Program Officer (HIV Case Finding) at HJF Medical Research International

Job Description

The Program Officer will coordinate case finding activities in the assigned PEPFAR South Rift Valley County. The position involves working with PEPFAR partners, relevant stakeholders, and government departments to ensure quality HIV testing and linkage services under the guidance of the Case Finding Program Manager. S/he will also offer technical assistance to SRV PEPFAR partners on case finding Programs and activity implementation. Technical duties include implementing efforts to ensure HIV testing is based on the most recent, relevant, and science-based approaches. The officer will also ensure that the services meet the required service quality standards. S/he will facilitate integration of case finding interventions into other service delivery platforms in community and facility settings within their assigned county. S/he will participate in review of partner proposed work plans and budget activities to ensure that they align with PEPFAR and MoH guidelines. General responsibilities of the position are to ensure that all activities contribute to the achievement of SRV program HTS objectives and targets for HIV prevention program. The Officer shall generate periodic program reports as required as well as perform any other duties as assigned. This position reports to the HIV Case Finding, Program Manager

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide county level technical oversight to implementing partners in HTS program implementation and monitoring to deliver quality HTS services.
2. Ensure that HTS strategies are implemented, and performance tracked for high yields; including effective referrals and linkages from HTS delivery sites to care and treatment and other services.
3. Provide capacity building and technical assistance to implementing partners on all aspects of case finding programming.
4. Coordinate implementation, monitoring and evaluation of case finding program activities, to facilitate achievements of high-quality results and timelines of all the program deliverables.
5. Facilitate integration of HTS activities to promote achievement of the 95-95-95 cascade.
6. Assist in the assessment of sub-recipients’ performance, conduct regular site visits to monitor availability and quality of services, and recommend measures to improve performance.
7. Assist the Program Manager in developing and reviewing annual work plans and budgets.
8. Work closely with the case finding Program Officer for community testing to support community related testing in the assigned county.
9. Work in partnership with county and subcounty health officials to ensure that national and PEPFAR case finding guidelines are implemented with fidelity.
10. Support the implementation of case finding trainings for facility and community HTS counsellors, peer educators, and expert clients.
11. Conduct regular supportive supervision and mentoring visits to the HIV testing sites in the assigned county.
12. Closely monitor and report on the availability of commodities needed for case finding.
13. Monitor the adequacy of staffing and site layout and report any noted deficiency to the case finding Program Manager.
14. Conduct annual assessment of sites that offer index testing services in the assigned county to ensure compliance with the safe and ethical index testing standards.
15. Liaise closely with other program team members to prepare analyses and reports as required including those for presentations at county and national levels and at other technical/ scientific forums.
16. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. Degree in Biomedical Sciences or health-related disciplines
2. At least 3 years of successful experience in implementing complex, integrated HIV Testing Services
3. Understanding of Kenyan policies and guidelines in HIV Testing Services

Additional Requirements:

1. Must have strong technical knowledge of HTS technical procedures and all testing modalities, with particular focus on targeted testing (optimized PITC, index testing, social network testing) and ANC
2. Proven experience in providing HTS technical support and/or related technical support to implementing partners
3. Must be able to plan, coordinate, integrate and prioritize complex interventions in HIV testing and linkage to prevention or care and treatment
4. Demonstrate ability to build collaborative relationships and facilitate coordination with diverse partners and stakeholders
5. Understanding of MER indicators
6. Excellent understanding of the functioning of Kenya Health Delivery System, current health sector programs, strategies, and implementation plans
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. Knowledge of experience with PEPFAR funded programs in Kenya
10. Basic knowledge and experience in research
11. S/he should be result-oriented, self-driven, and able to work under minimum supervision
12. Must have strong communication skills and cultural competency to address the needs of various subpopulations.
13. Ability to manage tight deadlines
14. Terms of Employment: One-year renewable contract. The first three months will be probation period.