Program Officer - Maternal, Newborn and Child Health at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN)

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Officer - Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Location: Katsina
Job Schedule: Full time

Description and objectives

• Under the supervision of the State MNCH Lead/State Manager, they will ensure high-quality MNCH services in line with the 95-95-95 UNAIDS goal.
• She/He will provide technical expertise in implementing high-impact interventions to ensure quality service delivery across all program areas.
• She/He will lead the day-to-day implementation of all MNCH/ART services in the assigned health facility and guide MNCH program implementation according to the National Guidelines.

Responsibilities
He/she will:

• Facilitate the development and revision of relevant strategies to be incorporated into the PMTCT National strategic plan.
• Assist in developing program strategies, work plans, and their implementation for effective operations of the hub and spoke model scale-up.
• Ensure smooth operations and coordination of MNCH activities at the regional and state offices.
• Forecast and request for MNCH commodities such as Care kits and Mama Packs
• Co-ordinate, track progress, review results, and address PMTCT challenges
• Mentor service providers (Doctors, Nurses, Mentor mothers, etc.) to provide quality care to HIV+ pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Ensure that the facility operates a functional and efficient client flow system
• Identify barriers to PMTCT and proffer solutions to these challenges
• Assess and undertake needs assessments of new sites as required
• Facilitate and coordinate training sessions organized for site healthcare workers
• Identify implementation bottlenecks across program areas at the site and proffer solutions
• Work with health facility staff and focal persons and colleagues to effectively address operational challenges (including service logistics, staffing shortages, training needs, and commodity supply)
• Facilitate and coordinate the Infant Feeding Counseling activities and training of healthcare workers at all IHVN-supported sites
• Facilitate effective linkages within thematic areas and overall community linkages
• Facilitate Quality improvement projects, report writing and collation, and data analysis
• Facilitate and give technical support to facility staff on Cervical cancer screening and treatment.
• Carry out any other duties/ assignments as directed by supervisors, program area leads, and the Director/HOD of the Prevention Care and Treatment Department
• Adhere to and abide by the ethics and code of conduct of the Institute

Educational qualifications and experience

• Must possess a Certificate as RN/RM or BScN.
• Postgraduate qualification/master’s level training in Public Health or other related courses will be an advantage.
• Must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Experience, skills, and competencies:

• 2 - 3 years’ experience with MNCH service provision, including Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT)
• Previous experience in HIV-related operational research is an advantage.
• Good knowledge of current trends and normative guidance (national and international) in HIV clinical care and service delivery, including PMTCT and cervical cancer screening.
• Willingness to work in or travel to clinics and hospitals in assigned geographical areas within the State.
• Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in English (oral and written) and good inter and intrapersonal communication and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office packages, presentation skills, and video conferencing are required.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing, data evaluation, and excellent report writing.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet organisational targets/goals.
• Excellent persuasive skills and good stakeholders’ management track record.
• Fundamental skills in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Must be proactive and deliver quality work on time.
• Be willing and able to work effectively in a team.

Application Closing Date
27th February, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Application Letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae in Microsoft Word format to "The Assistant Director, Human Resources" via: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.