Lead HTS Advisor at Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL)

Project Background

• In collaboration with the Government of Nigeria (GoN), PEPFAR/USAID investments have led to the achievement of significant progress in the fight against the HIV epidemic in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
• However, the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) showed that epidemic control targets are yet to be achieved.
• Further, this progress is threatened by development challenges: limited financial resources, insufficient use of data for decision making, weak coordination mechanism across all levels of government and insecurity.
• The Accelerating Control of HIV Epidemic (ACE) project provides USAID with the opportunity to support the GoN, civil society groups, and private sector actors in the cluster 3 focus states to close gaps in reaching control targets, address critical challenges in implementing their HIV response and accelerate progress towards sustainable epidemic control.

Job Summary

• The Lead HTS Advisor will work with DCOP/Technical Director to provide a wide range of high-end HTS services and strengthen linkage to ART and other prevention services.
• S/He will be responsible for providing leadership on case identification and treatment initiation. for improved patient outcomes.
• S/He will work with HTS Advisors in the states and other state actors to strengthen HTS testing services and linkage within the assigned location.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination of community and facility-based HTS for targeted populations in the assigned states
• Establish and Strengthen referral linkages between community and facility-based HTS, GBV, and PrEP
• Collaborate with state reference laboratories to strengthen proficiency testing and other diagnostic quality assurance
• Ensure HIV testing is provided to priority populations according to the national HIV testing protocols and guidelines
• Develop and implement strategies to improve HTS services with other actors
• Collaborate and lead evidence-based surge HTS services
• Participate in the development of M&E tools relating to HIV testing at facilities and communities
• Coordinate mapping of community and facility services including SPOKE, PMTCT site, and the development of referral directories
• Work to coordinate training for providers on HTS, PNS, IPV, adherence counseling, and behavioral change
• Ensure that monthly program activity reports are produced and submitted timely for data triangulation with the M&E unit on the project
• Strengthen good working relationship with other implementing partners and stakeholders
• Perform any other duties assigned by your supervisor

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Public Health, Health Sciences or related health, Medical or Social Sciences; Master’s in Public health preferred  
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in design and implementation of HIV testing services for community and health facilities under PEPFAR/USAID supported programs

Desired Competencies:

• Specialized knowledge:  Certificate in HTS algorithm, PITC, VTC, etc.; Knowledgeable in facility and community-based HTS including index testing, HIV self-testing, and recency testing including driving SURGE-level access to HTS services
• Skills: Proficient in excel, word processing. Strong written and oral communications skills, ability to interpret epidemiological and public health data
• Interpersonal/Individual Competencies: the ability to build and maintain relations with multiple stakeholders, strong work ethics, decisiveness, and personal integrity.