Consultants (GF NAHI Grant) at Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative

Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is a non-profit organization that promotes socio-economic development by supporting global health and economic initiatives in Nigeria. AHNi currently has its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Consultant (GF NAHI Grant)

Locations: Awka, Nnewi & Onitsha – Anambra
No of Consultants: 24
Duration: 58.5 Days with Possibility of extension
Commencement Date: 12th June, 2023
Supervisor: Cluster Leads/STO PCT
Required services:  Consultancy at Enhanced Site Management (ESM) sites
Reporting line: The Consult will report to the AHNi IT lead and will work with GF/NAHI Communication Officer
Job Category: Consultant

Background

• In Anambra, 6 health facilities contribute 80% of the treatment current and achievement of UNAIDS three 95s is key. It is also expected that client traffic will increase significantly due to intensified community testing, index case testing, and facility optimization. Hence, these prioritized 6 facilities will require support for enhanced site management (ESM) by providing additional Adhoc support for facility-level activities such as same-day treatment initiation, patient retention, viral load drive/monitoring, and pharmaco-vigilance. These ESM consultants will also support monthly referral hub meetings to reconcile community-facility client referrals including for adults, CALHIV and Positive pregnant women (PPW).

The specific objectives of the ESM approach include:

• To intensify case finding with increased yield both at the facility and community level
• To ensure same-day treatment initiation and improved patient retention
• To optimize viral load drive aimed at VL suppression and EAC commencement where necessary

Consultant Clinician

• Basic Function: The clinical officer will provide leadership and technical support, general care, treatment and support to the facility and community-level interventions within his domain.

Specific Deliverables:
Area 1:

• Provide technical leadership and support on ART services in line with the 2020 National Treatment Guideline for HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations both at facility and community level.
• Provide ART services in line with the 2020 National Treatment Guideline for HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations both at facility and community level.
• Oversee clinical HIV treatment protocols in each clinical department to reflect the needs of PLHIVs and ensure consistency of treatment services.
• Strengthen entry and exit system at the facility to ensure clients receive all treatment, care, and support.
• Review clinical records to evaluate the necessary level of client care.
• Document best practices, success stories, develop concept notes and research papers to improve and or extend existing studies in the management of HIV/AIDS activities.

Area 2: Supervision of Clinical Services including mobile ART:

• Effectively manage and supervise the community mobile ART teams.
• Advise project team on national and state policies, procedures and licensing requirements and ensure compliance with all requirements and/or mandatory inspections.
• Identify and advise project management on training needs of all facility staff to ensure
• high degree of HIV treatment and care knowledge throughout the OSS.
• Work with clinical and support staff to maintain a high degree of professionalism and excellent customer service.

Area 3: Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Provide support to the Strategic Information (SI) unit to manage data collection for service delivery to PLHIVs in project communities using nationally approved tools.
• Maintain timely submission of quality reports to AHNi State office and Headquarters on monthly and quarterly basis or as required.
• Provide support for data analysis, interpretation, and data use for decision making towards improve service delivery for PLHIVs.

Area 5: Other assignments:

• Carry out any assignment as may be decided by AHNi.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• Knowledge of health and development programs in developing countries in general and Nigeria specifically.
• Clinical management and training experience and ability to understand full range of issues around the clinical management of HIV/AIDS, including provision of ART.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political, and ethical issues surrounding service delivery to PLHIV.
• Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among facility staff, consultants, and recipients of assistance (i.e., program beneficiaries).
• Ability to represent AHNI to government officials and the NGO community in the State.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication, including presentation and training skills.
• Proven ability in supportive supervision
• Proficient computer skills

Requirements:

• MB.BS or similar degree with 5 to 7 post NYSC with at least 3 years of progressive experience providing services to PLHIVs in Nigeria.
• Possession of an MPH or post graduate degree in a related field is an added advantage.
• Proven experience in facilitating technical training.
• Excellent ability to communicate and maintain diplomatic and productive relations with the team; resourcefulness, flexibility, and ability to work in a fast changing and challenging environment

Reporting line:

• The ESM Clinician will report to the Cluster Lead/STO PCT.

 Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Basic Function: The main responsibility will be to provide Laboratory services that will ensure that all clients on treatment within the ESM facility and spoke communities/sites to attain VL suppression.

Specific Deliverables are:
Area 1:  Provide laboratory and point-of-care diagnostic services in relation to HTS and ART for all deserving clients:

• Perform follow-up laboratory tests (CD4 & VL) to support provision of the continuum of HIV treatment services both at the facility and community level.
• Prepare Dried Tube Specimen (DTS) panels for IQC and EQA (Proficiency testing) to support HTS on the project.
• Carry out routine tasks accurately following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
• Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment
• Maintaining personal expertise in clinical laboratory practice and innovative technology and equipment.
• Provide support for Lab Test on Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) package of Care.

Area 2: Oversight and Supervision of Laboratory Services:

• Work with the AHNI project team to develop and implement quality assurance systems to improve the quality of diagnostics monitoring and treatment and of Clients.
• Support the development of project work plans and budgets to incorporate the procurement of equipment and supplies for laboratory services at the ESM site and communities.
• Support the use of emerging and appropriate technology for cost-effective service delivery.
• Support the design and implementation of innovative strategies for delivering need-based training and mentoring for clinic staff in relevant areas.
• Supporting implementation and monitoring of biosafety and biosecurity in clinical service delivery, including the development of SOPs, guidelines and job aids.

