Program Officer, MNCH at Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

Summary/Overview

• The MNCH Program Officer (PO) at the central, regional or state level and to be occupied by staff with a medical and or midwifery background.
• The MNCH PO is also expected to spend 40% of his/her time in the office and 60% on supervisory and advocacy activities, programmatic support to the implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention activities of the Institute of Human Virology programme, including sexual prevention (HCT, Abstinence, Be faithful [AB] and Condoms and other prevention and Key Affected Population), medical prevention ( injection safety/health care waste management, community based organizations and Community mobilization activities.
• He/she will supervise and coordinate all relevant activities for all community prevention activities through effective supervision of staff and effective project management to meet program targets.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development and adaptation of guidelines, tools and other relevant materials for use in the national scale up of PMTCT activities in IHVN-supported sites in Nigeria.
• Assist in development of program strategies, work plans and their implementation for effective operations of the hub and spoke model of scale up.
• Ensure smooth operations and coordination of PMTCT activities at the regional/state offices.
• Forecast and request for PMTCT commodities such as care kits and Mama Packs.
• Co-ordinate, track progress, review results and address PMTCT challenges
• Mentor doctors, nurses, mentor mothers to provide quality care to HIV+ pregnant women.
• Create a sustainable PMTCT team that includes Traditional Birth Attendants to deliver overall quality health care to HIV+ pregnant women.
• Ensure that the facility operates a functional and efficient client flow system.
• Identify barriers to PMTCT and proffer solutions to these challenges.
• Assist and undertake needs assessments of new sites as required.
• Facilitate and coordinate all trainings sessions organized for site health care workers.
• Provide technical assistance to site and community staff through precepting, monitoring and mentoring.
• Facilitate and coordinate the activities of Infant Feeding Counseling activities and training of health care workers at all IHVN supported sites in Nigeria.
• Facilitate effective linkages within thematic groups and overall community linkages.
• Report all activities to the Program Area Lead and the Director, Community Health department.
• Adhere and abide by the ethics and code of conduct of the Institute.

Qualification
Education/Experience:

• MBBS, Basic Midwifery and/or any other post graduate Certificate in Midwifery & Nursing, with excellent computer skills are required. Also required is at least 3 years working experience with participation in both clinical and community PMTCT activities. An MPH will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate with a wide range of personalities is necessary.
• Ability to clearly explain available PMTCT services.
• Community outreach and engagement talents.
• Clear understanding of the health system, PHC structure and HIV/AIDS.
• Supportive attitude towards processes of strengthening PHCs, local health structures and building local capacities for self-management