Ongoing Recruitment at Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria
Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (Caritas Nigeria), is a Not-for-Profit Humanitarian and Development Agency established by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), to coordinate at the national level, the social development interventions of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Caritas Nigeria works to fight hunger, disease and ignorance as well as respond to humanitarian crises and emergencies by mobilizing resources from within and outside the Church to meet the basic needs of affected persons, regardless of religion, nationality or ethnicity.
We are recruiting to fill the positions below:
Job Title: Technical Officer, OVC Program - HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Finance and Administration
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October 2017 to September 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- The Technical Officer Prevention, Care & Support will be responsible for working closely with the 4GATES OVC Program technical team to achieve the strategic objectives of the program – focusing primarily on HIV prevention, Care & Support.
- S/he will provide technical and programmatic support primarily in the areas of HIV prevention, Community based HIV Care & Support for Vulnerable households affected by AIDS.
- S/he will be responsible for implementing strategies designed to strengthen the linkages between the community-based care activities and health facilities providing HIV care and treatment towards ensuring a continuum of care.
- S/he will also support the strengthening of the capacity of implementing CBOs in the area of HIV prevention awareness creation, community mobilization for HIV counselling and testing, PMTCT and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), improving referral and counter-referral systems between communities and facilities.
- In addition, s/he will support the implementation of evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing HIV risk behaviours, HIV transmission.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
- Ensure 100% of HIV infected children in all 4GATES supported Service Delivery Facilities are enrolled into the 4GATES OVC program.
- Provide technical input for the development of strategies, design, and implementation of HIV Prevention/ Care & Support activities by 4GATES OVC Program; ensure activities improve access to HIV prevention and care services amongst project beneficiaries and their caregivers.
- Direct CBOs towards overall technical quality — including adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines for all HIV Prevention care & support activities of the project.
- Implement evidence-based health and nutrition interventions to indigent households by responding to identified prioritized health, nutrition, and PSS needs.
- Work with CBOs and volunteers in using national guidelines to provide vulnerable households with access to quality healthcare.
- Provide health, nutrition and PSS training and supervision to all relevant staff.
- Conduct IYCF training and activities.
- Contribute to the development of training modules and tools, and conduct relevant training and workshops for CBO staff and GON in line with identified capacity strengthening needs.
- Promote excellent knowledge management and collaborative learning process at the project, program, and institutional levels, generating robust evidence for a project and programmatic learning that leads to action, decision making and influence.
- Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of project efforts, achievements, lessons learned and innovations within the 4GATES OVC Program and to the larger Nigerian and global technical community, as appropriate.
- Ensure timely preparation of high-quality training and meeting reports.
- Contribute to the development of monthly, quarterly and annual work-plans
Supervision and Mentoring:
- Ensure relevant GON entities have the knowledge, skills, and tools to provide technical oversight to CBOs engaged in HIV Prevention Care & Support interventions.
- Support CBOs and related GON entities to use quality improvement science and methodology to enhance the quality of HIV Prevention Care & Support interventions.
- Support the GON planning processes, particularly at the state and local levels, for HIV Prevention Care & Support as it relates to vulnerable households
Representation:
- Represent the 4GATES OVC Program consortium in external technical meetings, conferences, and workshops related to HIV Prevention Care & Support
- Liaise and coordinate with other HIV Prevention Care & Support actors, including SMOH, SMWASD, NACA government, the UN system, other NGOs, learning institutions and civil society actors to promote synergy, share lessons learned and avoid duplication.
- Link State, LGA, and CBOs staff to relevant HIV Prevention Care & Support technical and coordination forums.
- Work closely with the SMOH, SMWASD, SACA and HIV TWGs in the 4GATES OVC Program states in identifying and capitalizing on leveraged points for improved linkages and referral coordination at the community level and integration of HIV Prevention Care & Support elements into other OVC areas project activities and vice versa.
- Keep abreast of research and trends in effective behavior change approaches in HIV Prevention Care & Support programming.
- Engagement of Community Health Workers/Volunteers to ensure project approaches remain in line with Quality Improvement standards, evidence, best practices and lessons learned.
- Identify opportunities for learning, formative research, special studies, and operational research and work with the M&E team, 4GATES OVC Program technical team and external support (if needed) to conduct research.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Officer, HIV Prevention, Care & Treatment will report to the Senior Technical Specialist, OVC. S/he will work very closely with all members of the OVC Team in the state, Caritas Nigeria Program Area Leads, the State Team Lead, the Associate Director, Care & Treatment, the Business Official/Grants Manager, the Program Director and the Chief of Party.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Qualification and Experience
- BS / MA in a relevant Health Degree plus a minimum of 3-5years technical experience with community-level HIV Prevention, Care & Support programs.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and Community Based organizations and communities as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training, and meetings using participatory methods and adult learning principles.
- Experience in supporting HIV Testing and Counselling programs in health facilities, mobile units and community outreaches
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgments in a timely fashion. Committing to a course of action without undue delay or prevarication
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services
Location: Umuahia, Abia
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Category: Laboratory Services
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Number of Positions Available: 1
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- The Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services will report to the Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services and provide technical support in the design, planning and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory related activities.
- Maintaining oversight on the functionality and optimization of all Molecular and Clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory related activities across healthcare facilities and communities; she/he will evaluate laboratory methods and procedures; and conduct periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities, and ensure appropriate QA implementation and integrated sample referral to reference laboratory.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
The Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services shall:
- Report to the Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services and provide technical support in the design, planning and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory related activities.
- Maintaining oversight on the functionality and optimization of all clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory related activities across healthcare facilities and communities; and conduct periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities.
- Oversee the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement and the deployment and institution of appropriate corrective and preventive action respectively.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, ensure laboratory service delivery and laboratory related activities are in line with national and international standards and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
- Be involved with site and centralized trainings as applicable
- Be responsible for Dry Tube Specimen (DTS) production, distribution and monitoring of HIV Quality Improvement Program
- Keep inventory of necessary laboratory reagents and supplies needed for DTS production and distribution
- Work with State Laboratory team to implement quality assurance program across assays and processes.
- Assess laboratories, develop work action plan and with time lines to achieve timely implementation of corrective actions.
- Work with laboratories to Implement Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process towards Accreditation (SLPTA). Ensure appropriate and timely implementation of improvement projects.
- Collaborate with third party logistics to ensure prompt shipment of viral load samples to reference laboratories and return of results to various health facilities.
- Oversee all viral load-monitoring activities in assigned health facilities and communities and reference laboratories.
- Implement Quality assurance processes across the facility laboratories
Reporting & Supervision
- The Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services, reports to the Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Technical Advisor, Laboratory Services and regularly interacts with facility staff, Caritas Nigeria technical, program staff, and other members of the State Team.
- S/he will be responsible for supervising some Laboratory Staff as assigned in the State Office.
Additional Responsibilities
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualified applicants must have:
- Advanced Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Public Health with a valid certificate to practice as Medical Laboratory Scientist.
- Five (5) years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of laboratory services in HIV/AIDS program.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Experience in a laboratory setting in the areas of molecular diagnosis (viral load) and familiarity with standards and federal/state regulations affecting the laboratory practices.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Program Manager, Orphans & Vulnerable Children's Program
Location: Umuahia, Abia
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Category: OVC
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Number of Positions Available: 1
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October 2017 to September 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- The Program Manager will provide technical support and supervision in collaboration with 4GATES OVC Team to ensure the successful planning and implementation of the OVC program. S/he will also provide technical support and expertise, coordination and supervision of all CBOs in the state; will be responsible for managing the budget of the partner CBOs.
