Program Officer (Community-Based HIV Case Finding & Linkage) at HJF Medical Research International

Job Summary:

Under the guidance of the HIV Case Finding Program Manager, the Program Officer will design and implement evidence-based and innovative community-based HIV Case Finding and Linkage Initiatives in PEPFAR South Rift Valley Region. The position involves working with PEPFAR partners, relevant stakeholders, and Government departments to ensure roll out of high yielding initiatives to identify and link HIV infected individuals to care and treatment. Technical duties include leading efforts to strengthen targeted HIV testing recommended approaches based on the most recent, relevant, and science-based approaches, particularly index case testing, social network testing and other high impact strategies among targeted populations.S/he will also strengthen the implementation of effective linkage strategies, including linkage case management for all persons diagnosed with HIV.

The Program Officer shall generate periodic program reports as required as well as perform any other duties assigned.

This position reports to the HIV Case Finding, Program Manager

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical direction to implementing partners for the planning, implementation, delivery and monitoring of high-quality community based HTS and linkage services.
2. Ensure that community HIV testing optimization strategies are implemented, and performance tracked for high yields.
3. Implement and maintain a system of effective referrals and linkages from all HTS delivery sites to care and treatment and other services.
4. Provide capacity building and technical assistance to implementing partners on community-based case finding and linkage initiatives.
5. Liaise with GoK local health officials and other community-based actors to facilitate efficient case finding and linkage between facilities and communities.
6. Coordinate implementation, monitoring and evaluation of community based HTS and linkage program activities, to facilitate the measurable results and timelines of all program deliverables.
7. Work in close collaboration with the program officers supporting the implementation of OVC, VMMC, and key populations programs to ensure that their HTS component is implemented according to national and PEPFAR standards.
8. Support the implementation of case finding trainings for community HTS counsellors, peer educators, and expert clients.
9. Assist to assess implementing partners’ performance, conduct regular site visits and Site Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS) visits to monitor availability and quality of services, and recommend measures to improve performance.
10. Assist the Program Manager in developing and reviewing annual work plans and budgets.
11. Ensure compliance with PEPFAR program priorities and guidelines; as well as MOH guidelines and strategies concerning all aspects of community based HTS and linkage programs.
12. Liaise closely with other program team members to prepare analysis and reports as required including those for presentations at County, National and International meetings, and conferences.
13. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. Degree in Biomedical Sciences or health-related disciplines
2. Knowledge and/or training of community HTS optimization approaches including ICT and SNS
3. Strong understanding of current approaches for linkage to care and treatment
4. At least 3 years of successful experience in implementing complex, integrated public health programs; experience in HIV Testing Services is preferred
5. Knowledge of Kenyan policies and guidelines in HIV prevention, particularly on HIV Testing and Linkage Services

Additional Requirements:

1. Proven experience leading and providing HIV testing or related technical support to implementing partners
2. Must be able to plan, coordinate, integrate and prioritize complex interventions in HIV testing and linkage to care and treatment
3. Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and facilitate coordination with diverse partners and stakeholders
4. Exceptional HTS and linkage technical skills and experiences working with large, multifunctional sectors
5. Excellent understanding of the functioning of Kenya Health Delivery System, current health sector programs, strategies, and implementation plans
6. In-depth understanding of MER indicators
7. Familiarity with National, County and Sub-county health systems
8. Must have strong computer skills and able to use spreadsheets and software packages for data analysis, interpretation and use for decision making
9. Experience with PEPFAR funded programs in Kenya
10. Basic knowledge and experience in research tools, methodology and reporting
11. Result-oriented, self-driven, and able to work under minimum supervision
12. Must have strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills
13. Ability to perform under pressure with tight deadlines
14. Ability travel to partners in SRV-supported counties, as needed