Vacancies at Tanzania Health Promotion Support - August 2014

THPS is an indigenous NGO established under nongovernmental organisation act No 24 0f 2002 as part of partnership framework implementation plan between the USG and the Government of Tanzania which calls for an uninterrupted transition of PEPFAR funded HIV and AIDS programs into local entities. THPS works in partnership with the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare in Tanzania (MoHSW) and Regional Administration and local government (PMORALG) with a goal of ensuring accessible high quality health care services to Tanzanian’s through   establishment and strengthening of comprehensive family focused HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Treatment services. This is a continuation of the PEPFAR funded broader US Government HIV/AIDS initiatives through Centres for Disease Control Tanzania (CDC) in Tanzania.

As CDC prime awardee; THPS is currently seeking highly experienced, committed and motivated Tanzanians to fill in the following positions in Kigoma region.

POSITION TITLE:  PMTCT Program Officer

LOCATION: Kigoma Regional Office

REPORTS TO: Regional Manager, Kigoma.

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION:

PMTCT Program officer will oversee the implementation and monitoring of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and early infant diagnosis (EID) programs, and ensure that the program achieves its goals within the region. He/she will be responsible for assuring that the PMTCT/EID program follows national protocols including smooth implementation of Option B+ for PMTCT and address retention of HIV pregnant and lactating mothers and ensure strong linkages with the HIV/AIDS care and treatment services are established. Part of this job will have significant involvement in Pediatric HIV care services and also focus on improving health and early care of HIV positive mothers and their families. This position is part of a multidisciplinary, cohesive team and requires excellent communication skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•      Overall management of PMTCT/EID activities and program components within the region.

•      Oversee different programmatic and administrative aspects of the program (capacity building, procurement & distribution, monitoring & evaluation).  

•      Establish and maintain a strong relationship with Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Regional and District Health entities and faith – based organizations responsible for implementing PMTCT/EID program.

•      Collaborate with other THPS staff to jointly plan programs, ensuring close linkages between PMTCT/EID sites and Care and Treatment services within the region. 

•      With Council Health Management Teams (CHMTs) and Hospital Management Teams (HMTs), design and implement innovative strategies for improving the quality of PMTCT and EID services

•      Assist in development of program procedures, systems and referral mechanisms.

•      Participate in meetings with the Regional and District authorities on PMTCT/EID implementation

•      Assist in the development of community linkages and support groups for HIV pregnant and lactating mothers and their families to ensure retention and a network of quality care.

•      Work closely with THPS M&E team to ensure monthly reporting of PMTCT and EID indicators. 

•      Write regular program reports as required by the headquarters and donors. 

•      Travel to the sites to oversee program implementation (expected to travel to the field up to 75% of the time)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•      Medical Doctor preferably with Masters in Public Health (MPH) or similar degree.

•      At least three years working experience in HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs including PMTCT/EID.

•      At least two years working experience with regional and district-level health care system in Tanzania will be an added advantage.

•      Strong supervisory and management skills

•      Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills 

•      Computer literacy.

•      Good verbal and written communication skills (English and Swahili).

TITLE: Adherence & Psychosocial Support Program Officer (APSC PO)

LOCATION: Kigoma Regional Office

REPORTS TO: Regional Manager, Kigoma.

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION:

Adherence & Psychosocial Support Program Officer (APSC FO) will serve as the THPS focal point in the implementation of APSC-related activities in Kigoma region. He/she will technically assist the sub-grantees under APSC in the implementation of the Peer Educators (PE) program in Kigoma. S/he will work closely with THPS regional and central team on issues related to clinical adherence and psychosocial support in all HIV/AIDS program areas supported by THPS. This position is part of a multidisciplinary, cohesive team and requires excellent communication and problem solving skills with extensive travel up to 75% to sites.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•      Support Health Care Providers (HCPs), Peer Educators (PE) and other relevant actors in Kigoma region to implement protocols on adherence support for clients on HIV care and treatment program. 

•      Conduct periodic assessment of APSC standards of care (SOC) in THPS supported health facilities in Kigoma region.

•      Conduct supportive supervision and mentorship to HCPs, PEs  by applying mentorship skills and methods in order to improve quality of services as per National site support guidelines.

•      Take part in design, training and distribution of relevant job aides and materials related to  adherence counselling and assessment.

•      Maintain relationship with Regional and Council Health Management Teams (R/CHMTs) and Faith based organizations responsible for APSC services in the region.

•      Take part in the integration of other programs (PMTCT, Pediatric, PHDP, Cervical Cancer Screening and TB/HIV etc) within APSC from central to regional level.

•      Prepare monthly summary report and provide periodic progress reports and input for the preparation of the quarterly reports.

