Program Officer, HIV Prevention Care and Support at Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC)

Location: Okigwe, Imo
LOE: 100% (Full time position)
Departments: Programs
Reports to: Program Manager

Primary Function

• The Prevention, Care & Support Officer will be responsible for working closely with the Case Managers, facility focal persons and the CBO program technical team to achieve the strategic objectives of the program – focusing primarily on HIV prevention, Care & Support.
• S/he will provide technical and programmatic support primarily in the areas of HIV prevention, Community based HIV Care & Support for Vulnerable households affected by AIDS.
• S/he is the focal person for OVC treatment collaboration for JDPC Umuahia. S/he will be responsible for implementing strategies designed to strengthen the linkages between the community-based care activities and health facilities providing HIV care and treatment towards ensuring a continuum of care.
• S/he will also support the strengthening of the capacity of engaged Case Managers in the area of HIV prevention awareness creation, community mobilization for HIV Testing Services, PMTCT and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), improving referral and counter-referral systems between communities and facilities.
• Also, s/he will support the implementation of evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing HIV risk behaviors, HIV transmission.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Ensure 100% of children living with HIV (CLHIV) on CBOs Care and treatment portfolio in target LGAs are enrolled in the 4GATES/OVC program.
• Direct Case Managers (CMs) towards overall technical quality-including adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines for all HIV Prevention care & support activities of the project.
• In collaboration with CMs, implement evidence-based health and nutrition interventions to indigent households by responding to identified prioritized health, nutrition, and psychosocial support (PSS) needs.
• Provide health and nutrition training and supervision to all relevant staff and CMs.
• In conjunction with Caritas OVC team, conduct IYCF training and collaborate with CMs to implement relevant health and nutrition related activities.
• Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of project efforts, achievements, lessons learned and innovations within the 4GATES/OVC Program.
• Ensure timely preparation of high-quality training and meeting reports.
• Contribute to the development of monthly, quarterly and annual work-plans, supervision and mentoring
• Provide regular supportive supervision to the CMs to ensure the achievement of expected results.
• Represent the CSO in external technical meetings, conferences and workshops related to HIV Prevention Care & Support
• Liaise and coordinate with other HIV Prevention Care & Support actors, including LG SACA, PHCs, PMTCT sites, TBAs and other NGOs, learning institutions and civil society actors to promote synergy, share lessons learned and avoid duplication.
• Perform any other role assigned.

Qualification and Experience

• B.Sc in a relevant health degree plus a minimum of 2-3 years technical experience with community-level HIV Prevention, Care & Support programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and Case Managers as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training and meetings using participatory methods and adult learning principles.
• Experience in supporting HIV Testing Services programs in health facilities, mobile units and community outreaches
• Good knowledge of the Government of Nigeria HIV Care and Treatment guidelines (Pediatric &Adult)
• Familiarity with OVC programming and principles.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and make reasoned judgments in a timely fashion.
• Experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.