- The incumbent will coordinate Community Based organizations (CBOs) in the management and implementation of the 4GATES OVC program as well as to conduct community development activities related to the project.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
Program Management:
- S/he will work with the State Program Manager to support the implementation of high-quality care and support activities for orphans and vulnerable children.
- The incumbent will coordinate the implementation of OVC program activities in line with PEPFAR guidelines within the state.
- Support CBOs to develop detailed annual work plans.
- Provide technical support to the CBOs to finalize their annual budgets, conduct review of budgets against project targets, budget notes and justification, making recommendations and follow-up implementation.
- Ensure budgets, financial and programmatic reports are sub mitted on a timely basis.
- Identify programmatic areas that are lagging behind on service coverage, initiate dialogue and required actions
- Work with the State Program Manager to manage partner CBOs’ budgets, including monthly request for advance.
- Work with different units to ensure the provision of all resources required by partners for program implementation.
- Monitor CBO budget spending closely and address issues of overspending or under spending as they arise.
Grants Management:
- The Program Manager, Orphans & Vulnerable Children’s Program will be responsible for ensuring compliance to USG regulations and terms and conditions of the sub-agreements.
- S/he, in collaboration with the Grants & Compliance Unit, interprets USG regulations to local partners and assists with trainings on compliance, conducting financial reviews, follow-up of recommendations, identifying training needs, and the development of organization specific plan to address the needs.
- Serve as point of contact on compliance issues with CBOs and the OVC Technical Team.
- Monitor monthly reports for liquidation, update budget analysis and advice the Senior Program, and Grants & Compliance Manager accordingly.
- Follow up to ensure that compliance issues raised during liquidation processes are closed.
- Monitor allocated partner agreements and budgets and ensure compliance with Compliance Manuals and donor guidelines.
- Ensure that partners keep supporting documents for all financial transactions, keep ledgers for Fixed Assets, Purchase Requisitions, Cash Receipts and Disbursements.
- Take part in the mid-term/ Dashboard evaluations and final evaluations of the project.
- Provide State Team Leads with updates on CBO progress to be used in reports to USG, Nigerian government, CCFN and other stakeholders
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Program Manager, Orphans & Vulnerable Children’s Program, will report to both the Senior Technical Specialist, OVC and the Senior Program Manager in the State.
- S/he will work very closely with all members of the OVC Team in the state, Caritas Nigeria Program Area Leads, the State Team Lead, the Associate Director, Care & Treatment, the Business Official/Grants Manager, the Program Director and the Chief of Party.
Additional Responsibilities
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualified applicants must have:
- Master's Degree in Public Health, or International Health or in Management or Social Sciences.
- Minimum of five (5) years working experience in OVC Care and Support and at least three (3) years’ demonstrated experience in managing programs that address the needs of vulnerable children and adolescents, adolescents living with HIV, OVC, caregiver support, economic strengthening, child protection, violence against children, case management, early childhood development, OVC policy and advocacy.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Previous experience providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding is required.
- Demonstrated skills in project reporting, preferably for PEPFAR-funded OVC programs
- Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in OVC programming, including technical writing.
- Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
- Experience with OVC program monitoring and evaluation especially NOMIS, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation. Knowledge and practical skills in OVC care and support.
- Knowledge and understanding of pediatric home-based care, gender, stigma and discrimination.
- Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts in OVC programming.
- General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
- Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.
- Good verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required.
- Demonstrated capacity to collaborate with colleagues, teams and partner organizations to achieve results.
Job Title: Senior Technical Specialist, Orphans & Vulnerable Children's Program
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: OVC
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October 2017 to September 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor, Orphans & Vulnerable Children’s Program, the successful candidate will be a member of the State Management Team and will primarily lead and supervise all OVC program activities across implementing entities.
- The successful candidate will articulate the priorities of the team to the SMT and cascade focus down through the Specialists, Officers, Associates and other staff to ensure efficient use of available resources towards achieving defined goals.
- S/he will ensure adherence to structured principles in the course of implementation of the Unit’s activities and provide required program reports within expected timelines to inform project planning, delivery and decision-making.
- The Senior Technical Specialist will build and sustain strategic relationships with key stakeholders and maintain an information flow to keep all stakeholders updated with project performance.
- The Senior Technical Specialist will serve as the 4GATES OVC program lead in the state.
- The incumbent will coordinate, supervise and provide support to the State OVC team in the implementation of the integrated OVC care and support program.
- S/he will help ensure that program quality standards and donor requirements are met.
- S/he will also provide technical assistance and training as appropriate to partners in order to ensure that high standards of program quality are established and maintained.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Provide overall coordination and leadership for the OVC Team and CSO partners in the state to implement the 4GATES OVC program based on the project design and objectives.
- Facilitate a working environment of mutual trust, respect, and care among state project team. Encourage effective teamwork, with other 4GATES teams in the state and the CBOs.
- Act as primary contact for partner CBOs, strengthen partnerships and take responsibility for healthy and regular communication with partners.
- Coordinate support to partners based on identified gaps or requests from partners.
- Represent Caritas Nigeria at meetings with the State Ministry of Women Affairs, State Action Committee on AIDS, the State AIDS and STI Control Programs, other Implementing Partners and stakeholders.
- Conduct regular meetings to ensure issues are addressed and to encourage reflection on project progress and learning for improvement.
- Oversee the implementation of planned activities to ensure targets are achieved:
- Ensure that project activities are carried out in a timely manner per approved work plan, and that the project achieves results in line with its annual approved work plan as well as annual targets in each service area.
- Ensure each partner CBO has a clear weekly work-plan and that necessary resources are available for them to implement their responsibilities.
- Conduct monitoring visits to assess progress of project activities against targets and to provide coaching and direction for activities in areas where improvements are needed.
- Work with the Program Manager:
- To support CBOs to develop annual budgets and agreements for every fiscal year.
- Follow up to ensure that compliance issues raised during the liquidation process are closed.
- Ensure that financial and programmatic reports are submitted on a timely basis.
- Monitor CBOs budget spending closely and address issues of overspending or under spending as they arise.
- Ensure partners remain in compliance with Caritas Nigeria and United States Government (USG) donor rules and regulations for management of resources.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Senior Technical Specialist will report to the Senior Technical Advisor, OVC Program and the State Team Lead and work very closely with all Caritas Nigeria Program Area Leads, the Associate Director, Care & Treatment, the Business Official/Grants Manager, Program Director and the Chief of Party.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Master Degree in Public Health, or International Health or in Management or Social Sciences.
- Minimum of seven (7) years working experience in OVC Care and Support and at least four (4) years’ demonstrated experience in managing programs that address the needs of vulnerable children and adolescents, adolescents living with HIV, OVC, caregiver support, economic strengthening, child protection, violence against children, case management, early childhood development, OVC policy and advocacy.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Previous experience providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding is required.
- Demonstrated skills in project reporting, preferably for PEPFAR-funded OVC programs.
- Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in OVC programming, including technical writing.
- Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
- Experience with OVC program monitoring and evaluation especially NOMIS, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation. Knowledge and practical skills in OVC care and support.
- Knowledge and understanding of pediatric home-based care, gender, stigma and discrimination.
- Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts in OVC programming.
- General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
- Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.
- Good verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required.
- Demonstrated capacity to collaborate with colleagues, teams and partner organizations to achieve results.
