REGIONAL PROGRAM OFFICER, PMTCT : (COMMUNITY MEDICINE)

Our Institute is a leading provider of treatment, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other infectious diseases with headquarters in Abuja and Regional offices in Benin, Jos, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory. We require competent and result-oriented candidates to fill the position above.

SUMMARY/OVERVIEW

The PMTCT Regional Program Officer (RPO) is a position occupied by staff with a medical and or midwifery background. He/she must have at least 3 years working experience and would have participated in both clinical and community based PMTCT activities. The PMTCT RPO is also expected to spend 40% of his/her time in the office and 60% on supervisory and advocacy activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

MBBS, Basic Midwifery and/or any other post graduate Certificate in Midwifery & Nursing, with excellent computer skills are required. Also required is at least 3 years working experience with participation in both clinical and community PMTCT activities. An MPH will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate with a wide range of personalities is necessary.
• Ability to clearly explain available PMTCT services.
• Community outreach and engagement talents.
• Clear understanding of the health system, PHC structure and HIV/AIDS.
• Supportive attitude towards processes of strengthening PHCs, local health structures and building local capacities for self-management.
  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist in the development, adaptation, of guidelines, tools and other relevant materials for use in the national scale up of PMTCT activities in all IHVN supported sites in Nigeria.

• Assist in development of program strategies, work plans and their implementation for effective operations of the hub and spoke model of scale up.

• Ensure smooth operations and coordination of PMTCT activities at the regional offices.

• Forecast and request for PMTCT commodities such as care kits and Mama Packs

• Co-ordinate, track progress, review results and address PMTCT challenges

• Mentor Doctors, Nurses, Mentor mothers to provide quality care to HIV+ pregnant women.

• Create a sustainable PMTCT team that includes TBA to deliver overall quality health care to HIV+ pregnant women

• Ensure that the facility operates a functional and efficient client flow system

• Identify barriers to PMTCT and proffer solutions to these challenges

• Assist and undertake needs assessments of new sites as required

• Facilitate and coordinate all trainings sessions organized for site health care workers

• Provide technical assistance to site and community staff through precepting, monitoring and mentoring

• Facilitate and coordinate the activities of Infant Feeding Counseling activities and training of health care workers at all IHVN supported sites in Nigeria.

• Facilitate effective linkages within thematic groups and overall community linkages.

• Report all activities to the Senior Program Officer and the Director, Community Health department.

• Adhere and abide by the ethics and code of conduct of the Institute.