Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID)

Deadline: 17 February 2021

Reporting to: National PMTCT & Paediatric HIV & AIDS Care & Treatment Coordinator (MOHCC)

Location: Harare)

Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract

About OPHID

The Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID) PVO 31/16 develops and implements innovative approaches and strategies to strengthen HIV Care and Treatment services in Zimbabwe, by providing enhanced access for communities to comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment. OPHID, works with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) in implementing these interventions. OPHID is looking for suitably qualified and motivated individuals to fill the following post:

Position summary

The Position is based at the Ministry of Health & Child Care, AIDS and TB Unit, Harare. Zimbabwe is committed to the global goal of dual elimination of new HIV infections and congenital syphilis among children and keeping their mothers alive. To achieve these milestones, the mother to child transmission rate of HIV should be less than 5%, with ANC attendance, ANC testing and ART for PMTCT reaching at least 95% coverage. Additionally, scale-up of EID and linkage to ART for HIV exposed infants who fall through the cracks and test HIV positive is key to closing the pediatric ART gap. The position of Deputy Coordinator for National PMTCT and Pediatric HIV Care and Treatment is a strategic position to support achievement of these milestones, reporting to the National PMTCT and Pediatric HIV Care and Treatment Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

Assist in the development of overall PMTCT/Pediatric HIV Care and treatment strategy based on evidence-based policies, Enhance coordination and integration across PMTCT, MNCH and ART Programs, Recognize PMTCT as an entry point to the provision of family HIV Care and advise on the implementation approaches that will address gaps in HIV Service Delivery, Design strategies to improve health outcomes for mothers, their babies and families, Under the guidance of the national coordinator, support coordination and collaboration of implementing partners in line with the national PMTCT and Pediatric HIV Care and Treatment Strategy, integrated within the broader MNCH Platform, Mobilize resources for the implementation of the national PMTCT and HIV Pediatric HIV Care and Treatment Strategy, Provide technical assistance, support and guidance to the development of guidelines on PMTCT early infant diagnosis (EID) and pediatric HIV Care and Treatment, Provide technical assistance to national Training Officers to ensure guidelines are adapted to relevant national training curricula for health personnel in the area of PMTCT/EID and early HIV Care and Treatment, Strengthen community participation in PMCTC/EID and early HIV treatment for infants who test HIV positive, including support for retention and adherence of HIV -infected pregnant women and their families, Work closely with all relevant MOHCC Departments and partners to ensure appropriate integration of PMCTC/EID with MNCH and other services, Facilitate and support PMTCT and pediatric HIV Care and Treatment program reviews.

Qualifications

A degree in medicine (MBChB degree or equivalent),Master of Public Health, Additional qualification Child Health/Pediatrics would be an added advantage, At least minimum five (5) years’ experience in HIV and AIDS program management, 3 years’ experience working within the MOHCC structures at district or provincial levels and in-depth knowledge of national PMTCT and ART guidelines, Experience in strategic data management, analysis, and use, Knowledge of national validation process toward elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis, Excellent communication, report writing, computer and analytical skills, demonstrated ability in liaison and collaboration with MOHCC, NGOs and health institutions will be a distinct advantage, Willingness to spend considerable time in travel outside Harare.

For a detailed advert with the application process, visit our website on www.ophid.org/opportunities