Job Title: Technical Officer, Laboratory Services
Locations: Asaba - Delta, Enugu, Owerri - Imo and Umuahia - Abia
Job Type: Full Time
Job Category: Laboratory Services
Project: 4GATES Program
Program: Health
Number of Positions Available: 5
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- The Technical Officer, Laboratory Services will report to the Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services in the state and provide technical support in the design, planning and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory related activities.
- Maintaining oversight on the functionality and optimization of all Molecular and Clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory related activities across healthcare facilities and communities;
- She/he will evaluate laboratory methods and procedures; and conduct periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities.
Description of Roles and Responsibilities
- Assist in the design, planning and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory related activities. S/he will Compile, analyze and monitor trends on the functionality and optimization of all Clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory related activities.
- Plan and monitor Rapid test quality improvement initiative across all the states.
- Support the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement and the deployment and institution of appropriate corrective and preventive action respectively.
- Assist in the evaluation of laboratory methods and procedures; and conduct of periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities.
- Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Integrated Sample Referral Network and an efficient biosafety and infection control program across all supported healthcare facilities and communities.
- Assist in the development and adaptation of required guidelines/standards for related laboratory services.
- Be responsible for the functionality of all laboratory information systems and linkage to EMR. Responsible for the design, implementation and monitoring system to ensure an efficient documentation of laboratory information.
- Prepare progress reports of laboratory activities, lab program implementation and lab quality issues.
- Develop, implement and monitor the laboratory logistics plan to support program implementation.
- Be responsible for Dry Tube Specimen (DTS) production, distribution and monitoring of HIV Quality Improvement Program
- Keep inventory of necessary laboratory reagents and supplies needed for DTS production and distribution
- Oversee the development and implementation of quality control measures that will monitor specimen quality and storage conditions, including temperature and time.
- Oversee all viral load-monitoring activities in assigned health facilities and communities and reference laboratories.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Officer, Laboratory Services, reports to State Laboratory Services Lead.
- The position has a dotted line reporting relationship to the Technical Advisor laboratory services and regularly interacts with facility staff, Caritas Nigeria technical staff and other members of the State team.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science with a valid certificate to practice as Medical Laboratory Scientist.
- Three (3) years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of laboratory services in HIV/AIDS program.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Experience in a laboratory setting in the areas of molecular diagnosis (viral load) and familiarity with standards and federal/state regulations affecting the laboratory practices.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Senior Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Pharmacy and Supply Chain Management
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management, the successful candidate will be a member of the State Management Team and will primarily lead and supervise all pharmacy and supply chain management activities across implementing entities.
- The successful candidate will articulate the priorities of the team to the SMT and cascade focus down through the Specialists, Officers, Associates and other staff to ensure efficient use of available resources towards achieving defined goals.
- S/he will ensure adherence to structured principles in the course of implementation of the Unit’s activities and provide required program reports within expected timelines to inform project planning, delivery and decision-making.
- The Senior Technical Specialist will build and sustain strategic relationships with key stakeholders and maintain an information flow to keep all stakeholders updated with project performance.
- The Incumbent will plan and implement the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care, pharmacovigilance and DMOC services as well as the implementation of an efficient logistics system for the State in accordance with donor requirements and stipulated guidelines.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Responsible for the provision of technical support in strengthening pharmacy systems and pharmacists’ capacity on pharmacy best practices and quality pharmaceutical care in the areas of ART, PMTCT, TB/HIV collaboration, including ensuring drug inventory management across supported sites.
- Responsible for the state level implementation, monitoring, service quality and reporting requirements for the Unit.
- Responsible for developing, maintaining and improving a logistics management information system and an electronic inventory control system of stocking and tracking commodities.
- Responsible for designing coordinated systems for the transportation of health commodities, reporting and forecasting delivery times and performance analysis to reduce stock-outs and eliminate wastes.
- Coordinate the provision of technical assistance to supported sites in the requisition, report and order of health commodities and tracking of re-supply.
- Coordinate the generation of LMDs, tracking of order status, stock status analysis and post-gap analysis for all supported sites.
- Responsible for directing outgoing or incoming health commodities distribution activities of the project in the state; ensuring health commodities or supplies are shipped, distributed, or received in an efficient manner and that all required inventory checks are conducted, and all variances reconciled.
- Collaborate with the State LMCU to promote and oversee an integrated approach to the supply chain management of health commodities.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Procurement and Supply Management (PSM), GON and facilities.
- Coordinate the pharmaceutical care and pharmacovigilance aspects of the HIV care and treatment program.
- Responsible for periodic training of pharmacy, medical, nursing and other staff across supported sites.
- Coordinate and ensure the state’s monthly and bimonthly program reporting.
- Coordinate the monitoring and collation of adverse drug reactions reports for the State.
- Participate in developing and updating Pharmacy and Supply Chain training manuals.
- Review last mile distribution schedule for all facilities in the state.
- Support the ART surge activities and requirements in the state.
- Participate in capacity building activities for Pharmacy focal staff.
- Monitor reporting rates, timeliness of reporting and emergency order rates in the state.
- Perform any other duties assigned.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Senior Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management, reports to the State Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management Lead with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Technical Advisor, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management and regularly interacts with facility staff, Caritas Nigeria technical, program staff, and other members of the State Team. S/he will be responsible for supervising assigned Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management staff in the state office.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualified applicants must have:
- A primary Degree in Pharmacy plus an advanced Degree in Pharmacy or Public Health or Supply Chain Management or other related Health, Medical, or Social Science disciplines;
- Seven (7) years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of pharmacy and supply chain management in HIV/AIDS program.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Must be experienced in hospital pharmacy operations and inventory management operations.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Pharmacy and Supply Chain Management
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management, the incumbent will be responsible for the provision of technical guidance on pharmacy and supply chain-related activities to assigned Service Delivery Facilities in the state.
- The job holder will ensure and support the effective communication and documentation of all Pharmacy and Supply Chain Management activities including pharmacy-related improvements and recommendations identified during site visits.
- S/he will conduct site visits and meeting with relevant stakeholders and will prepare monthly summary reports of all pharmacy and supply chain activities in the state and submit to the Senior Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management in the state.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Contribute to Caritas Nigeria monthly and bimonthly program reports on Pharmacy and Supply Chain activities
- Maintain state issues log.
- Monitor and collate adverse drug reactions reports for the state.
- Mentor facility focal staff on Pharmacy and Supply Chain activities.
- Participate in developing and updating Pharmacy and Supply Chain training manuals.
- Organize TDC meetings at all supported health facilities.
- Review last mile distribution schedule for all facilities in assigned sites and communities.
- Act as a resource on all Pharmaceutical and Supply chain issues in assigned sites.
- Strengthen Pharmaceutical care practices in assigned facilities.
- Support the ART surge activities in the state.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Procurement and Supply Management (PSM), GON and facilities.
- Monitor distributor performance to assess ability to meet quality and delivery requirements.
- Participate in capacity building activities for Pharmacy focal staff.
- Monitor reporting rates and timeliness of reporting for facilities in the state.
- Monitor emergency order rates for facilities in the state.
- Perform any other duties assigned.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management, reports to the State Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management Lead with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Technical Advisor, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management and regularly interacts with facility staff, Caritas Nigeria technical, program staff, and other members of the State Team.
- S/he will be responsible for supervising assigned Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management staff in the state office.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualified applicants must have:
- A primary Degree in Pharmacy plus an advanced degree in Pharmacy or Public Health or Supply Chain Management or other related Health, Medical, or Social Science disciplines;
- Five (5) years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of pharmacy and supply chain management in HIV/AIDS program.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Must be experienced in hospital pharmacy operations and inventory management operations.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Technical Officer, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management
Location: Umuahia - Abia and Enugu
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Job Category: Pharmacy and Supply Chain Management
Slot: 4 Openings
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management, the incumbent will be responsible for the provision of technical guidance on pharmacy and supply chain-related activities to assigned Service Delivery Facilities in the state.
