Jobs 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 HSS will provide technical expertise, support the design and day-to-day management and implementation of health systems strengthening (HSS) projects and activities within the organization.
• The individual must be a business professional and the capability to manage and deliver organizational and project goals, which must be performed with decisiveness and accuracy for effective business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall guidance, technical assistance, and leadership support for Health System Strengthening for the project.
• Support health systems strengthening interventions including leadership and management capacity building, policy development, health information systems, enhanced efficiency of supply chains and skills building among health providers.
• Provide technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacity of county health system management and the implementation of quality health services
• Support strengthening strategic planning at county level by supporting the development and implementation of the health component of the five-year strategic plan, the annual operation plan and M&E plan.
• Support dissemination and distribution of policies and guidelines within the region of support and provide technical assistance to ensure use and implementation.
• Coordinate and actively participate in health workforce coordination committee to determine health workforce gaps, remedies and evaluation needs
• Oversee health workforce contracting and transition process to county government payroll
• Provide strategic oversight and supervision support to the GON in budgeting for essential services
• Collaborate with the relevant USAID national mechanisms that are supporting HRH activities, including needs identification, coordination of interventions, and supervision of HRH management, HRH development and HRH leadership, management and governance capacity development.
• Support for regular county technical working group meetings to plan and review the county’s plan for commodity management, with a focus on commodity information systems and data reporting
• Lead capacity building and training programs related to addressing HSS issues at the national and state levels
• Support state governments and relevant stakeholders in strengthening the management of the health system through evidence-based decision-making, needs-based planning, information systems that track health workers and service delivery practices, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Support health system leadership and management to develop management practices and HRH support systems that standardize recruitment, promote retention, and enable top performance of health workers.
• Provide guidance and support in the development of HRH competencies and systems processes for monitoring workforce performance as related to service quality.
• Participate in national and state-level strategic planning and M&E activities; and monitor the progress of the project in improving workforce rationalization, optimization, and leadership/management.
• Support the sharing of lessons learned, promising practices and effective strategies to enable the stategovernments to advance toward the desired HRH/HSS results – expanding access to consistent quality care to meet population health needs.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum of Master’s Degree in Health Policy and administration, Health Sector Development, Public Health or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant, senior-level professional experience managing and implementing health systems strengthening programs in the areas listed above Desired Competencies:
• Seven (7) years demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team and project design.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, for-profit private sector entities, local community organizations, donors and other stakeholders, particularly at the sub-national level.
• Proven knowledge of HSS issues and trends, and the ability to integrate HSS with HIV services improvement and delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills and accomplishment in strategic visioning, leadership, networking, and problem-solving as well as effective liaising with senior-level policy makers.
• Proven success in working in or with NGO, IP and Government officials at all levels.
• Professional level of oral and written fluency in English language. Proficiency in Hausa will be an added advantage.

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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

• Lead, manage and coordinate the work of PMTCT, including but not limited to: overseeing development and monitoring of the PMTCT team's budget, strategy, and work plan; promoting and modeling excellence within the project; and managing and resolving problems in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical capacity building activities for PMTCT services and work with FMoH to coordinate the PMTCT national program in ACE3 states.
• Streamline linkage and retention strategies, in-service training approaches/curricula standard-operating procedures and job aids as needed to reduced vertical transmission of HIV.
• Lead the design and implementation of demand creation activities to raise awareness of the importance of adhering to ART treatment and the need for EID for HIV in HEI.
• Lead project Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives to scale up linkage to optimal ART for mothers and infants living with HIV
• Oversee development of integrated HIV/PMTCT/MNCH/FP facility interventions.
• Oversee the establishment of EID, CD4 and VL lab monitoring, ensuring timely collection of relevant samples for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment outcomes while ensuring results are received by providers in a timely manner to guide patient management
• Oversee the implementation of mother-baby pair retention in care through cohort monitoring as it is critical to the health of both mothers and infants, and in improving the success of of elimination of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services.
• Monitor and analyze PMTCT related data to direct effective programing objectively. 
• Participate and represent the project at national and regional PMTCT Technical Working Groups (TWG), task teams, workshops, and campaigns particularly towards EMTCT.
• Ensure PMTCT activities effectively incorporate and consider gender and stigma reduction programming and are linked with prevention, care, treatment, and support activities.
• Undertake other activities as assigned by your supervisor. 

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• A Medical (MBBS) or Nursing Degree with experience working in HIV/AIDS programs and global health, or Master’s Degree in Public Health or equivalent Degree (MPH);  or PhD in Epidemiology / Public Health 

Desired competencies:

• At least 7 years’ experience in implementing HIV programs, with at least 5 years focused on PMTCT- including EID and Infant Feeding. 
• Experience in capacity building e.g. developing content, planning, and facilitating training and providing technical assistance for PMTCT services.
• Excellent personal communication skills in written and verbal English
• Familiarity with adult learning principles/techniques and demonstrated ability to design and facilitate learning opportunities for adults.
• Good experience of using Ms. Word, Excel or Power Point applicable software related to position
• Understanding of Hausa language is essential.

go to method of application »

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.

