer Science Field/Health Informatics                                                       Other: Proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel and Website Developing

 How to apply

Venezuela, Caracas

Virtual Library Developer
PAHO-Venezuela
www.paho.org

September-February  2007 (approximate)

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency with 100 years of experience in working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.

 Job Description

The Young Professional’s responsibility will be to develop and implement a virtual library on Healthy Housing with the Center for Housing Research of ULA in Merida, Venezuela.

The young professional will have the following duties and responsibilities:

·         Review the published literature on healthy housing in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

·         Assess the virtual platforms used by the ULA and PAHO/WHO and recommend the most appropriate one.

·         Develop web pages and databases including data and metadata files.

·         Work with the Inter-American Healthy Housing Network to select the information that will be included in the library.

·         Install the virtual library, load the information, and test it.

The virtual library is an important tool for the implementation of the Healthy Housing Initiative (HHI) in the Region. The Inter-American Healthy Housing Network will use it as its virtual center for technical discussions, virtual community activities, information exchange and reposition, and distance learning capacity enhancement programs.

Requirements

Language: Proficient in English and Spanish.
Education: Relevant Degree/ICT experience
Other: Cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility).

 How to apply

 Nicaragua, Managua

Information and Knowledge Management Program Specialist
PAHO/WHO Nicaragua
www.paho.org

October-March  2007 (approximate)

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency with 100 years of experience in working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system. PAHO/WHO Nicaragua’s mandate is to lead strategic collaborative efforts among Member States and other partners to promote equity in health, to combat disease, and to improve the quality of, and lengthen, the lives of the peoples of the Americas. Nicaragua is one of the 5 priority countries of the Organization.

Job Description

The Young Professional will act as an advisor for the country’s office’s team for the implementation of intelligence and knowledge sharing system. The system would create a “community of practices” within the Country Office, the Ministry of Health and partner organizations including other UN agencies to identify and create, capture and reuse, organize and transform, share and distribute knowledge to increase the impact of actions aim to improve health of the population in Nicaragua. The young professional will support the development of the information and sharing application with parameters established by, an in collaboration with the Information and Knowledge Sharing Unit and its linkage with other applications located in this unit and also in the Country Support Unit, both at PAHO Headquarters.

The work to be supported by this Young Professional, will eventually contribute to improved governance in the health sector in Nicaragua by facilitating the internet based sharing of information and improving the accountability of interventions, it will also contribute to the reduction of the “Know-do” gap, the research-application gap and the production of evidence needed to promote structural changes to improve competitiveness of public organizations and increase efficiency, transparency, and the outward focus of operations.

Requirements

Language: Proficient in English and Spanish.
Education: Relevant Degree/ICT experience
Other: Required skills in; informatics, systems development and statistical analysis.

 How to apply

Zambia, Lusaka closed!

Knowledge Network Officer
University of Zambia (UNZA)                                                                                    

 www.unza.com  

September-March  2007 (approximate)

The University of Zambia (UNZA) is Zambia’s first and largest university with an enrollment of 8,500. It is mandated to educate the future leaders of the country and conduct research that will play a significant role in the development of the country. It is situated in the capital city and is a medical and doctoral university.

In the foreword to The University of Zambia HIV and AIDS Policy, Professor Robert Serpell, Vice-Chancellor, writes, “The University of Zambia is committed to producing students who are competent, reflective, concerned and able to make useful contributions to the society in which they live.  The HIV and AIDS pandemic directly impacts on the University’s most valuable resource, that is, the human beings responsible for realizing our mission of “Service and Excellence”. 

 The Centre for International Health (CIH), based in the University of Toronto’s (UofT) Faculty of Medicine, is a multi-disciplinary Centre mandated to harness the research, education and service expertise of the University with the goal of improving international health and redress the "90/10 Gap" - whereby 90% of the health research spending affects only 10% of the world's population.

Job Description

The work performed by the young professional will directly support the strengthening of UNZA’s HIV/AIDS Steering Committee which works with students, faculty and staff at the university.

Specific Objectives for the Placement:

Objective 1:       To strengthen the capacity of UNZA’s HIV/AIDS Steering Committee.

Objective 2:       To increase and enhance the relationship between the CIH’s HIV/AIDS Initiative-Africa and UNZA’s HIV/AIDS Steering Committee and other V-C HIV/AIDS Steering Committees who are members of the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA).

Objective 3:       To explore and advise on opportunities for multi-beneficial research and

                        exchanges between UNZA faculty and students.

Objective  4:      To contribute to the further involvement of stakeholders both within and                                      

                          in adjacent communities that may previously been unrepresented in the

                          development and implementation of policies.

Requirements

Language: Proficient in English. Interest in learning additional languages desired.
Education: Undergraduate or Master’s degree in relevant field.                                                                                           Other: Strong computer (software/hardware) literacy. Great desire to learn about HIV/AIDS in Africa. Patience and understanding, in light of entering an IT resource-scare settings.

 How to apply

Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam closed!

Knowledge Network Officer
University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)                                                                                          

www.udsm.ac.tz 

September-March  2007 (approximate)

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is Tanzania’s principal institution of higher-learning.  It is mandated to educate the future leaders of the country and conduct research that will play a significant role in the development of the country.   It is situated in the capital city and is a medical and doctoral university.