- The job holder will ensure and support the effective communication and documentation of all Pharmacy and Supply Chain Management activities including pharmacy-related improvements and recommendations identified during site visits.
- S/he will conduct site visits and meeting with relevant stakeholders and will prepare monthly summary reports of all pharmacy and supply chain activities in assigned SDFs in the state and submit to the Senior Technical Specialist, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management as required.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Contribute to Caritas Nigeria monthly and bimonthly program reports on Pharmacy and Supply Chain activities.
- Maintain state issues log.
- Monitor and collate adverse drug reactions reports for the state.
- Mentor facility focal staff on Pharmacy and Supply Chain activities.
- Participate in developing and updating Pharmacy and Supply Chain training manuals.
- Organize TDC meetings at all supported health facilities.
- Review last mile distribution schedule for all assigned health facilities in the state.
- Act as a resource for all Pharmaceutical and Supply chain issues in assigned s state.
- Strengthen Pharmaceutical care practices in assigned facilities.
- Support the ART surge activities in assigned communities and health facilities.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Procurement and Supply Management (PSM), GON and facilities.
- Monitor distributor performance to assess ability to meet quality and delivery requirements.
- Participate in capacity building activities for Pharmacy focal staff.
- Monitor reporting rates and timeliness of reporting for facilities in the assigned sites.
- Monitor emergency order rates for health facilities and communities in assigned sites.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Officer, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management, reports to the State Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management Lead with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Technical Advisor, Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management and regularly interacts with facility staff, Caritas Nigeria technical, program staff, and other members of the State Team.
- S/he will be responsible for supervising assigned Pharmacy & Supply Chain Management staff in the state office.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualified applicants must have:
- A primary Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy;
- Three (3) years, post NYSC, mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of pharmacy and supply chain management services in HIV/AIDS program.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Must be experienced in hospital pharmacy operations and inventory management operations.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Senior Technical Specialist, Prevention, Care & Treatment
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Care and Treatment
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor, Prevention, Care and Support, the successful candidate will be a member of the State Management Team and will primarily lead and supervise all prevention, care and treatment activities across implementing entities. The successful candidate will articulate the priorities of the team to the SMT and cascade focus down through the Specialists, Officers, Associates and other staff to ensure efficient use of available resources towards achieving defined goals. They will ensure adherence to structured principles in the course of implementation of the Unit’s field activities and provide required program statistics within expected timelines to inform project planning, delivery and decision-making. The Senior Technical Specialist will build and sustain strategic relationships with key stakeholders and maintain an information flow to keep all stakeholders updated with project performance.
- The incumbent will work with stakeholders, facilities, civil society organizations, Subnational Governments, State Technical Working Groups in the planning, implementation, coordination and evaluation of prevention, care & treatment services. This include but is not limited to general prevention, HIV Testing Services, Linkage, Adherence, Retention, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, Differentiated Models of Care and Nutrition services within 4GATES supported the state of operations, communities and facilities. The incumbent will provide direct programmatic support at facility, team and program levels in the attainment of project activities.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Support the design and implementation of the prevention, care and treatment services and activities in supported state in accordance with 4GATES objectives in the following regards:
- Support the design and implementation of the HIV prevention services (including HTS among the general population, KP, adolescents and young people) in supported states.
- Provide technical support and oversight to ensure excellent HIV Testing Services delivery in supported facilities with particular focus on Index Case Testing in line with program directives.
- Support the process of development, review and deployment of HIV prevention documents, guidelines and training curricula, including HIV Testing Services, Index Testing and KP testing, tailored training curriculum and service delivery guidelines.
- Contribute to capacity building efforts of partners and ensure delivery of high quality services at all program sites using best practices and in line with national guidelines.
- Work to strengthen quality assured counseling and testing services across all the HTS models (facility, mobile and community outreaches targeting key and vulnerable populations.
- Implement effective linkage of all identified positive clients through innovative strategies such as accompanied referrals and use of the linkage tracker for all identified positives.
- Work with the ART Health care team to establish and strengthen adherence systems at the facility and community levels for improved quality of patient care. Support facility adherence interventions to ensure long term adherence to ART.
- Put in place effective retention interventions to attain 95% retention of patients on ART.
- Ensure integration of prevention of MTCT services into all ante natal care services and effective mentoring and supervision of health care workers at PMTCT sites.
- Build capacity of facility nurses to take on new roles in the implementation of Differentiated Model of Care (DMOC) such as fast track services and specialized clinics for stable patients.
- Strengthen facility based patient health education curriculum.
- Work with the state MOH for qualitative HIV Testing, Care and Support Service delivery in line with the program and national guidelines.
- Provision of technical assistance and capacity building to facilities.
- Assess quality of community support activities relating to HIV services in and around treatment facilities and assist treatment facilities in developing their ART support programs.
- Identify training needs, plan and facilitate on-site training sessions on HTS, Linkage, Adherence, Retention, Care & Support services.
- Distribute appropriate job aides and education materials for treatment support staff.
- Provide an account of program related achievements through site visit, monthly and quarterly reports to supervisor.
- Manage a facility in the capacity of a facility manager which entails coordinating activities across key program indicators for assigned facility.
- Participate in other activities including representing CCFN, making presentations, professional development, relevant organizational research and abstract writing.
- Represent the organization in meetings and other forums related to the job.
- Carry out other additional duties as required.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Senior Technical Specialist, Prevention Care & Treatment, reports to the State Team Lead and the Senior Technical Advisor, Prevention, Care & Treatment, regularly interacts with State Technical Lead, Caritas Nigeria technical and program staff, other members of the State Team and facility staff. S/he will be responsible for supervising the members of the Prevention Team in the state.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Advanced Degree in Public Health, or Nursing, or Medical or Biological or Management or Social Sciences.
- 7 years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of HIV prevention, care and treatment services.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Good knowledge of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services is required.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Laboratory Services
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor, Orphans & Vulnerable
- Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor, Laboratory Services, the successful candidate will be a member of the State Management Team and will primarily lead and supervise all laboratory services and activities across implementing entities.
- The successful candidate will articulate the priorities of the team to the SMT and cascade focus down through the Specialists, Officers, Associates and other staff to ensure efficient use of available resources towards achieving defined goals.
- S/he will ensure adherence to structured principles in the course of implementation of the Unit’s field activities and provide required program statistics within expected timelines to inform project planning, delivery and decision making.
- The Senior Technical Specialist will build and sustain strategic relationships with key stakeholders and maintain an information flow to keep all stakeholders updated with project performance.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
The Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services shall:
- Report to the Senior Technical Advisor Laboratory Services and provide leadership and technical support in the design, planning and implementation of laboratory services and laboratory related activities in the state.
- Maintaining oversight on the functionality and optimization of all clinical laboratory services as well as laboratory-related activities across healthcare facilities and communities; and conduct periodic laboratory system assessment and review of activities in the state.
- Oversee the implementation of Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement and the deployment and institution of appropriate corrective and preventive action respectively.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, ensure laboratory service delivery and laboratory-related activities are in line with national and international standards and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
- Lead all site and central trainings in the state as applicable
- Coordinate the production, distribution and monitoring of Dry Tube Specimen (DTS) for HIV Quality Improvement Program
- Ensure inventory of all necessary laboratory reagents and supplies needed for DTS production and distribution are maintained.
