Technical Officer, Pediatrics and PMTCT at Pathfinder International

Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people are able to choose their own paths forward.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Officer, Pediatrics and PMTCT

Requisition number: TECHN001574
Location: Lagos, NGA
Job category: Technical Services
Job type: Full-time

Job Description

• We are seeking a Technical Officer, Pediatrics & PMTCT, for our Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria (ACE), a USAID awarded project is focused on accelerating the achievement of HIV epidemic control in Nigeria through the delivery of high impact HIV prevention, care and support services to populations in Nigeria most at risk of acquiring HIV.  

About the Project

• Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria (ACE), a USAID awarded project is focused on accelerating the achievement of HIV epidemic control in Nigeria through the delivery of high impact HIV prevention, care and support services to populations in Nigeria most at risk of acquiring HIV.
• The goal of the project is improved HIV/AIDS/TB (HAT) outcomes of priority and key populations in underserved local government areas in Lagos, Edo and Bayelsa states.

The objectives of the project are to:

• Increase access and provision of HAT services
• Increase the quality of HAT services
• Increase health system resiliency, responsiveness, and accountability

Summary of the Role

• The Technical Officer, Pediatrics and PMTCT will work closely with the State MOH teams, partners and services providers to ensure quality service delivery through training, on-site technical supportive supervision, mentorship, coaching in all thematic areas of PMTCT and Pediatrics HIV care.
• The position will be full-time, reporting to the Technical Advisor, Pediatrics and PMTCT and be based in Lagos

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coordination to ensure facilities provide integrated and holistic Pediatrics Care and Treatment and PMTCT
• Provide technical support to facility and community level staff as well as lay providers in PMTCT, and Pediatric ART
• Provide support for quality pediatric HIV care including diagnosis and management of Opportunistic Infections, ARV Optimization, and monitoring children on ART for drug resistance
• Coordinate facility and community level strategies to ensure tracking mother baby pairs, and adherence and retention activities for children on ART
• Ensure that diagnosis of HIV in infants below 18 months is confirmed through DNA PCR
• Ensure all children living with HIV are linked to care and treatment
• Provide technical support in viral load testing, monitoring and coverage for children on ART as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Participate in MOH Technical Working Groups
• Participate in clinical seminars to discuss pediatric HIV/AIDS issues,
• Facilitate trainings in: PMTCT, Pediatric ART, TB/HIV co-infection
• Provide facility staff with all the latest information on PMTCT, Pediatric ART, including updates on new national guidelines.
• Contribute to development and sharing of lessons learned and best practices in Pediatric Care and Treatment and PMTCT
• Coach and mentor facility staff (clinician, nurse, expert clients) through the implementation of Quality improvement initiatives
• Conduct CPD/CMEs on selected areas of pediatric HIV/PMTCT/TB care

Required Education and Work Experience

• Candidates should possess a Degree / equivalent Diploma in Clinical Medicine or Nursing
• More than 3 years of experience in HIV/TB management.
• Clinical experience in management of pediatric HIV and PMTCT
• Clinical experience in management of pediatric HIV and PMTCT.
• Trained in ART management and registered with the relevant professional bodies.
• Good experience in providing mentorship and technical assistance
• Self-motivated and demonstrated success in building effective programs in resource-limited settings

Preferred Competence and Work Experience:

• Interest and aptitude to engage with data and utilize data for decision making.
• Organized and strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to use forms, tools, and interest to utilize software and digital platforms.
• Good interpersonal skills enabling sensitive conversations with employees, partners, on a range of topics.
• Software Applications: Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
• Communication and Influencing Skills: Proven ability to influence others through diplomacy and proven oral and written communication skills.
• Passion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Commitment to family planning, reproductive health services, gender, maternal, child health services, and eradication of harmful traditional practices.
• Self-Management and Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Matrix Management: Ability to thrive in a matrix organization.
• Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality on work related matters
• Communication: Advanced oral and written communication skills using different forms of media. Ability to translate complex concepts to individuals at all levels.
• Good knowledge in USG FP policies and procedures preferred

Preferred Competence and Work Experience:

• Strong organizational skills, exceptional sense of responsiveness and ability to follow-through.
• Ability to work productively and effectively with virtual teams spread around the world.
• Project Planning and Management: Advanced skills in project planning, Influencing and Customer Service Skills: Proven ability to influence using diplomacy skills with key stakeholders. In-depth demonstrated customer service skills
• Organization, Planning and Multi-tasking: Advanced organizational and planning skills, project planning and management skills. Proven ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and multi-task with minimal supervision. Proven ability to coordinate activities
• Self-Management and Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented and consistently accurate, ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced environment, and ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and procedures and adapt local practices to global standards
• Matrix Management: Ability to thrive. Influence and lead in a matrixed organization
• Confidentiality: Proven ability to maintain confidentiality on work-related issues
• Interpersonal skills enabling sensitive conversations with employees, partners, on a range of topics

Other Information:

• Technology to be Used:
• Uses cellular and office phone, laptop, or desktop computer.

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 10%

Salary
Commensurate with the seniority of the position and offered on national terms. Candidates must have and be able to maintain the right to work in their current location.

Application Closing Date
29th December, 2022.