Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI)
DUE: 25 OCT 2024
Location
Mberengwa
Type of Contract
Fixed Term Contract
About
Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI) is a not-for-profit human development organisation which is registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 17/22). ZHI’s mission is to develop and deliver innovative and sustainable high impact integrated health interventions with local communities while working with and strengthening existing institutions.
The Accelerated and Comprehensive HIV Care for Epidemic Control in Zimbabwe (ACCE) project’s objective is to complement the government of Zimbabwe (GOZ)’s efforts towards epidemic control by targeting testing to efficiently identify PLHIV, ensuring all newly diagnosed PLHIV are immediately linked to treatment, and all PLHIV on treatment have ready access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), are retained on treatment, and remain virally suppressed. The program is being implemented in 9 districts in Midlands (Gweru, Kwekwe, Mberengwa and Gokwe South) and in Manicaland (Makoni, Mutare, Chipinge, Mutasa and Buhera).
Basic Function
The HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Integration Officer, reporting to the District HIV Care and Treatment Coordinator (DHCTC), offers technical support to the project and supervises the HIV and SRHR Integration Nurse. The Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of efficient and effective integration of HIV and SRHR services along the continuum of HIV prevention, care and treatment for both HIV positive and HIV negative women. It entails the implementation of high-quality integrated cervical cancer screening and treatment activities, as well as enhancing HIV services for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and HIV-exposed infants. The Officer ensures the implementation of PMTCT services in line with national guidelines, with a particular focus on the technical efficacy of cervical cancer screening for women living with HIV (WLHIV), providing comprehensive PMTCT services for pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW), and following up on and identifying HIV cases among HIV-exposed infants. The role also entails close collaboration with MOHCC reproductive health focal persons, cervical cancer screening, and pre-cancer lesion treatment providers on the cervical cancer side. Working in close collaboration with the MOHCC Community Department, Community Health workers, and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) partners in implementing Prevention of Mother to Child Transmissions (PMTCT) services.
Job Description
Working closely with the MOHCC reproductive health department, supports the integration of HIV and SRHR services at district level; Supports the implementation of reproductive health screenings, such as Pap smears/HPV DNA/VIAC, STI tests, breast exams, and pregnancy tests; Promote sexual health awareness in community outreach and workshops; Develop and implement health promotion strategies to reduce risks of STIs and unintended pregnancies; Participate in sexual and reproductive health campaigns, promoting public health initiatives in schools, workplaces, and communities to improve access to SRHR services such as early booking for pregnancies, HIV testing and retesting in antenatal care (ANC) and delivery and post-natal care (PNC) services; Provides technical support for cervical cancer screening, improving access to screening and treatment services, and reporting; Contributes to developing guidelines, tools, and recommendations for implementing and evaluating SRHR services including cervical cancer screening and PMTCT activities; Strengthens a standardized monitoring and evaluation system to support the continuum of care for cervical cancer screening and PMTCT activities; Conducts regular monitoring visits to project sites as needed; Establishes referral and accountability systems to link and track all WLHIV to cervical cancer screening and treatment services; Ensures linkage of HIV-uninfected pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW) to HIV prevention services such as PrEP and ensures maternal re-testing at various entry points post-ANC to identify incident infections during pregnancy and breastfeeding; Ensures HIV-infected women are linked to ART, retained on treatment and have access to viral load testing according to the national guidelines including prompt identification and management of virally unsuppressed PBFW; Provides support and mentorship on tracking of mother-baby pairs receiving PMTCT services up to the final HIV outcome (18 months and/or 6 weeks after cessation of breastfeeding) and transitions them to ART clinics; Ensures PCR testing for babies born to HIV-positive mothers according to the national HEI testing algorithm., as well as CD4 count and viral load testing for HIV-positive pregnant women; Coordinates with the reproductive health program to ensure active linkage from ANC to L&D to PNC, family planning services, and cervical cancer screening at 6 weeks post-natal; Supports the development and implementation of QI/QA plans for cervical cancer screening and PMTCT programs, including site management, adverse event management, and participation in external QA processes through follow-up on QI recommendations; Liaises with the MOHCC procurement and supply chain management unit to ensure the availability of cervical cancer screening and PMTCT commodities at all project sites; In close collaboration with the DHCTC, the Officer is responsible for setting goals and conducting performance appraisals for the HIV and SRHR Nurses in the district in line with the overall objectives of the project; Ensures effective management of all ZHI assets and resources; Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and abilities
Extensive knowledge of cervical cancer, PMTCT, and HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in Zimbabwe; Proven skills in management, supervision, networking, service integration and leadership within large, complex programs; Expertise in strategic planning, administrative, and financial management systems; Exceptional written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage a team; Capable of meeting tight deadlines and handling high volumes of work with minimal supervision; Proficient in computer skills; Experienced in implementing public health and international development programs funded by the US government or other international donors; Familiar with major donor policies (USAID, Global Fund) and international not-for-profit organizations; Willing and able to undertake frequent in-country travel, with a minimum of 50% travel time.
Qualifications and experience
General Nursing, Community Nursing, or any other relevant nursing diploma/degree; Registration with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe with a valid practicing license; Minimum of 3 years relevant experience with international development programs which includes 2 years’ experience with cervical cancer screening / PMTCT program planning and implementation at the community or Provincial level working with an NGO; Experience in Advanced HIV care and treatment preferred.
TO APPLY
Step 1: Click here to complete the job application form.
Step 2: Submit your CV and application letter via email to [email protected] clearly indicating the position you are applying for on the subject of the email.
Statement
During the application process, ZHI will not charge any fee nor will it require any payment for an application to be considered. ZHI is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical handicap or financial ability.