•      Strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration with Council HIV and AIDS Coordinators

(CHAC) and other partners including linkages with community based organizations

•      Review Scope of Work for APSC sub-grantees

•      Review reports and plans of sub-grantees on quarterly basis Review progress of performance of the sub-grantees as per indicators Provide technical support to sub grantees.

•      Conduct regular joint supportive supervision to sub grantees in region.

•      Follow up with sub grantees on the establishment and registration of PLHIV support groups

•      Provide technical assistance to the MoHSW in developing tools, materials, SOPs related to APSC.

•      Performs other related duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS.

•      Advanced Diploma or Degree in Nursing/Medicine/Social Work.

•      Training on HIV care and treatment, PMTCT, HIV/AIDS counseling and communitybased PLHIV support groups.

•      At least three years working experience in HIV and AIDS care and treatment program including HIV care and treatment, PMTCT and HIV/AIDS counseling will be an added advantage.

•      Experience in working with community-based PLHIV groups or PLHIV post-test groups.

•      Familiarity with regional and district health care systems in Tanzania is highly desired.

•      Strong supervisory and management skills.

•      Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills. 

•      Good verbal and written communication skills.

TITLE:  Data Manager

LOCATION: Kigoma Regional Office

REPORTS TO: Monitoring & Evaluation Officer and Regional Manager

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION:

To provide technical support in implementing high-standard paper-based and computer-based health facility record keeping systems for patient record management of CTC /

PMTCT/VCT/PICT/EID/APSS/FSG and palliative care programs  in support of the Ministry of Health’s National AIDS Control Programme.  To provide technical support in data management for public health evaluations as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•      Lead in maintaining and updating regional databases for care and treatment, PMTCT, TB/HIV, HCT,EID and other databases as assigned

•      Assist to provide technical assistance to regional  supported facilities within  region in collaboration with RCHMT members

•      Implementation and evaluation of monitoring tools and data management  Ensure that DQA is carried out quarterly according to DQA SOP’s and that recommendations following the site DQA visit are implemented 

•      Ensure Kigoma Region compliance to policies for data quality  assurance and reporting requirements 

•      Train and supervise data entry clerks to ensure timely data entry, cleaning on a routine basis, generation of data queries and routine progress reports 

•      Collaborate with other team members to prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports on supported program areas 

•      Develop and respond to queries related to data analysis 

•      To perform other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•      Bachelor’s degree or certified training in Computer Science, IT/HMIS, data management or a related discipline. Advanced skills in computer programming and analytical software an advantage

•      A background in nursing, health science or a related discipline are an advantage

•      3+ years relevant experience with MS Access application development and use, data analyses with standard software packages and implementing protocols for data quality assurance will be an advantage. 

•      Strong supervisory and management skills

•      Ability to work independently 

•      Fluent in English & Kiswahili

•      Experience working with NGO’s and/or donor-funded programs 

POSITION:   Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

REPORTS TO:  Regional Manager and M&E TA

LOCATION:     Kigoma Regional Office  

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION:

To provide technical support in the planning and implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M & E) activities required for HIV/AIDS care,

PMTCT/VCT/PICT/EID/APSS/FSG and palliative care programs ,provide technical support in data management for public health evaluations as needed in collaboration with  Ministry of Health through  National AIDS Control Programme. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•       To provide technical assistance to health care facilities and districts in the region to implement paper based and electronic M&E systems for HIV care and treatment, PMTCT, EID, HIV counseling and testing, TB/HIV and related services including data management, data quality assurance, data summarization and analysis, and performance review 

•       To serve as a resource to the region in the evaluation of ongoing HIV/AIDS programs and data feedback to NACP, sites, districts, and other key stakeholders

•       To build the capacity of personnel in the region to better implement M&E systems

•       To collaborate with regional partners implementing donor-funded HIV/AIDS activities to ensure timely and accurate reporting across program areas

•       To coordinate with CHMTs and RHMT to implement timely and regular reporting of key program indicators to NACP.  Other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•       Candidates should hold advanced degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, international health, or a related discipline.  A background in a medical-related field is an advantage. An advanced degree in the above fields is an advantage   

•       2+ years experience in the design, implementation and management of health monitoring and evaluation systems will be an added advantage.  HIV/AIDS and PMTCT M&E experience preferred.  

•       Experience with primary collection of clinical data, design of forms and data collection instruments, and data analysis.

