Technical Associate, Community Medicine at Equitable Health Access Initiative (EHAI)

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
He /She will provide both technical and administrative support towards implementation of quality and sustainable maternal and child services for HIV positive pregnant women and their children at facility and community levels in line with national policies and guidelines and international best practice.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Provide technical support related to maternal health with primary focus on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) strategies and Care & Support programme for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their families, including orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).
• In collaboration with EHAI staff, provide technical assistance to public sector (FMOH and SMOH/LG) and private organizations to design, develop, implement, monitor and evaluate strategies to effectively integrate PMTCT with adult and paediatric Care & Support programme   into the HIV/AIDS service delivery elements as appropriate.
• Undertake development of guidelines, tools and recommendations related to the implementation, evaluation of HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes.
• Initiate and encourage best practices in the field of HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes.
• Contribute to development of lessons learned from programs and projects related to HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes and apply these lessons to modify existing program and improve the design of new programs.
• Sustain links at programmatic and field level activities with other  components of HIV care and treatment  (pharmacy, HMIS, LIMS).
• Work with other programme staff  and thematic areas to map out strategies to achieve set programme objectives and cover gaps identified.
• Provide supportive technical and programmatic supervision across supported sites
• Coordinate the design and implementation of HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes
• Work in close collaboration with the TB and Integrated Medical Service Unit in the implementation of integrated HIV, TB and other medical services at the facility level.
• Contribute to development of lessons learned from programs and projects related to HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes  and apply these lessons to modify existing program and improve the design of new programs.
• Represent EHAI/Nigeria to donors and government officials on issues of  HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes and clinical management of HIV/AIDS
• Submit regular scheduled reports of activities he/she carried on behalf of EHAI.
• Draw up monthly, quarterly and annual HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes. Remain informed on current programs in the field of HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes and related development field and contribute to EHAI’s global lessons learned in HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes.
• Assist in strengthening a system of reporting on program progress against stated objectives and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Contribute to the development of program strategies, subproject documents, work plans
• And any other delegated task that enhances your skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of health and development programs in developing countries in general and Nigeria specifically.
• Knowledge and experience in HIV program implementation at project-level, facility, state/ national-levels.
• Good clinical and programmatic understanding of  HIV care and support/OVC, PMTCT
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political and ethical issues surrounding HIV infections.
• Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, consultants and end-users of service.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities.
• Knowledge of Maternal and Child health in HIV care Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication.
• Appropriate computer skills.
• Ability to travel within Nigeria 75% time.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• BNS, RN/RM with 3-5 years post qualification working experience
• Masters in Public health will be an added advantage.
• 1- 3 years relevant experience in HIV project at health facility, state/ national-levels.
• Familiarity with PEPFAR project
• Experience with medical practice in Nigerian health system
• Training in HCT, PMTCT, Care & Support programmes and EID desirable.
• Program planning, Research and coordination experience is desirable.
• Familiarity with Nigerian  public health sector systems and NGOs and CBOs is highly desirable