- Work with State Laboratory team to implement quality assurance program across assays and processes.
- Conduct assessment of laboratories, develop work action plan and with time lines to achieve timely implementation of corrective actions.
- Coordinate with the Laboratory Team and laboratories to Implement Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLPTA). Ensure appropriate and timely implementation of improvement projects.
- Provide technical assistance to the Laboratory Team in the state to strengthen laboratory services including Viral Load Monitoring (VLM).
- Support the establishment and strengthening of tracking system (line listing) for routine VL testing for clients based on the national guideline and donor recommendations.
- Work closely with the Clinical Team in the state to improve demand on VL testing among PLHIV on treatment in supported states.
- Support Service Delivery Facilities to increase access to viral load testing and result utilization by improving clinic-laboratory interface and strengthening viremia clinics.
- Support viral load testing sites and referring health facilities to reduce backlog samples and data to improve viral load testing Turnaround Time (TAT).
- Collaborate with third party logistics to ensure prompt shipment of viral load samples to reference laboratory and return of result to various laboratories.
- Ensure the availability, distribution and proper utilization of viral load demand creation tools, specimen referral SOPs, request forms, registers and different provider support tools.
- Implement Quality assurance processes across the facility laboratories
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Senior Technical Specialist, Laboratory Services, reports to the State Team Lead and the Senior Technical Advisor, Laboratory Services and regularly interacts with facility staff, Caritas Nigeria technical, program staff, and other members of the State Team.
- S/he will be responsible for supervising the Technical Specialist, Technical Officers in the State Office.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualification, Skills and Experience
Qualified applicants must have:
- Advanced Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Public Health with a valid certificate to practice as Medical Laboratory Scientist.
- Seven (7) years' mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of laboratory services in HIV/AIDS program.
- Experience and knowledge of ART Surge Response is a major requirement.
- Experience in a laboratory setting in the areas of molecular diagnosis (viral load) and familiarity with standards and federal/state regulations affecting the laboratory practices.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Technical Advisor, Care and Treatment
Locations: Asaba - Delta, Enugu, Owerri - Imo and Umuahia - Abia
Job Type: Full Time
Job Category: Care and Treatment
Project: 4GATES Program
Program: Health
Number of Positions Available: 4
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards HIV Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program, funded by the United States’ President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- The 4GATES Program is a 5-year program that started in October 2017; it will end in September 2022. This program is been implemented in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services and ProHealth International.
Job Summary
- The Incumbent will serve as the technical lead for the state and will be responsible for coordinating 4GATES HIV prevention, care and treatment activities in the target state with a multidisciplinary team.
- In collaboration with Caritas Nigeria Technical Teams and facility-based teams, the incumbent will provide technical support in HIV prevention, care and treatment services directly to state program teams and supported Service Delivery Facilities.
- The objective of this position is to ensure quality service delivery and the achievement of program targets and deliverables.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Serve as the Technical Lead for the State and the Surge Operations Manager.
- Provides technical oversight of program implementation in assigned state
- Under the leadership of the State Team Lead/State Incident Commander, lead and coordinate all technical component of the state surge activities.
- Responsible for weekly articulation and reporting of State Surge activities for the Situation Room and other similar fora.
- In collaboration with State Unit and Thematic Area Leads, provide technical support in HIV prevention, care and treatment services directly to program and facility level staff.
- Responsible for coordinating ART related care and treatment activities.
- Ensure quality service delivery and achievement of program targets and deliverables.
- Provide technical input in the development of an integrated program work plan and contribute quota towards ensuring the achievement of program deliverables.
- Ensure achievement of all assigned targets relating to HIV prevention, care and treatment indicators.
- Conceptualize, develop and implement strategies directed towards quality site level program implementation across all related thematic areas.
- Collate, analyze and use data generated from program implementation to inform strategy direction from time to time.
- Contribute to monthly, quarterly, semi- annual and annual indicator narratives.
- Contribute to the development of annual interim progress report and continuation application
- Monitor and supervise complete and correct completion of all ART reporting tools,
- Supervise the Clinical Team in the state and support the coordination of all HIV prevention, care and treatment activities in the state.
- Interface with CDC Branch Chiefs, Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders as need arises.
- Represent Caritas Nigeria in meetings and fora whenever required.
- Provide guidance and supportive supervision in the holistic delivery of quality ART services.
- Carry other activities as assigned from time to time.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Advisor, Care and Treatment will report to the Senior Technical Advisor, Care and Treatment responsible for HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment Services in the Head Office.
- S/he will work very closely with the State Team Lead who is responsible for the overall deliverables and performance of the assigned state.
- S/he will also work closely with all State Program Area Leads, the Senior Program Manager, other Senior Advisors responsible of the various Program Areas and Units, the Associate Director, Care and Treatment, Associate Director, Grants Management, the Program Director, the Principal Investigator, the Deputy Executive Secretary and the Executive Secretary.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Degree in Medicine with a Master of Public Health or related Post-graduate qualification is required. A fellowship is an added advantage.
- At least 8 years’ relevant experience in HIV prevention, care and treatment at an Implementing Partner’s level; At least 5 years in a technical leadership role with supervisory responsibilities. Must have worked as a Senior Specialist under Care & Treatment for at least four (4) years in Caritas Nigeria or in a similar organization in the past.
- Ability to lead teams and promote cross learning
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgments in a timely fashion. Committing to a course of action without undue delay or prevarication
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Ability and willingness to travel when and if required.
Job Title: Technical Officer, Care and Treatment
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Care and Treatment
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Slots: 2 Openings
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards HIV Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program, funded by the United States’ President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- The 4GATES Program is a 5-year program that started in October 2017; it will end in September 2022. This program is been implemented in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services and ProHealth International.
Summary of Role
- Responsible for supporting HIV prevention, care and treatment activities in the assigned state with a multidisciplinary team. In collaboration with Caritas Nigeria Technical Teams and facility-based teams, the incumbent will provide HIV prevention, care and treatment services to patients through technical support to facility-based service providers.
- The objective of this position is to enhance service delivery and to strengthen the leadership and the capacity of the supported facilities in the coordination and delivery of quality HIV prevention, care and treatment services.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Build capacity of facility based clinicians through hands on coaching, supportive supervision and mentorship across program areas in HIV care and treatment.
- Provide technical input in the development of an integrated program work plan and contribute quota towards ensuring the achievement of program deliverables
- Scale up and monitor continuous quality improvement efforts for maintaining the quality and standards of care for HIV positive patients
- Ensure facility level conformance to the various National guidelines for HIV management by ensuring on-site availability of hard copy national guidelines, SOP’s and job aides and familiarizing service providers with the contents
- Carry out facility based needs assessments and proffer technical advice in line with organizational goals and objectives especially pertaining to service scale up
- Maintain current knowledge of HIV/AIDS patient’s standard of care at facility level through organization of regular didactic sessions, mortality reviews, case reviews/presentations etc.
- Follow up on implementation, monitoring and evaluation of quality improvement strategies identified by program area leads, training needs and participation in facility based multidisciplinary meetings such as patient care team meetings
- Direct management of complicated HIV cases (such as 2nd line and salvage therapy patients, TBHIV and other OI’s and pediatric cases) at site level
- Provide supervision to satellite facilities (spokes) as well as TB and PMTCT sites in the state.
- Monthly reporting of all activities carried out within catchment area, representation of Caritas Nigeria state/national/USG TWG meetings and related activities as designated.
