Health Informatics Specialist at National AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections Control and Hepatitis Programme (NASCP)

Responsibilities:

Overview of the Role/Position

• The engagement of a Health Informatics Specialist to provide technical support for the optimization of the National Data Repository (NDR), the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and any other HIS platform. The health informatics specialist plays a critical role in supporting HIV programs by ensuring that data is properly collected, managed, analyzed, and used to improve patient outcomes and program performance.
• This role ensures the design, collection, analysis, and reporting of HIV-related data to improve program performance, decision-making, and accountability in alignment with Nigeria's HIV/AIDS strategic goals. The responsibilities typically span several key areas:

Key Responsibilities:

• Health Information Systems Support: Implement and maintain digital tools used in HIV programs, patient tracking systems, laboratory information systems, reporting platforms (e.g., DHIS2) and troubleshoot technical issues and train healthcare workers on how to use these systems
• Design and maintain systems for collecting HIV-related data (e.g., testing, treatment, viral load monitoring etc), developing electronic medical records (EMR) systems, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and completeness and managing databases and data storage systems.
• Analysed HIV program data to generate insights that inform decision-making, monitor indicators like HIV prevalence, ART coverage, and viral suppression, producing routine reports for stakeholders (government, donors, NGOs), supporting data visualization (dashboards, charts)
• In close collaboration with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Develop indicators and data collection tools, track program performance against targets and support evaluations and operational research
• Data Quality Assurance: Establish and implement procedures to ensure high-quality data, conducting data quality assessments (DQAs), validating and cleaning datasets and training staff in proper data entry and reporting practices.
• Interoperability and Systems Integration: Ensure different health systems can communicate effectively, Integrating EMRs with national reporting systems and Supporting data exchange standards and protocols
• Capacity Building and Training for healthcare providers and data clerks on the use of digital health tools, data management best practices and basic data analysis and interpretation.
• Data Security and Confidentiality: To ensure patient data is protected and implement data security policies, maintaining confidentiality, especially for sensitive HIV-related information and managing user access and system permissions
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with government health ministries, donor agencies (e.g., PEPFAR, Global Fund) and Implementing partners and NGOs
• Perform other duties as may be assigned the supervisors.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Information Technology, Health Informatics, Computer Science, Statistics, or any other related field.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field and or Advanced-level qualification will be an added advantage.
• Proven experience working with DHIS2 or similar health management information systems (HMIS).
• Data analysis tools like Microsoft Excel, R, or Python, Open MRS or other EMRs
• Basic database knowledge (SQL, data cleaning, validation)
• Strong technical and analytical skills, proficiency in database management, data visualization, and report generation
• Demonstrated ability to simplify and present complex concepts to a varied audience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the use of electronic platforms for learning and understanding of Nigeria's health data ecosystems

Professional/Technical Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ active post-graduation experience inclusive of NYSC (except with exemption certificate.
• Data collection, cleaning, and validation, Data quality assurance (DQA), Data visualization and reporting, Ability to interpret trends and support decision-making, HIV testing services (HTS), Antiretroviral therapy (ART), Viral load monitoring, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) indicators
• Understanding of data privacy and ethics; Patient confidentiality principles, data protection policies, and ethical handling of sensitive HIV data.
• Familiarity with donor reporting systems (e.g., PEPFAR indicators) is often required. Some experience with Health and HIV/AIDS related programs, preferably within Nigeria or sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience working with NGOs, hospitals, or government health systems is a strong advantage.

Other Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the capacity to train and support health care workers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder coordination and engagement.
• Teamwork and ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.