In response to HIV/AIDS epidemic, UDSM established a committee on HIV/AIDS in August 2000, to ensure that the University as a whole was able to plan for, and cope with, the impact that HIV/AIDS is likely to have on the institution.  The Vice-Chancellor of UDSM chairs the Committee.

The Centre for International Health (CIH), based in the University of Toronto’s (UofT) Faculty of Medicine, is a multi-disciplinary Centre mandated to harness the research, education and service expertise of the University with the goal of improving international health and redress the "90/10 Gap" - whereby 90% of the health research spending affects only 10% of the world's population.

Job Description

The work performed by the young professional will directly support the strengthening of UDSM’s HIV/AIDS Committee which works with students, faculty and staff at the university.

Specific Objectives for the Placement:

Objective 1: To strengthen the capacity of UDSM’s HIV/AIDS Committee.

Objective 2:       To increase and enhance the relationship between the CIH’s HIV/AIDS Initiative-Africa and UDSM’s HIV/AIDS Committee and other V-C HIV/AIDS Steering Committees who are members of the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA).

Objective 3:       To explore and advise on opportunities for multi-beneficial research and

                        exchanges between UDSM and UofT faculty and students.

Objective  4:      To contribute to the further involvement of stakeholders both within and                                      

                           in adjacent communities that may have previously been unrepresented in     

                           the development and implementation of policies.

Requirements

Language: Proficient in English. Interest in learning additional languages desired.
Education: Undergraduate or Master’s degree in relevant field.                                                                                           Other: Strong computer (software/hardware) literacy. Great desire to learn about HIV/AIDS in Africa. Patience and understanding, in light of entering an IT resource-scare settings.

 How to apply

Kenya, Nairobi closed!

Project Assistant: Engaging Communities in Health through ICTs
AfriAfya- African Network for Health Knowledge Management and Communication
www.afriafya.org 

September-February  2007 (approximate)

AfriAfya’s vision is to have universal and equitable access to quality health information to create informed, empowered and healthy communities. AfriAfya’s mission is to link information processes with communication technologies (ICTs) to generate, manage and disseminate information by:

• Exploring, developing and demonstrating innovative and participatory models for knowledge management and communication;
• ii) Establishing sustainable, collaborative communications networks to identify information needs;

·         iii) Developing a reliable procedure for collecting, validating and synthesizing local and global information;

·         iv) Facilitating interaction of change agents and communities to draw upon the network for improved community health.

Job Description

AfriAfya has been exploring the role of ICTs in the health of rural and marginalised communities. AfriAfya would like to now explore the mechanisms to best empower rural communities to use ICTs themselves. The intern will contribute to moving forward this area of work. In particular, AfriAfya is interested in the role ICTs may have in conjunction with theatre for development.

Specific Objectives for the Placement:

Objective 1: To explore existing programs and models which have been used to engage    communities in the use of ICTs (training/technologies) and synthesize the best practices and methods.

Objective 2: To work with AfriAfya on designing a program which empowers communities to use ICTs and integrates theatre for development.

Objective 3: To contribute to the maintenance of the web-base materials of AfriAfya.

Requirements

Language: Proficient in English. Interest in learning additional languages desired.
Education: Relevant Degree/ICT experience                                                                                                                     Other: Ability to manage a project and multiple tasks including setting priorities, producing key documents, and organizing key meetings. Ability to work independently.

How to apply

Guyana, Georgetown

Clinical Database Officer
Public Health Strengthening in Guyana (PHSG)
www.csih.org

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The PHSG is assisting Guyana in the development of sustainable health information systems. The project aims to improve local capacity to collect health data, process it into information and communicate data and information from source to point of use. Through the PHSG, health sector professionals will be trained in the principles of data collection and analysis to address the country priority health needs.

 Job Description

The interns' tasks and responsibilities include:

•            Working with identified pilot sites and users (MOH, Primary Health Care Clinics and     Centres, etc) in Georgetown and Guyana Regions 4, 6 and 10 to help set up local health information databases and networks for the collection, analysis and distribution of data and information.

•            Providing initial user support and basic computer training to staff.

•            Helping to solve technical problems in local networks, data entry, statistical analysis, etc.

•            Assisting with the preparation, delivery, and follow-up of project courses and workshops.

•            Identifying and reporting to CSIH on strengths and weaknesses of existing health information systems.

•            Web site design and maintenance.

Requirements

Language: Excellent knowledge of English
Education: Relevant degree/ICT experience
Other: cultural sensitivity, ability to work and live in a developing country (humility, respect, responsibility)

How to apply

Bolivia, La Paz

Strengthening National Health Research through Virtual Libraries
Sub-Unidad de Investigacion, Unidad de Planificacion, Ministro de Salud

www.sns.gov.bo

August-February  2007 (approximate)

The Ministry of Health is the official Ministry in Bolivia. Their mandate is to improve the health of the population of Bolivia. Research unit is to promote and coordinate policy relevant research in Bolivia.

The Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR), is the Canadian partner organization. Its mission is to promote better and more equitable health worldwide by:

·         Mobilizing greater Canadian investment (and involvement) in global health research;

·         Nurturing productive partnerships among Canadians and people from low and middle income countries;

·         Turning research into action.

Job Description

The participant would strengthen the leadership and capacity of the Ministry in coordinating health research. The participant will also assist in nurturing productive health research partnerships.

The objectives for the placement:

1.       To explore and analyze health systems research available on websites of various organizations.

2