•       Strong data management and analysis skills with experience in using Microsoft Access and Excel. Experience with SAS, SPSS, STATA an advantage 

•       Good written and verbal communications skills in English and Swahili 

•       Strong interpersonal skills and a team player 

Job Title:-PMTCT Field Officer

Direct Reports to:-PMTCT Program Officer

Location-Kigoma  Regional Office

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION:

The Prevention from Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Field Officer will serve as THPS focal point for activities relating to the implementation of a quality PMTCT program in the allocated Districts in the Region. This will include capacity building of health facility staff, establishment and monitoring of support groups for the pregnant/postpartum women, HIV positive women and their families, coordination of care within facilities providing PMTCT services, ensuring drugs and supplies for PMTCT services are available, support the development of linkages with ART facilities and the laboratory services as well as community support services. This position is part of a multidisciplinary, cohesive team and requires excellent communication skills and extensive travel.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•      Work closely with the Central (PMTCT advisor, M&E Advisor), regional (Regional Manager, Senior Clinical Advisor &PMTCT Program Officer, M&E officer), and Zones THPS staffs (Clinical Advisors, APSC&PSG Program Officer and the to jointly implement the PMTCT work plan. 

•      Jointly with CHMT members conduct focused supportive supervision to the sites to oversee program implementation (travel up to 80 % of the time in the field) i.e.  Visit every site at least once in a month for low volume sites and at least twice in a month for high volume sites to strengthen the program at the site through identifying gaps and collaborating with the THPS staffs and district and facility team to find solutions.

•      Provide direct, onsite support to nurses and clinical officers working at RCH units in THPS supported districts to establish and strengthen services and provide ongoing mentoring and support to implement the current National PMTCT guideline recommendation..

•      Develop linkages between various HIV programs and community based organizations within the region. 

•      Work with health facility staff and HIV positive pregnant/postpartum women to support the establishment and monitor the Psychosocial Support Groups (PSGs) for PMTCT at the facilities.

•      Ensure M&E & IEC materials and job aids are at every PMTCT site. 

•      Reviews and maintains a resource binder (resource mapping) of current PMTCT information for Health care worker education purposes and referral resources.  

•      Help facility staff own the data through improving preparation and make use of PMTCT monthly summary reports.  Assist in data collection from the health facility if needed for quarterly reports to NACP and THPS.  

•      Establish and maintain a strong relationship with health facility staff delivering PMTCT services in districts.

•      Working closely with CHMT ensure timely ordering, stocking and supply of PMTCT and Family planning  supplies to PMTCT sites.

•      Prepare and timely submit site visit reports, ensuring observed issues which need immediate intervention are communicated immediately upon return from the field.

•      Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•      At least Diploma in medical related preferably registered Nurse.

•      Post graduate training in public health is an advantage

•      Practical experience (minimum 3 years) in implementing PMTCT and in HIV/AIDS programs in Tanzania is mandatory 

•      At least three years professional experience in HIV program management will be an added advantage.

POSITION TITLE: Program Driver             

REPORTS TO: Assistant Administrator-Kigoma

LOCATION: Kigoma Regional Office

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION: 

To maintain and provide the general maintenance and services for the THPS Program Vehicles and fleet services to THPS Staff travelling to sites. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Drive THPS programme vehicles as directed and providing safe and efficient transportation to the staff and its visitors.

•    Deliver parcels, letters and other relevant items to offices and businesses as appropriate.

•    Drive long distance with or without THPS staff when required and adhere with the rules and regulation.

•    Ensure that the vehicle is always clean and in good order and all the documentation e.g. insurance and road license are up to date.

•    Perform routine vehicle inspection and maintenance including checking oil, fuel, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, waters and tire pressures.

•    Keep track of maintenance record of vehicles to ensure that service schedule are adhered to and to remind the employer in advance when vehicle (s) service is due.

•    Provide information and other general assistance to the organisation staff and its visitors.

•    Maintain record of work performed; Fills up all necessary forms, makes timely reports of accidents, incidents and unusual occurrences.

•    Ensure necessary steps are taken as required by rules and regulations in case of involvement in an accident.

•    Abide to all THPS rules and regulations.

•    Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

•    The candidate should hold a new valid and clean class “B” and “D”  or more driving licence issued by Tanzania Revenue Authority

•    The candidate must possess a driving certificate from VETA or NIT

•    Must have not less than 5 years working experience driving 4wheel drive station wagons

•    Must be a holder of Ordinary level Secondary education with good passes in English and Swahili

•    Knowledge of basic vehicle inspection and maintenance with safety driving skills

•    The candidate should be fluent in both English and Swahili

•    Ability to drive long distance safely and efficiently to the remote areas of Tanzania. Computer literacy is an added advantage.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should send their application letter one page maximum and CV four pages maximum by 11th August, 2014 through HR@thps.or.tz .Only short listed applicants will be contacted. Please do not attach any certificates when submitting online.

THPS is an equal opportunity employer; women and people living with HIV/AIDS are encouraged to apply.