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Job Summary

The job holder will work to maintain a high level of expertise and innovation in the delivery of pediatrics and adult antiretroviral therapy (ART); and TB prevention and treatment.

• This is necessary to accelerate progress toward the attainment of PEPFAR Nigeria program goals.
• This includes the provision of technical support for implementation of comprehensive TB/HIV care and treatment services to achieve epidemic control in Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States by reaching the UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 goals.
• S/he will also contribute to the strengthening of working relationships with other stakeholders and building of systems for TB/HIV treatment program sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of evidence-based strategies in line with national guidelines and donor priority for the attainment of UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals, including the implementation of national “test and start” strategy to improve linkage. S/He will provide technical support to ensure uninterrupted ART services for PLHIV, differentiated models of care and treatment, medication adherence support and scheduled monitoring in order to retain them on treatment and ensure treatment success.
• Oversee effective integration of TB/HIV activities to prevent TB and address TB disease among PLHIV
• Identify program-wide capacity building needs as this relates to the Clinical Services Directorate and support capacity building activities
• Provide technical guidance for the delivery of antiretroviral therapy in line with national guidelines and international best practices
• Ensure that training materials, SOPs and tools for ART service delivery are up-to-date and available at SDP
• Work with the Deputy Chief of Party/Technical Director, other team members and relevant units/directorates to support identification of priority areas for evaluation in order to improve program implementation outcomes
• Work closely with other team members to prepare program reports and support documentation of best practices as well as enhance knowledge sharing
• Interface, in conjunction with other members of the HSCL Team, between the HSCL Program Office, relevant government agencies and other stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of program work plans
• Promote stakeholder engagement by working with various levels of government, their relevant bodies/agencies, US Government agencies in Nigeria and other partners.
• Perform any other duties assigned to you by your supervisor.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• A Medical Degree (MBBS) is mandatory, a Postgraduate Medical fellowship in a Clinical Specialty (Internal Medicine, Family Medicine or Pediatrics) or a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH), with a minimum of 10 years’ cognate experience, especially in HIV clinical/program management.
• Experience in TB, MNCH, RH, malaria and COVID 19 programs is essential.

Desired competencies:

• 10 or more years of progressively and more responsible supervisory work experience that involved direct leadership of professional and support staff, oversight and evaluation of staff performance and deliverables.
• Excellent technical knowledge of TB/HIV disease control and state-of-the-art strategies and their practical application to comprehensive ART services including FP; RH; CALHIV/AIDS, COVID19, and other related areas.
• Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive TB/HIV projects and with demonstrated track record of achieving results.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with host state government personnel, stakeholders, other implementing partners.
• Strong interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume workflow.
• Relevant computer software skills, including at a minimum, MS Word, and Excel.
• Proficiency in Hausa will be an added advantage.

go to method of application »

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

• To execute planned audit and grant activities efficiently and professionally in accordance with the acceptable standards.
• Also, to assist the Director of Compliance in implementing the approved compliance plan. 

Key Responsibilities

• Review project financial records for compliance with the organization policies and procedures, the Donor’s requirements, and local legislations.
• Conduct physical verification of project assets in the State Office and supported health facilities for existence and proper utilization.
• Ensure adherence to HSCL guidelines on the efficient management of equipment such as computers, laptops, photocopiers, etc.
• Carry out periodic review visit of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to ascertain accountability and transparency in the management of Donor’s funds.
• Review project vehicle usage for compliance with HSCL fleet management policies and procedures.
• Serve as compliance contact person in the State Office.
• Maintain proper documentation of compliance activities in the State Office.
• Write and submit Monthly and Quarterly compliance reports to the Director of Compliance.
• Any other task that may be assigned to the staff. 

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• A Chartered Accountant with a minimum of 5 years of working experience.
• A Graduate of Accounting, Economics, Finance, etc., (B.Sc. or HND) with a minimum of 6 years work experience.

Desired Competencies:

• Working knowledge of computerized accounting systems.
• Experience with QuickBooks is an asset.
• Knowledge of Nigerian Financial Regulation and Tax Laws.
• Knowledge in executing and implementing risk assessments and programs in the audit area.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Management
• Knowledge of Grant Management
• At least 3 years’ experience working in an international donor-funded project in Nigeria.
• Expert knowledge of financial management, accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.
• Problem solving and organization skills.
• Capacity building skills.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and outstanding work ethics.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Attention to details.
• Consistently approach work with integrity, energy, and optimism.
• Openness to continuous learning, change, and an ability to manage complexities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstratable innovative/creative ability.
• Understanding of local language (Hausa) is an added advantage