Program Officer, MNCH at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Job Category: Technical
Supervisor: MNCH Unit Head
Department: Prevention Care and Treatment  
Unit: Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH)  

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic support and oversight to the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Unit across supported facilities in the state
• Assist in development of program strategies, work plans and their implementation for effective operations of the PMTCT services across facilities within the state.
• Ensure smooth operations and coordination of PMTCT activities at the supported state and facilities.
• Conduct needs assessment for PMTCT commodities supplies in the state
• Co-ordinate, track progress, review results and address PMTCT challenges in the state
• Supervise service providers (nurses, adherence counselors, Mentor Mothers, Treatment Support Specialists, volunteers etc.) as they provide quality care to HIV Positive pregnant women.
• Ensure that the facility operates a functional and efficient client flow system
• Identify barriers to PMTCT and proffer solutions to these challenges
• Facilitate and coordinate all site-based trainings sessions organized for facilities health care workers
• Facilitate and coordinate the activities of Infant Feeding Counseling and hands-on capacity building for health care workers in the state
• Facilitate effective linkages within thematic program areas and overall community based organization linkages.
• Report all activities to the MNCH Program Lead in the state and State Manager/Project Director, Senior Program Officer Prevention, Care and Treatment Department Central and others as may be necessary.
• Adhere and abide by the ethics and code of conduct of the Institute.
• Review State data on weekly/monthly basis to assess level of achievement and gaps.
• Coordinate Early Infant Diagnosis activities in the state and ensure appropriate transportation systems of samples logging at the PCR labs, monitor its flow and ensure quickest turnaround time to the facility & caregiver.
• Facilitate and coordinate the activities of Mentor Mothers / Traditional Birth attendants and other community volunteers to improve care, treatment protocols and mechanisms for tracking defaulters.
• Any other duties assigned by Regional Manager/State Manager /Program Area Lead & Head of Department

Qualifications
Educational:

• BSc Nursing

Skills and Abilities:

• Good communication (oral and written) and facilitation skills
• Proficiency in computer - Word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation
• Ability to evaluate/analyze data, prepare high quality reports often under pressure and in complex situations,
• Ability/capacity to develop and design MNCH strategic plan,
• Good inter and intrapersonal communication skills,
• Being goal-oriented and willing to work under pressure to meet targets/goals

Prior Work Experience:

• A minimum of 5 – 7 years progressively professional level experience managing public health and health delivery with emphasis on MNCH. She/he must have experience working with PEPFAR funded MNCH, care and treatment program.

Language Proficiency:

• English language (high proficiency in verbal and written expression)

Job Knowledge:

• Familiarity with the broad range of maternal, newborn and child health issues. Understanding and in-depth knowledge of the implementation of MNCH programs in Nigeria.