- Participate in all desk time related activities including making presentations, organizational research, abstract writing and other professional developmental endeavors
- Ensure achievement of Treatment New target for assigned facilities
- Ensure the use of risk stratification tool for optimum yield of positives in assigned facilities
- Ensure every index positive patient receive Partner Notification Services (PNS) with a view to achieving average minimum elicitation ratio of 1:3
- Follow-up of all newly identified positives with a view to ensuring 100% linkage to treatment
- Support Clinical officers/Associate in the coordination of all ART clinic related activities in assigned facilities.
- Support Clinical officer/Associate and Facility Level Physician in the provision of clinical assessment and monitoring of patients on ARV therapy based on standard guidelines with emphasis on initial clinical evaluation. Treatment preparation, Same day ART initiation, in addition to prompt diagnosis of therapeutic failure using virological, immunological and/or clinical parameters as may be applicable
- Provide guidance to facility level focal persons in monitoring adherence to therapy and prompt identification and management of therapeutic toxicities.
- Ensure all patients on ART receive timely viral load test and documented evidence results used for clinical decision.
- Ensure all virally unsuppressed patients receive Quality and Complete Enhanced Adherence Counselling, timely repeat viral load, functional switch committee and appropriate and timely switch for confirmed cases of treatment failure
- Support Clinical officer/Associate and facility Level Physician in the Identification, diagnosis and management of opportunistic infection.
- Ensure regular nutritional assessment of positive patient (adult & pediatric) with a view to intervening either by therapeutic or supplementary nutritional support.
- Ensure prompt tracking of patients that missed scheduled appointment and Lost to Follow Up.
- Involvement in support group activities including orphan and vulnerable children activities and designing strategy that enhance social integration in conjunction with community based treatment support specialist.
- Provide guidance to Facility Level Physician and Clinical Associate in the diagnosis and management of pediatric HIV/AIDS using laboratory, clinical and nutritional parameters to ensure early and prompt ART initiation.
- Monitoring and follow up of retro exposed infants by ensuring post exposure prophylaxis, early infant diagnosis with DBS and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
- Ensure prompt initiation of Positive Pregnant women on ART, all current pregnant positive women receive timely documented viral load and result used for clinical decision.
- Management of TB/HIV co infection with strict adherence to ISTC guideline and ensuring CPT.
- Use of Continuous Quality Improvement Processes for Improved Program Performance using scientifically proven methods to increase quality of service deliveries.
- Strengthen TB /HIV clinic integration
- Co-ordination of activities around TB infection control and prevention
- Monitoring of implementation of TB infection control plan
- Ensure functional and coordinated Differentiated Model of Care
- Achieve 100% regimen optimization with the use of DTG and age & gender appropriate regimen
- Weekly reporting of all activities undertaken to immediate supervisor
- Prompt flagging of all issues and impediment to target achievement in assigned facility.
- Involvement in data quality assurance and ensuring complete and consistent EMR update
- Overall oversight of all ART related activities in the assigned facility
- Carry other activities as assigned from time to time.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Officer, Care & Treatment will report to the Technical Advisor in charge of the assigned state and will interact with the facility physicians and other Healthcare Workers on a regular basis and with all Caritas Nigeria Program Area Foal Officers and other units like the program and grants management.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine is required.
- Five (5) years’ post NYSC experience with at least 3 years’ clinical experience in HIV prevention, care and treatment.
- Ability to lead teams and promote cross learning
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgments in a timely fashion. Committing to a course of action without undue delay or prevarication
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Technical Officer - Prevention, Care & Treatment
Locations / Communities: Asaba - Delta, Enugu, Owerri - Imo and Umuahia - Abia
Job Category: Care and Treatment
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Slot: 5 Openings
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- The Technical Officer, Prevention, Care & Support will work with stakeholders, facilities, Civil society organizations, Subnational government units, State Technical working groups in the planning, implementation, coordination and evaluation of Prevention, Care & Support of HIV services including but not limited to general prevention, HIV Testing Services, Linkage, Adherence, Retention, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, Differentiated Models of Care and Nutrition services programming within 4GATES supported the state of operations, communities and facilities.
- The incumbent under the supervision of the Senior Specialist will provide direct programmatic implementation support at the facility, team and program level in the attainment of project activities.
Description of Role & Responsibilities
- Support the design and implementation of the Prevention, Care & Support Services activities in supported states in accordance with 4GATES objectives in the following regards;
- Support the design and implementation of the HIV prevention services (including HTS among the general population, KP, adolescents and young people) in supported states.
- Provide technical support and oversight to ensure excellent HIV Testing Services delivery in supported facilities with particular focus on Index Case Testing in line with program directives.
- Support the process of development, review and deployment of HIV prevention documents, guidelines and training curricula, including HIV Testing Services, Index Testing and KP testing, tailored training curriculum and service delivery guidelines.
- Contribute to capacity building efforts of partners and ensure delivery of high quality services at all program sites using internationally recognized best practices and in line with national guidelines.
- Work to strengthen quality assured counseling and testing services across all the HTS models (facility, mobile and strategic community outreaches targeting key and vulnerable populations.
- Implement effective linkage of all identified positive clients through innovative strategies e.g. accompanied referrals and use of the linkage tracker for all identified positives across all supported facilities.
- Work with the ART Health care team to establish and strengthen adherence systems at the facility and community levels for improved quality of patient care. Support facility adherence interventions to ensure long term adherence to ART.
- Put in place effective retention interventions to attain 95% retention of patients on ART.
- Ensure integration of prevention of MTCT services into all ante natal care services and effective mentoring and supervision of health care workers at PMTCT sites.
- Build capacity of facility nurses to take on new roles in the implementation of differentiated model of ART delivery (DMOAD) such as Fast track refill services and organized specialized clinics for stable patients.
- Strengthen facility based patient health education curriculum.
- Work with the state MOH for qualitative HIV Testing, Care and Support Service delivery in line with the program and national guidelines.
- Provision of technical assistance and capacity building to facilities.
- Assess quality of community support activities in and around treatment facilities and assist treatment facilities and communities in developing their ART support programs.
- Identify training needs, plan and facilitate on-site training sessions on HTS, Linkage, Adherence, Retention, Care & Support services.
- Distribute appropriate job aides and education materials for treatment support staff.
- Provide an account of program related achievements through site visit, monthly and quarterly reports to supervisor.
- Participate in other miscellaneous activities including representing CCFN, making presentations, relevant organizational research and abstract writing.
- Represent the organization in meetings and other forums related to the job.
- Carry out other additional duties as required.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Officer reports to the Prevention Lead in the State. The position has a dotted line reporting relationship to the Senior Clinical Specialist/Deputy State Team Lead, Senior Prevention Advisor, the Senior Technical Advisor – Clinical Services and the Program Director.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, or Nursing, or Medical or Biological or Management or Social Sciences.
- Three (3) years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of HIV prevention, care and treatment services.
- Knowledge of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services is required.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Technical Specialist, Prevention, Care & Treatment
Location: Umuahia, Abia
Job Type: Full Time
Job Category: Care and Treatment, Prevention
Project: 4GATES Program
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States. It is a 5-year program (October, 2017 to September, 2022) implemented by Caritas Nigeria and its consortium partners; Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Pro-Health International as the sole Implementing Partner for PEPFAR in these states.
Summary of Role
- The Technical Specialist, Prevention, Care & Support will work with stakeholders, facilities, Civil society organizations, Subnational government units, State Technical working groups in the planning, implementation, coordination and evaluation of Prevention, Care & Support of HIV services including but not limited to general prevention, HIV Testing Services, Linkage, Adherence, Retention, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, Differentiated Models of Care and Nutrition services programming within 4GATES supported the state of operations, communities and facilities.
