Technical Advisor, Pediatrics & PMTCT(Lagos) at Pathfinder International

About the Project

• Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria (ACE), a USAID awarded project is focused on accelerating the achievement of HIV epidemic control in Nigeria through the delivery of high impact HIV prevention, care and support services to populations in Nigeria most at risk of acquiring HIV.
• The goal of the project is improved HIV/AIDS/TB (HAT) outcomes of priority and key populations in underserved local government areas in Lagos, Edo and Bayelsa states.

The objectives of the project are to:

• Increase access and provision of HAT services
• Increase the quality of HAT services
• Increase health system resiliency, responsiveness, and accountability

Job Summary

• The Job holder will be responsible for providing technical coordination and support to all HIV-related prevention, care and treatment activities for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women including viral load scale up as well as viral suppression strategies, treatment optimization and monitoring/management of treatment failure.
• This role is also responsible for rolling out differentiated service delivery models, PMTCT and pediatric care SOPs as per the national and international standards, monitoring and documenting best practices and participating relevant technical working group meetings.

Key Responsibilities
Provide technical support to ensure quality pediatric HIV care:

• Working jointly with the HTS team, support PITC and index client testing to reach all children
• Ensure timely linkage of all positive children to ART
• Ensure ART infected children are retained on ART
• Ensure all eligible children have updated viral load as per national guidelines
• Ensure viral suppression among children on ART.
• Support quality implementation of pediatric DSD models including family model clinic (FMC), mother-baby pair (MBP) clinic and pediatric specific clinics
• Conduct ongoing mapping on ARV optimization need and support facility teams to transition children to efficacious regimen (LPV/r and DTG).
• Support transition of children to adolescent care.

Provide technical support to prevent MTCT of HIV:

• Ensure increased ANC uptake through demand creation and partner involvement.
• Support facilities to test and Identify HIV positive mothers and put them all on lifelong ART
• Provide technical strategy on routine and timely viral load testing for PMTCT mothers as well as viral suppression
• Ensure mothers and the infants are retained in care
• Coordinate strategies for early infant diagnosis, infant prophylaxis and prompt ART for positive infants.
• Capacity build facility teams to conduct and report on HEI and maternal cohort analysis.

Provide technical support towards cross-cutting issues:

• Train healthcare providers on quality pediatric and PMTCT care
• Conduct supportive supervision to supported sites
• Coordinate cervical cancer prevention activities
• Provide timely updates for the quarterly program performance review and share mitigation for underperforming areas
• Monthly reporting, feedback and data use on key pediatric indicators and PMTCT indicators.
• Participate in development of strategic tools (SOPs, TORs, package of care) to guide pediatric and PMTCT programming.
• Participate in National and State TWG/stakeholder meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Medical Degree (MBBS)
• Master of Public Health (MPH); Master of Sciences Epidemiology (MSc) or equivalent is an added advantage.
• Strong experience in providing mentorship and technical assistance.
• Self-motivated and demonstrated success in building effective programs in resource-limited settings.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of proven experience in design, implementation and coordination of HIV and TB-project in resource limited settings.
• Extensive clinical experience in care of HIV infected adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women in resource limited settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and report writing and presentation skills. Proven ability to write high quality scientific/management documents
• Excellent collaboration and partnering skills in a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects while working as part of a team
• Good problem-solving skills

Other Essential Requirement (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse):

• Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within Pathfinder International and among beneficiaries served by Pathfinder International.

Minimally Required Organizational Competencies: 

• Software Applications: Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
• Communication and Influencing Skills: Proven ability to influence others through diplomacy and proven oral and written communication skills.
• Passion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Commitment to family planning, reproductive health services, gender, maternal, child health services, and eradication of harmful traditional practices.
• Self-Management and Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-pace environment.
• Matrix Management: Ability to thrive in a matrix organization.
• Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality on work related matters
• Communication: Advanced oral and written communication skills using different forms of media. Ability to translate complex concepts to individuals at all levels.