Apply Now! Join UNICEF Zimbabwe: Apply for HIV/AIDS Specialist (2025)
Apply Now! Join UNICEF Zimbabwe: Apply for HIV/AIDS Specialist (2025)
Introduction
UNICEF, the world’s leading organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children, is pleased to announce a career opportunity for a highly skilled and passionate professional: HIV/AIDS Specialist (NO-3), Temporary Appointment (364 days). This role, based in Harare, Zimbabwe, is open exclusively to Zimbabwe nationals and offers an exceptional chance to contribute to the global fight against HIV/AIDS while advancing child health, adolescent well-being, and community resilience.
With over 70 years of humanitarian and development experience and operations in 190+ countries and territories, UNICEF has established itself as a trusted partner in safeguarding the rights of every child. In Zimbabwe, UNICEF has been working since 1982, supporting national health systems, strengthening community-based interventions, and helping children and adolescents thrive despite challenges.
This temporary appointment provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of public health, HIV/AIDS programming, adolescent health, and sexual and reproductive rights (SRHR), aligning with Zimbabwe’s national strategies and UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2022–2025.
About UNICEF Zimbabwe
UNICEF’s Mission in Zimbabwe
UNICEF Zimbabwe has been a steadfast partner to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for more than four decades. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the country programme focuses on improving the health, education, protection, and empowerment of children and adolescents.
Key thematic areas include:
- Child Health and Nutrition – Ensuring every child has access to essential health services, vaccines, and nutrition support.
- HIV/AIDS and Adolescent Health – Addressing the dual challenges of HIV prevention and treatment among children, adolescents, and mothers, while integrating SRHR into national programming.
- Education and Skills Development – Promoting access to quality learning and opportunities for skill-building.
- Child Protection – Strengthening systems to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response – Supporting children and families affected by humanitarian crises, including climate-related shocks.
By joining UNICEF Zimbabwe, you will become part of a mission-driven team of professionals committed to delivering results for children and communities across the country.
Position Overview: HIV/AIDS Specialist (NO-3)
Duty Station
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Level: National Officer, NO-3
- Contract Type: Temporary Appointment (364 days)
- Eligibility: Open to Zimbabwe Nationals Only
- Job Number: 584331
- Vacancy Reference: #134409
- Deadline for Applications: 05 October 2025 (South Africa Standard Time)
Reporting Structure
The HIV/AIDS Specialist will report to the Chief of Health (P5), providing technical, operational, and programmatic support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of HIV/AIDS interventions, with a focus on PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission), paediatric HIV, and adolescent HIV/SRHR programming.
Purpose of the Job
The HIV/AIDS Specialist plays a pivotal role in advancing Zimbabwe’s progress toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. This role involves:
- Providing technical expertise in developing, implementing, and monitoring HIV/AIDS programmes.
- Strengthening HIV/AIDS interventions targeting children, adolescents, and mothers.
- Ensuring alignment with national strategies, UNICEF’s global priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Supporting resource mobilization and advocacy for sustainable HIV/AIDS financing.
- Building partnerships and engaging stakeholders to accelerate results for children and young people.
By bridging technical leadership with programmatic execution, the Specialist ensures that UNICEF-supported HIV programmes deliver tangible, sustainable outcomes for Zimbabwean communities.
Key Functions and Accountabilities
As an HIV/AIDS Specialist, your responsibilities will cover the full cycle of programme management:
1. Programme Development and Planning
- Provide technical inputs into the design of HIV/AIDS and SRHR programmes, ensuring relevance to national and global frameworks.
- Contribute to the development of programme documents, strategies, and funding proposals.
- Support integration of HIV interventions across health, education, and protection programmes.
2. Programme Management, Monitoring, and Delivery
- Lead the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of HIV/AIDS projects, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework.
- Track progress against indicators, analyse data, and generate evidence to inform decision-making.
- Support resource allocation and financial monitoring to ensure efficiency and accountability.
3. Technical and Operational Support
- Provide on-the-ground technical assistance to government counterparts, implementing partners, and UNICEF field teams.
- Offer guidance on PMTCT, paediatric HIV care, adolescent HIV prevention, and sustainable HIV financing.
- Support the adaptation of global best practices into Zimbabwe’s context.
4. Networking and Partnership Building
- Strengthen partnerships with the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society, donors, and international agencies.
- Collaborate with partners on advocacy initiatives promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and sustainability.
- Represent UNICEF in national and regional HIV/AIDS forums.
5. Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building
- Identify and promote innovative strategies to enhance programme impact.
- Document best practices and lessons learned, ensuring knowledge sharing across UNICEF and partners.
- Facilitate training and capacity development initiatives for government and community health workers.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Advanced University Degree in Public Health, Paediatric and Adolescent Health, Family Health Research, Global/International Health, Health Policy/Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Biostatistics, Socio-medical Sciences, Health Education, Epidemiology, or other relevant Health Sciences is required.
- Note: Two additional years of relevant post-bachelor’s work experience may substitute for an advanced degree.
Work Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in public health programme planning, management, and evaluation.
- Experience in HIV/AIDS programming (PMTCT, paediatric, adolescent HIV, and SRHR) is highly desirable.
- Background in health emergency management and fragile or humanitarian contexts is considered an asset.
- Prior experience within UN system agencies or international organizations will be an advantage.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is mandatory.
- Knowledge of local Zimbabwean languages or another official UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) is an asset.
Core Competencies
UNICEF values a workforce that demonstrates excellence in technical expertise and interpersonal collaboration. The competencies required for this position include:
- Builds and maintains partnerships – Establishes effective networks and alliances.
- Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness – Acts with integrity and transparency.
- Drives to achieve results for impact – Focuses on measurable outcomes for children.
- Innovates and embraces change – Seeks new solutions to persistent challenges.
- Manages ambiguity and complexity – Adapts effectively to dynamic contexts.
- Thinks and acts strategically – Aligns actions with long-term objectives.
- Works collaboratively with others – Promotes teamwork and collective success.
UNICEF’s Values and Commitment
At UNICEF, our work is guided by the Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). These principles shape our organizational culture and commitment to children’s rights.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. UNICEF does not tolerate sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority, or discrimination of any kind.
We actively promote:
- Gender equality in the workplace.
- Inclusive hiring practices that consider persons with disabilities.
- Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Zero tolerance for child marriage or practices harmful to children.
Why Join UNICEF Zimbabwe?
By joining UNICEF Zimbabwe as an HIV/AIDS Specialist, you will:
- Contribute to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.
- Support adolescents and children living with or affected by HIV.
- Work in a collaborative, diverse, and mission-driven environment.
- Access opportunities for professional growth and capacity development.
- Be part of a global organization recognized for impact and integrity.
This role is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Zimbabwean children and families.
Application Process
How to Apply
Interested and qualified Zimbabwean nationals are invited to apply through the UNICEF Careers Portal by submitting:
- A detailed CV/Resume.
- A cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation.
- Copies of academic credentials.
📌 Application Deadline: 05 October 2025 (South Africa Standard Time)
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Final Notes
UNICEF offers an inclusive and respectful workplace culture that values efficiency, competence, and integrity. All applicants should note that UNICEF does not charge any recruitment fees at any stage of the process.
This is your opportunity to join a global leader in child health and rights and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
For every child, health. 💙