- The incumbent under the supervision of the Senior Specialist will provide direct programmatic implementation support at the facility, team and program level in the attainment of project activities.
Description of Role & Responsibilities
- Support the design and implementation of the Prevention, Care & Support Services activities in supported states in accordance with 4GATES objectives in the following regards;
- Support the design and implementation of the HIV prevention services (including HTS among the general population, KP, adolescents and young people) in supported states.
- Provide technical support and oversight to ensure excellent HIV Testing Services delivery in supported facilities with particular focus on Index Case Testing in line with program directives.
- Support the process of development, review and deployment of HIV prevention documents, guidelines and training curricula, including HIV Testing Services, Index Testing and KP testing, tailored training curriculum and service delivery guidelines.
- Contribute to capacity building efforts of partners and ensure delivery of high quality services at all program sites using internationally recognized best practices and in line with national guidelines.
- Work to strengthen quality assured counseling and testing services across all the HTS models (facility, mobile and strategic community outreaches targeting key and vulnerable populations.
- Implement effective linkage of all identified positive clients through innovative strategies e.g. accompanied referrals and use of the linkage tracker for all identified positives.
- Work with the ART Health care team to establish and strengthen adherence systems at the facility and community levels for improved quality of patient care. Support facility adherence interventions to ensure long term adherence to ART.
- Put in place effective retention interventions to attain 95% retention of patients on ART.
- Ensure integration of prevention of MTCT services into all ante natal care services and effective mentoring and supervision of health care workers at PMTCT sites.
- Build capacity of facility nurses to take on new roles in the implementation of differentiated model of ART delivery (DMOAD) such as Fast track services and organized specialized clinics.
- Strengthen facility based patient health education curriculum.
- Work with the state MOH for qualitative HIV Testing, Care and Support Service delivery in line with the program and national guidelines.
- Provision of technical assistance and capacity building to facilities.
- Assess quality of community support activities in and around treatment facilities and assist treatment facilities and communities in developing their ART support programs.
- Identify training needs, plan and facilitate on-site training sessions on HTS, Linkage, Adherence, Retention, Care & Support services.
- Distribute appropriate job aides and education materials for treatment support staff.
- Provide an account of program related achievements through site visit, monthly and quarterly reports to supervisor.
- Manage a facility in the capacity of a facility manager which entails coordinating activities across key program indicators for assigned facility.
- Participate in other miscellaneous activities including representing CCFN, making presentations, relevant organizational research and abstract writing.
- Represent the organization in meetings and other forums related to the job.
- Carry out other additional duties as required.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Specialist, Prevention, Care & Support, reports to the Prevention Lead in the State.
- The position has a dotted line reporting relationship to the Senior Clinical Specialist/Deputy State Team Lead, Senior Prevention Advisor, the Senior Technical Advisor – Clinical Services and the Program Director.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Advanced Degree in Public Health, or Nursing, or Medical or Biological or Management or Social Sciences.
- 5 years’ mandatory knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of HIV prevention, care and treatment services and must have worked as an Officer for at least 3 years under the Prevention, Care and Treatment Unit.
- Good knowledge of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services is required.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
Job Title: Senior Technical Specialist, Care and Treatment
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Care and Treatment
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards HIV Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program, funded by the United States’ President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- The 4GATES Program is a 5-year program that started in October 2017; it will end in September 2022. This program is been implemented in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services and ProHealth International.
Summary of Role
- Responsible for coordinating HIV care and treatment activities in the assigned state with a multidisciplinary team. In collaboration with Caritas Nigeria Technical Teams and facility-based teams, the incumbent will provide HIV prevention, care and treatment services to patients through technical support to facility-based service providers.
- The objective of this position is to enhance service delivery and to strengthen the leadership and the capacity of the supported facilities in the coordination and delivery of quality HIV prevention, care and treatment services.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
- Build capacity of facility based clinicians through hands on coaching, supportive supervision and mentorship across program areas in HIV care and treatment.
- Provide technical input in the development of an integrated program work plan and contribute quota towards ensuring the achievement of program deliverables
- Scale up and monitor continuous quality improvement efforts for maintaining the quality and standards of care for HIV positive patients.
- Ensure facility level conformance to the various National guidelines for HIV management by ensuring on-site availability of hard copy national guidelines, SOP’s and job aides and familiarizing service providers with the contents.
- Carry out facility based needs assessments and proffer technical advice in line with organizational goals and objectives especially pertaining to service scale up
- Maintain current knowledge of HIV/AIDS patient’s standard of care at facility level through organization of regular didactic sessions, mortality reviews, case reviews/presentations etc.
- Follow up on implementation, monitoring and evaluation of quality improvement strategies identified by program area leads, training needs and participation in facility based multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Direct management of complicated HIV cases (such as 2nd line and salvage therapy patients, TBHIV and other OI’s and pediatric cases) at site level
- Provide supervision to hub and spoke facilities as well as TB and PMTCT sites in the state.
- Monthly reporting of all activities carried out within catchment area, representation of CCFN at state/national/USG TWG meetings and related activities as designated.
- Participate in all desk time related activities including making presentations, organizational research, abstract writing and other professional developmental endeavors.
- Ensure achievement of Treatment New target for assigned facilities.
- Ensure the use of risk stratification tool for optimum yield of positives in assigned facilities.
- Ensure every index positive patient receive Partner Notification Services (PNS) with a view to achieving average minimum elicitation ratio of 1:3
- Follow-up of all newly identified positives with a view to ensuring 100% linkage to treatment.
- Support Clinical officers/Associate in the coordination of all ART clinic related activities in assigned facilities.
- Support Clinical officer/Associate and Facility Level Physician in the provision of clinical assessment and monitoring of patients on ARV therapy based on standard guidelines with emphasis on initial clinical evaluation. Treatment preparation, Same day ART initiation, in addition to prompt diagnosis of therapeutic failure using virological, immunological and/or clinical parameters as may be applicable.
- Provide guidance to facility level focal persons in monitoring adherence to therapy and prompt identification and management of therapeutic toxicities.
- Ensure all patients on ART receive timely viral load test and documented results for clinical decision.
- Ensure all virally unsuppressed patients receive quality and complete Enhanced Adherence Counselling, timely repeat viral load, and appropriate and timely switch for confirmed cases of treatment failure.
- Support Clinical officer/Associate and facility Level Physician in the Identification, diagnosis and management of opportunistic infection.
- Ensure regular nutritional assessment of positive patient with a view to intervening either by therapeutic or supplementary nutritional support.
- Ensure prompt tracking of patients that missed scheduled appointment and Lost to Follow Up.
- Involvement in support group activities including orphan and vulnerable children activities and designing strategy that enhance social integration in conjunction with community based treatment support specialist.
- Provide guidance to Facility Level Physician and Clinical Associate in the diagnosis and management of pediatric HIV/AIDS using laboratory, clinical and nutritional parameters to ensure early and prompt ART initiation.
- Monitoring and follow up of retro exposed infants by ensuring post exposure prophylaxis, early infant diagnosis with DBS and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
- Ensure prompt initiation of positive pregnant women on ART, all current pregnant positive women receive timely viral load and documented result for clinical decisions.
- Management of TB/HIV co infection with strict adherence to national guidelines.
- Use of Continuous Quality Improvement Processes for Improved Program Performance using scientifically proven methods to increase quality of service deliveries.
