PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The USAID/PEPFAR funded Family Focused HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment project is a three years project implemented by Amhara Development Association as a prime and its partners. The program aims to strengthen local HIV epidemic control in Ethiopia in the selected woreda of Amhara region. The objectives and interventions are designed to impact UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals and enhance HIV mitigation services for vulnerable children focusing on case discovery and linkage to HIV treatment among undiagnosed children living with HIV, on achieving better health outcomes through HIV viral load suppression and establishing interpersonal, family and community norms to achieve HIV and violence prevention for children aged 9 to 14 year old.

Job Summary

Under the guidance of LIP Coordinator based at East Amhara, the CHCT and OVC Services Specialist supports the implementation of family focused HIV prevention, care and treatment services in East Amhara where the program is implemented. The expert will closely follow the implementation of index case testing/partner notification services, new case identification and linkage to ART services, HIV self-testing, and recency testing, community case management adherence, viral load testing, HVL result tracking and Enhanced Adherence Support (EAS), supports implementation of Community differentiated service delivery model (HEP-CAG/PCAD), supports the implementation of both OVC comprehensive and primary HIV and sexual violence prevention services. He/she will closely monitor the program performance and quality of services in collaboration with zonal, woreda, HFs and LIPs staffs.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

Provide mentorship support to LIP staffs and strengthen the implementation of community HIV Prevention, HIV Testing and care and support Services.

• Conduct HTS focused mentorship support to providers working at SDPs
• Ensure compliance HTS standards across all LIPs
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Zones, Woreda, LIPs and external stakeholders such as PLHIV, CCCs, FBOs and CSOs and partners in order to boost up the HIV testing services within the program catchment areas.
• Promotes teamwork and cooperation needed for the success of the project
• Strengthen index case testing and proposes innovative ideas that improve case identification and linkage HIV positive clients
• Support the scale-up of HIV self-testing and recency testing at selected SNUs
• Support LIP to ensure the implementation of ICT/PNS services minimum standards at all service delivery points
• Provide technical assistance to LIP in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ICT/PNS, HIVST and recency testing.
• Ensure a referral system is established between community-based SDPs and H. Facilities 
• Support LIP to ensure the recruitment of newly identified client for community-based adult case management services to improve the uptake of the services and ongoing prevention and care and treatment services
• Ensure availability of adequate stocks of RTK, HIVST kits and recency test kits.
• Provide mentorship support and ensure SDPs are conducting RTK quality control in collaboration with ART health facilities and participate in proficiency testing program
• Provide mentorship support on repaid ART initiation and ensure that all newly identified HIV positive clients and ensure their enrollment to adult case management system
•  Ensure that annual MER and custom indicator target are achieved 
• Engage in providing basic HTS, adult case management, CAG and other trainings for zonal, facility and LIP staff
• Provide technical assistance to LIPs in utilization of the different flow charts, job aids, SOPs, client education materials and monitoring and evaluation tools
• Support the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Care, support and treatment services at all LIPs and SNUs
• Ensure the implementation of care and treatment activities within the minimum service standard packages
• Support the implementation HEP- CAG/PCAD at selected SNUs and HFs and ensure the achievement of the annual target
• Provide ongoing technical support to HEWs and ensure their engagement the implementation of HEP CAG model
• Support the implementation of CxCa and GBV related activities as per the standard

Provide regular mentorship/coaching support to LIP staffs and strengthen the implementation of comprehensive OVC case management and primary HIV prevention and sexual violence services  

• Provide orientations/trainings to LIPs and relevant stakeholders on HIV prevention and OVC case management services
• Provide coaching and mentorship support and ensure risk screening-based HIV testing service provision for OVC and care givers, linkage to care and treatment and other social services
• Monitor the OVC_HIVSTAT performance with the OVC team and support scale of case detection among children
• Provide regular mentorship support to LIPs to understand OVC indicators (MER indicators and custom indicators), real-time data entry and reporting requirements
• Work closely with OVC team and support in follow up C/ALHIV on treatment to achieve maximal retention and viral suppression
• Work with ADA teams to strengthen the coordination and collaboration between community and clinical/facility partners
• Support the implementation of community OTZ services at all LIPs
• Strengthen the capacity of local community structures (PLHIV Associations, CCCs/CCs, Iddir and Iddir Networks, Child Protection Units, and other CBOs)
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned by immediate supervisor
• Participate in the preparation of progress reports required by the donor and government.
• S/he provides OVC related technical visits/supervision to ensure full compliance with program standards.
• Support and monitor the implementation of primary OVC and sexual violence prevention services
• Ensure OVC program related standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines and M&E tools are available and properly utilized across all LIPs

Provide regular mentorship/coaching support to LIP staffs and strengthen the program planning, monitoring and evaluation system

• Ensure the proper utilization of M&E tools
• Provide ongoing support to LIP staffs on MER and custom indicators
• Ensure real time data entry to CommCare and ensure data utilization for performance improvement
• Participate in the biweekly virtual meeting
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of monthly and quarterly reports from each LIP and ADA office
• Participates in joint monitoring visits, including visits organized in conjunction with Government Partners and USAID and submits monitoring reports with recommendations.
• Support LIP and ensure they are participating in MDT, PMT and QIT meeting at health facility level
• Support LIPs in conducting quality improvement initiatives and build capacity and scale-up best QI practices
• Ensure data quality assurance is done regularly
• Participate in biweekly virtual meetings
• Review the monthly key performance indicators and provide feedback to LIPs
• Participate actively quarterly and annual ADA performance review meetings.
• Document and share success stories
• Perform others duties assigned by the supervisor

Reports to: LIP Coordinator Based at East Amhara, Dessie

Project: USAID family-focused HIV prevention, care and treatment services in Amhara region

Working hours:40 hours per week

Job Requirements

Minimum education and experience required: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in HO, Nursing, Medicine or other health related fields
• A minimum of 6 years for Bachelor and 4 years for Master degree work experience in HIV program in similar settings; at least 3 years of which have to be on PEPFAR/ USAID funded programs for OVC and HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Treatment projects preferably in an NGO setting.
• Ability to prioritize work according to importance and deadline while meeting conflicting work demands
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team and support others in their work
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and spoken English
• Specialized knowledge: Training in HIV testing and counseling, ART, community differentiated service Delivery model (CAG), OVC case management and mentorship required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with limited supervision
• Willing to travel extensively within the region

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Proven coaching, mentoring and technical assistance experience in health services, particularly in HIV and OVC.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with team members and partners.
• Good interpersonal communication skill and ability to effectively liaise with staff, government and other stakeholders.
• A strong team player and proven ability to influence effective team performance.
• Demonstrated analytical and report writing skills
• Excellent written and oral communication in English
• Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks, think creatively and strategically.
• Proficiency in word processing, spread sheet and power point skills

COMPETENCIES:

• Respect, accountability, courage, excellence, adaptability, building commitment, coaching, planning and organizing, pro-active problem solving.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send their CV, other credentials, and an application letter via email to: hr@ada.org.et , outlining how your experience and education fit the respective vacancy, your interest in serving as a member of the Program Staff in this position, your availability to serve in this position soon after the selection process, and also your availability to the Program on a full-time basis for the term.

Note: Women are encouraged to apply; open for Ethiopian Nationals only.