Area 3: Data Management and Reporting:

• Produce computerized records to interpret and archive laboratory results to be presented to clinic staff and project team for informed decision-making.
• Provide support to the Strategic Information (SI) unit in research (qualitative and quantitative) surveys on service delivery outcomes for HIV prevention, care and treatment.
• Ensure timely submission of quality reports on monthly and quarterly basis or as required.

Area 4: Other assignments:

• Participate in Laboratory Technical Working Groups and represent the project at relevant fora.
• Carry out any assignment as may be decided and delegated by the Supervisor.

Qualifications:

• AMLSC with at least 1-3 years of progressive experience in similar roles.

Must have valid practicing license.
Reporting:

• The ESM MLS will report to the Cluster Lead/STO PCT.

Pharmacist
Basic Function:

• The main responsibility will be to provide pharmaceutical care services and support medication adherence counseling services at ESM site and GF supported spoke communities.

Specific Deliverables:
Area 1:   Delivery of pharmaceutical & commodity supply chain services in support of quality Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

• Maintain adequate health commodity supply chain both within the ESM site and the supported communities.
• Contribute to decision making on treatment and care for individual clients
• Ensure Good Pharmaceutical Practice (GPP) and standards
• Calculate drug storage needs for ART start-up and expansion.
• Monitor ARV and other drug (STIs, OIs, etc.) stock levels at the OSS and communicate with the project team for re-stocking.
• Contribute to forecasting /quantification of health commodities and monitoring of drug distributions.
• Oversee drug logistics i.e., stock-taking, proper drug storage, drug stock out and monitor the effectiveness of the pull system.
• Ensure efficiency and optimization of all the DSD Models
• Dispense Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other medication in line with approved regimens and standards.
• Dispense ARVs in appropriate packaging with clear instructions.
• Provide medication-related counseling, including reinforcing adherence and advising on potential side effects and drug interactions
• Provide drug information to health service providers and clients on request
• Identify and support follow-up of clients who do not return for refills of their ARVs.
• Work with providers and clients to identify, manage, and report adverse drug reactions and drug interactions.

Area 2: Internal and External Quality Control Systems:

• Assess the functionality of existing pharmaceutical management systems and develop implementation plans that prioritize and address gaps.
• Oversee quality assurance systems at the ESM site and the community ART teams by close monitoring of prescription patterns, ensuring proper documentation, side effects monitoring (pharmacovigilance) and reducing dispensing errors.
• Identify needs for information resources—for example, ART guidelines and drug information for medication counselling.

Area 3:  Monitoring and EvaluationMonitor and report medication errors suspected adverse reactions to medicines, and other medication-related events:

• Monitor ART prescriptions for appropriateness and any discrepancies.
• Monitor adherence to ARVs; working with clients and other health service providers to address challenges.
• Address emerging problems as client numbers increase.
• Monitor and report weekly enrolment.
• Provide support to the Strategic Information (SI) unit to conduct research (qualitative and quantitative) surveys on service delivery outcomes for HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
• Ensure timely submission of quality reports on monthly and quarterly basis or as required.
• Maintain transaction records and inventory management tools as required to ensure transparency in commodity management records.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of logistics reports to facilitate stock replenishment and accountability.

Reporting Consultant
Minimum Recruitment Standard:

• B. Pharm or Pharm. D with at least 2 years minimum pharmaceutical experience.
• Must have adequate knowledge of all the DSD Models and its optimization.
• Must be a registered member of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria with valid council registration
• Excellent ability to communicate and maintain diplomatic and productive relations with the team; resourcefulness, flexibility, and ability to work in a fast changing and challenging environment
• Familiarity with Nigeria Public Sector Health Systems, NGOs will be highly desirable

Specific Deliverables:

• Play a lead role in design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting at the ESM sites and supported communities/spokes.
• Provide support to facility staff in documentation and use of National Data Collection Tools.
• Support client folder audit when recommended and ensure rigor in quality data collection.
• Responsible for data collation, processing, and reporting of monthly summary forms.
• Carry out data verification/validation exercises at various service points.
• Conduct routine Data Quality Assurance exercise.
• Participate in project baseline, midterm and end of project evaluation and special data requests.
• Maintain an inventory of data collection tools in the facility.
• Conversant with GF indicator reporting on HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Carry out other activities assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• First Degree in Social Science, Public Health or another relevant discipline.
• At least 2 years M&E experience in the health sector, experience working on HIV treatment program or sexual and reproductive is an advantage.

Preferred Skills:

• A good understanding of HIV Prevention Care and Treatment
• A good understanding of LAMIS database and DHIS
• Proficiency in MS- office MS-Excel, Word, Power Point
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure

Other Competencies:

• Time Management – Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time and complete activitiess in a fast-paced, changing environment with minimal supervision.
• Cultural Sensitivity – Respects cultural environment in which person is working and does not act in a manner that is outwardly offensive to the local community.
• Non-discriminatory- Do not discriminate persons based on sexual orientation or gender identity, age, preferred jobs, or behavioral habits.
• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively.
• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should forward their Resume and Applications to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

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Note

• Only Applications submitted electronically, with subject bearing the position and LGA of interest will be treated.
• Suitability statement and CV must be in one MS Word.
• Applicants must be resident in the LGA of interest.
• Applications will be reviewed as submissions are made and will be closed as choice CVs are identified.

Application Deadline 7th June, 2023.