- Strengthen TB /HIV clinic integration
- Co-ordination of activities around TB infection control and prevention
- Monitoring of implementation of TB infection control plan
- Ensure functional and coordinated Differentiated Model of Care
- Achieve 100% regimen optimization with the use of DTG and age & gender appropriate regimen
- Weekly reporting of all activities undertaken to immediate supervisor
- Prompt flagging of all issues and impediment to target achievement in assigned facility
- Involvement in data quality assurance and ensuring complete and consistent EMR update
- Overall oversight of all ART related activities in the assigned facility
- Carry other activities as assigned from time to time.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Senior Technical Specialist, Care & Treatment will report to the Technical Advisor in charge of the assigned state and will interact with the other Clinical Officers in the state as well as facility physicians and other Healthcare Workers on a regular basis and with all Caritas Nigeria Program Area Leads and other units like the program and grants management.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Degree in Medicine plus a postgraduate degree in public health is required.
- At least 7 years relevant experience in HIV prevention, care and treatment at an Implementing Partner’s level; At least 3 years in a technical leadership role with supervisory responsibilities
- Ability to lead teams and promote cross learning
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgments in a timely fashion. Committing to a course of action without undue delay or prevarication
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Ability and willingness to travel when and if required.
Job Title: Technical Specialist, Care and Treatment
Location / Community: Umuahia, Abia
Job Category: Care and Treatment
Job Type: Full Time
Project: 4GATES PROGRAM
Program: Health
Program Background
- The Global Action Towards HIV Epidemic control in Sub-national units in Nigeria (4GATES) program, funded by the United States’ President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment program being implemented in Abia, Delta, Enugu and Imo States.
- The 4GATES Program is a 5-year program that started in October 2017; it will end in September 2022. This program is been implemented in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services and ProHealth International.
Summary of Role
- Responsible for supporting HIV prevention, care and treatment activities in the assigned state with a multidisciplinary team. In collaboration with Caritas Nigeria Technical Teams and facility-based teams, the incumbent will provide HIV prevention, care and treatment services to patients through technical support to facility-based service providers.
- The objective of this position is to enhance service delivery and to strengthen the leadership and the capacity of the supported facilities in the coordination and delivery of quality HIV prevention, care and treatment services.
Description of Roles & Responsibilities
Provide effective support in the following regards:
- Build capacity of facility based clinicians through hands on coaching, supportive supervision and mentorship across program areas in HIV care and treatment.
- Provide technical input in the development of an integrated program work plan and contribute quota towards ensuring the achievement of program deliverables
- Scale up and monitor continuous quality improvement efforts for maintaining the quality and standards of care for HIV positive patients
- Ensure facility level conformance to the various National guidelines for HIV management by ensuring on-site availability of hard copy national guidelines, SOP’s and job aides and familiarizing service providers with the contents
- Carry out facility based needs assessments and proffer technical advice in line with organizational goals and objectives especially pertaining to service scale up
- Maintain current knowledge of HIV/AIDS patient’s standard of care at facility level through organization of regular didactic sessions, mortality reviews, case reviews/presentations etc.
- Follow up on implementation, monitoring and evaluation of quality improvement strategies identified by program area leads, training needs and participation in facility based multidisciplinary meetings such as patient care team meetings
- Direct management of complicated HIV cases (such as 2nd line and salvage therapy patients, TBHIV and other OI’s and pediatric cases) at site level
- Provide supervision to satellite facilities (spokes) as well as TB and PMTCT sites in the state.
- Monthly reporting of all activities carried out within catchment area, representation of Caritas Nigeria state/national/USG TWG meetings and related activities as designated.
- Participate in all desk time related activities including making presentations, organizational research, abstract writing and other professional developmental endeavors
- Ensure achievement of Treatment New target for assigned facilities
- Ensure the use of risk stratification tool for optimum yield of positives in assigned facilities
- Ensure every index positive patient receive Partner Notification Services (PNS) with a view to achieving average minimum elicitation ratio of 1:3
- Follow-up of all newly identified positives with a view to ensuring 100% linkage to treatment
- Support Clinical officers/Associate in the coordination of all ART clinic related activities in assigned facilities.
- Support Clinical officer/Associate and Facility Level Physician in the provision of clinical assessment and monitoring of patients on ARV therapy based on standard guidelines with emphasis on initial clinical evaluation. Treatment preparation, Same day ART initiation, in addition to prompt diagnosis of therapeutic failure using virological, immunological and/or clinical parameters as may be applicable
- Provide guidance to facility level focal persons in monitoring adherence to therapy and prompt identification and management of therapeutic toxicities.
- Ensure all patients on ART receive timely viral load test and documented results for clinical decision.
- Ensure all virally unsuppressed patients receive Quality and Complete Enhanced Adherence Counselling, timely repeat viral load, functional switch committee and appropriate and timely switch for confirmed cases of treatment failure
- Support Clinical officer/Associate and facility Level Physician in the Identification, diagnosis and management of opportunistic infection.
- Ensure regular nutritional assessment of positive patient (adult & pediatric) with a view to intervening either by therapeutic or supplementary nutritional support.
- Ensure prompt tracking of patients that missed scheduled appointment and Lost to Follow Up.
- Involvement in support group activities including orphan and vulnerable children activities and designing strategy that enhance social integration in conjunction with community based treatment support specialist.
- Provide guidance to Facility Level Physician and Clinical Associate in the diagnosis and management of pediatric HIV/AIDS using laboratory, clinical and nutritional parameters to ensure early and prompt ART initiation.
- Monitoring and follow up of retro exposed infants by ensuring post exposure prophylaxis, early infant diagnosis with DBS and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
- Ensure prompt initiation of Positive Pregnant women on ART, all current pregnant positive women receive timely documented viral load and result used for clinical decision.
- Management of TB/HIV co infection with strict adherence to ISTC guideline and ensuring CPT.
- Use of Continuous Quality Improvement Processes for Improved Program Performance using scientifically proven methods to increase quality of service deliveries.
- Strengthen TB /HIV clinic integration
- Co-ordination of activities around TB infection control and prevention
- Monitoring of implementation of TB infection control plan
- Ensure functional and coordinated Differentiated Model of Care
- Achieve 100% regimen optimization with the use of DTG and age & gender appropriate regimen
- Weekly reporting of all activities undertaken to immediate supervisor
- Prompt flagging of all issues and impediment to target achievement in assigned facility
- Involvement in data quality assurance and ensuring complete and consistent EMR update
- Overall oversight of all ART related activities in the assigned facility
- Carry other activities as assigned from time to time.
Reporting & Supervision:
- The Technical Specialist, Care & Treatment, will report to the Technical Advisor in charge of the assigned state and will interact with the facility physicians and other Healthcare Workers on a regular basis and with all Caritas Nigeria Program Area Foal Officers and other units like the program and grants management.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The Responsibilities (Above) are not all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other related tasks as required and will be responsible for reporting and communicating progress and achievement of the specific assigned tasks.
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Degree in Medicine plus a Pstgraduate Degree in Public Health is required.
- Seven (7) years post NYSC experience with at least 5 years’ experience in HIV care & treatment and at least 2 years supervisory responsibilities.
- Ability to lead teams and promote cross learning
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgments in a timely fashion. Committing to a course of action without undue delay or prevarication
- Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
- Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, cooperation, and learning.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit a Letter of Application with a recently updated CV as a single PDF file-format (as an attachment), and send to: [email protected] using the Job Title and Location as the subject of the email. E.g. "Technical Officer, OVC Program - HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment; Umuahia, Abia State".
Click Here for More Information
Note
- Application not received in the stated format will be disqualified.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application Deadline 6pm; 16th September, 2021.