PMTCT Programme Officer

Locally known as the Walter Reed Southern Highlands AIDS Program, the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) is an international non-governmental organization working in several countries conducting research studies and providing care and treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS.  HJFMRI is funded by the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief PEPFAR. 

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHSW), HJFMRI has been leading a comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania since 2004 with support from the President’s Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  The program is based within the Mbeya Referral Hospital and has since extended to more than 100 health facilities in Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma regions, which collectively represent a catchment area of about 6 million people.  Mbeya region is one of high prevalence regions in Tanzania and expansion of HIV care and treatment programs is critical.

Walter Reed Program is seeking qualified candidate to fill the position below.  Cover letters and resumes should be sent to the Human Resources Manager, P.O. Box 6396, Mbeya or e-mailed to;  jobswrpmbeya@gmail.com.  NOTE:  to be considered, applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE. Deadline for submission of the application is Friday December 27^th, 2013. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements as detailed below should not submit applications.

Job Title:                                 PMTCT Programme Officer

Reports to:              Deputy Medical Director

Location:                 Mbeya

General Overview:

The purpose of this position is to provide clinical advice and direction in the implementation and scaling-up of PMTCT services within zone. 

Currently, more than  600 PMTCT sites are supported in the zone linked with a community continuum of care provided by over 32 Community-Based Organizations (CBO) and faith based organizations (FBO), forming three separate Networks of COBs and FBOs located in the three regions of Mbeya, Rukwa, and Ruvuma,  These Networks support the extension of facility-based clinical services to the communities.   

The programofficer for HIV/AIDS care and treatment will be part of a team of experts whose areas of work will include: scaling up of PMTCT services PITC, ART, TB/HIV and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID).

The program officer for PMTCT is based in Mbeya with frequent travel to Rukwa and Ruvuma and Mbeya regions and limited travels to Dar es Salaam   for support visits, and reports to the Medical Director.  This position will initially be for 2 years after a probation period of 6 months.   With mutual satisfaction and agreement, the position will be renewed thereafter.

Duties and Responsibilities

·         Coordinates  the  management of PMTCT activities and program components within the zone

·         Collect, manage and analyze data to support and improve quality of PMTCT programs.

·         Document and disseminate best practices in managing data to improve quality of PMTCT programs.

·         Provide on-job training for the health care workers on provision of PMTCT services.

·         Establish and maintain a strong relationship with Regional MOH and District Health entities, and Faith – based organizations responsible for implementing the national PMTCT program.

·         With Council Health Management Teams (CHMT) and Hospital Management Teams (HMT), design and implement innovative strategies for improving the quality of PMTCT services

·         Assist in development of program procedures, systems and referral mechanisms

·          Assist in the development of community linkages and support groups for HIV positive mothers and their families to ensure a network of quality care

·         Work closely with Walter Reed M&E team to ensure monthly reporting of PMTCT indicators.

·         Write regular program reports as required.

·         Undertakes periodic review of implementation and operation of monitoring and reporting mechanism (SAPR and APR); including preparation of best practices and lessons learned.

·         Participate in the Zonal RCH meetings to strengthen the integration of Pediatric HIV care with the National goals.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

·         Nurse Midwife preferably with Masters in Public Health (MPH) or similar degree or MD with experience in MOHSW Health Care Delivery

·         Minimum three years’ experience working with PMTCT programs.

·          Experience with Pediatric HIV programming and/or RCH services

·         Proven interpersonal skills in working effectively as a member of a team or independently

·         Ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with multiple government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and the private sector

·         Strong supervisory and management skills

·         Proven verbal and written communication skills including a demonstrated ability to write technical documents and give state-of-the-art presentations

·         Willingness to travel in Southern highlands up to 50% of the time

·         Fluency in Kiswahili and English

Walter Reed Program is an equal opportunity employer; women are highly encouraged to apply.