job opportunities in Karnataka

[Guest guest]

Anupama " <aptantri@...>

job opportunities in Karnataka

Positions are available with two research projects in Bangalore and

northern Karnataka state, India focsing on susceptibility to HIV.

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The following positions are available with Samraksha's Reproductive and

Sexual Health Program, for a study on gender, power and reproductive

health.

Samraksha was established in 1993 in response to the growing HIV/AIDS

epidemic in Karnataka State. Its main objectives are to engage in HIV

prevention through education about safer sex practices and to provide

counseling, care and support to individuals and families affected by HIV.

Samraksha is one of the leading providers of HIV/AIDS services in

Bangalore, including preventive, STI/HIV/AIDS pre- and post-test

counseling; counseling, support and care for people living with

HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their families; and training health

professionals, NGOs and family care-givers to establish community

supports for PLWHA. Samraksha also has run a Women's Reproductive

Health (WRH) Program to fulfill the need for a comprehensive STI/HIV

prevention program for women in Bangalore. It provides community

outreach and education regarding reproductive health issues, clinical

services for STI, a referral network for reproductive health problems,

and STI management training services for physicians, allied health

professionals and NGOs.

Research Assistants (male and female)

Duties: Assist in recruitment of research participants; conduct

qualitative research (focus group discussions and in-depth

interviews); check completed interviews for completeness and

consistency; ensure prospective follow-up of participants; protect and

respect confidentiality and dignity of participants; carry out any

other duties as delegated by the Project Director/Coordinator.

Interviewers will be required to travel to various project sites

within Bangalore city.

Qualifications: Minimum 3 years research experience, particular

emphasis on qualitative methods and/or Masters in Sociology,

Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, or Education; experience and

aptitude for discussing clinical and sensitive issues, including

helath history, drug and alcohol use, sexual practices, contraceptive

use and HIV/STDs. Must work well in a team setting, and be comfortable

working with individuals from varying socio-economic and religious

backgrounds. Fluency in Tamil and/or Kannada required, and Hindi/Urdu

and/or English desirable.

Counselors (male and female)

Duties: Provide counseling and health advice to people seeking

services at Samraksha's Well Woman Clinic and other counseling centers

in Bangalore focusing on STI/HIV testing and treatment. Emphasis on

providing pre- and post- test counseling. Also provide counseling

services to people living with HIV at Samraksha's short-stay treatment

facilities. Qualifications: Minimum 3 years experience counseling,

emphasis on HIV/STI or related clinical counseling. Sensitivity and

willingness to work with diverse populations. Masters in psychiatric

social work or comparable counseling training. Fluency in Kannada

and/or Tamil required, and Hindi/Urdu and/or English desirable.

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The following position is available through Samuha to conduct research

on economic power and susceptibility to HIV among adolescent girls in

rural Karnataka and urban slums in Bangalore.

Samuha is a development organization established in 1986. Samuha works

by organizing people in selected communities into informal

associations and then assisting these " partner " associations to engage

in development projects. Samuha has established a network of 450

women's self-help groups in Raichur and Koppal Districts and assists

these groups to engage in development projects. The organization

currently works with over 12,000 families in 127 villages in Raichur

and Koppal District on projects addressing health, education, animal

husbandry, sustainable agriculture and watershed development. Other

projects operating under Samuha focus on providing resources for slum

development, services and information on HIV/AIDS, STI, and

reproductive health; and information technology for development.

Rural Project Officer:

This position encompasses both research and program development

responsibilities. Travel between Raichur and Koppal districts and

Bangalore city is required, spending approximately 10 days per month

in Bangalore and 20 days per month in northern Karnataka. Research

responsibilities: map communities and identify Self Help Groups

(SHGs) to work with; recruit research participants; conduct focus group

discussions and in-depth interviews; translate and transcribe research

findings. Program responsibilities: work closely with program staff to

develop an intervention program for adolescents based on research

findings; work with staff and community to pilot test the

intervention, refine, and finally implement the intervention. Related

activities may include: train staff on issues related to adolescents

sexual and reproductive health, as well as economic conditions;

conduct participatory research to develop new intervention; supervise

team and coordinate activities.

Qualifications: Minimum 3 years experience in research, development,

and/or public health activities. Masters in social sciences desired -

not required. Experience and aptitude for discussing sensitive issues,

including drug and alcohol use, sexual practices, and HIV/STIs. Must

work well in team setting and be comfortable working with adolescent

girls from varying socio-economic, religious and other backgrounds.

Familiarity working in rural communities. Fluency in Kannada required.

Applicants should post their CV to Samraksha-Samuha, c/o Anupama, 17/1,

HARRIS ROAD, BENSON TOWN (Behind ISI- Indian Social Institute)

BANGALORE - 560 046. Applicants should include a cover letter

explaining their reasons for interest in the position by no later than

October 1, 2002. No telephone calls please.

E-mail: Anupama " <aptantri@...>

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