Program Officer HTS Case Finding/ Index Testing at Sisters Against HIV and Cancer Initiative (SACHI)

Job Summary: 

The Program Officer will coordinate case finding/ Index testing activities in the assigned SACHI Hotspots. The position involves working with project team members and relevant stakeholders to ensure quality HIV testing and linkage services under the guidance of the Program Manager. Technical duties include implementing efforts to ensure HIV testing is based on the most recent, relevant, and science-based approaches. The officer will also ensure that the services meet the required service quality standards. S/he will facilitate integration of case finding interventions into other service delivery platforms. General responsibilities of the position are to ensure that all activities contribute to the achievement of SACHI ECEWS SPEED program HTS objectives and targets for HIV prevention program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for the overall technical guidance and coordination of Index testing/PNS/related activities
• Ensure that HTS strategies are implemented, and performance tracked for high yields; including effective referrals and linkages from SACHI Hotspots to care and treatment and other services.
• Provide technical assistance to project team members on all aspects of case finding programming.
• Coordinate implementation, monitoring and evaluation of case finding program activities, to facilitate achievements of high-quality results and timelines of all the program deliverables.
• Facilitate integration of HTS activities to promote achievement of the 95-95-95 cascade.
• Assist the Program Manager in developing and reviewing annual work plans and budgets.
• Work closely with the Program manager, CTs and CMs for community testing to support community related testing in the assigned Hotspots.
• Provides a continuous TA to field level to scale up HIV case identification
• Ensures the delivery of standard comprehensive HIV services targeting FSWs in Delta State
• Actively engage in the implementation and monitoring of site level acceleration plan
• Engages in rolling out innovative Index Testing /PNS strategies and standards
• Prepares periodic reports and updates regarding the Index Testing /PNS scale up
• Provide ongoing support to improve achievement through the full Index Testing /PNS cascade
• Closely monitor Index Testing /PNS related activities and operational plans
• Ensures proper Index Testing /PNS related documentation and data quality.
• Work in project team members to ensure that national and PEPFAR case finding guidelines are implemented with fidelity.
• Closely monitor and report on the availability of commodities needed for case finding.
• Conduct annual assessment of SACHI hotspots in which index testing services are offered to ensure compliance with the safe and ethical index testing standards.
• Liaise closely with other program team members to prepare analyses and reports as required including those for presentations at organizational levels and at other forums.
• The Officer shall generate periodic program reports as required as well as perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Experience and desired attributes:

• BSc/HND in related Field with Proven experience in similar function desirable.
• At least 2years of successful experience in implementing complex, integrated HIV Testing Services
• Understand the policies and guidelines in HIV Testing Services
• Having training on HIV prevention, care and treatment services
• Basic understanding of HIV prevention programming targeting KP, preferably hands on Index testing/PNS coaching and mentoring experience.
• Must have strong technical knowledge of HTS technical procedures and all testing modalities, with particular focus on targeted testing (optimized PITC, index testing, social network testing)
• Must be able to plan, coordinate, integrate and prioritize complex interventions in HIV testing and linkage to prevention or care and treatment
• Demonstrate ability to build collaborative relationships and facilitate coordination with diverse partners and stakeholders
• Knowledge of experience with PEPFAR funded programs
• Basic knowledge and experience in research
• S/he should be result-oriented, self-driven, and able to work under minimum supervision
• Must have strong communication skills and cultural competency to address the needs of various KPs.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other applications,
• Willingness to work on any assigned task