ADHERENCE & PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (APSC) PROGRAM OFFICER POSITION

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 awardees; THPS is currently seeking highly experienced, committed and motivated Tanzanians to fill in the following positions in our Mtwara and Kigoma regional offices:

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

REPORTS TO:                      Regional Manager

LOCATION:                          Regional Office Mtwara

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Support Health Care Providers (HCPs), Peer Educators (PE) and other relevant actors in Mtwara 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 Mtwara 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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

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

·         Training on HIV care and treatment, PMTCT, HIV/AIDS counseling and community-based 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.

·         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.

POSITION TITLE: PMTCT Program Officer (RE-ADVERTISED)

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)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

·         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).

How to apply:

Interested applicants should send their application letter one page maximum and CV four pages maximum by 31st October, 2014 through email with a subject line Adherence & Psychosocial Support Program Officer Mtwara, or PMTCT Program Officer Kigoma to 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.