HIV Advisors at Africa Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

Africa Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is the umbrella organization for applied epidemiology training, programs in Africa. It oversees the Field Epidemiology (and Laboratory) Training Programs (FETP) in 16 countries of Africa. FETP is modeled after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). The main objective of AFENET through its FETP is to build and offer epidemiological services in the country for strengthening public health systems particularly disease surveillance and response, The program is partly funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). AFENET’s current focus is on interventions for the control of priority diseases in Nigeria, including HIV/AIDS.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: HIV Advisor

Location: Abuja
Work Hours: Full time, 40 hours/week

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the AFENET HIV program and take responsibility for the AFENET HIV strategy and implementation.
• Guide the Strategic Information unit of AFENET on delivery of mandate
• Coordinate the design and implementation of strategies that will increase participation of NFELTP in HIV/AIDs related programs
• Support the delivery of PEPFAR objectives in Nigeria and support specific HIV activities as may be assigned to the program by CDC or the Government. These include (but not limited to) HIV data system strengthening, HIV/AIDS surveys, HIV assessments and evaluations.
• Supervise and mentor NFELTP residents in all activities to achieve key deliverables, with extra focus on HIV/AIDS related activities
• Identify HIV/AIDS research priorities and strengthening of HIV/AIDS related operational research of NFELTP including residents’ thesis design, review and finalization
• In collaboration with other advisors and residents, design, plan, implement and evaluate projects on HIV/AIDS and other diseases
• Guide residents of the program in preparing protocols and tools in the design and conduct of the NFELTP practical outputs including study protocols, outbreak investigations and scientific write up with additional focus particularly HIV related ones
• Provide appropriate guidance to residents in the evaluation of public health surveillance systems and analysis of surveillance dataset with focus on HIV
• Support residents to develop HIV manuscript for publication in peer reviewed journals
• Work with the state government and facilities to provide support and guidance on program/project monitoring and evaluation activities and on US Government and Government of Nigeria reporting requirements.
• Provide support to sites in the each PEPFAR supported states, including interacting with site Program Managers, M&E focal points, M&E officers of SACA/SASCP, other Implementing Agencies and local research groups on needs and ensuring that these parties understand and can support these requirements.
• Work with local partners to support the correct implementation and use of monitoring and evaluation tools, and adherence to complete, correct and timely reporting.
• Ensure that the quality of program/project activities adheres to SOPs by supporting the development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms to ensure quality.
• Provide direct technical assistance and capacity building in the design and implementation of the program/project Monitoring and Enhanced Evaluation components of the activities in the communities served.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of computerized data capture of the program and provide technical assistance and training to the staff at the sites responsible for data entry.
• Build capacity of local partners in project monitoring and with program staff and local partners, use program/project monitoring data to modify existing programs and design new programs.
• Represent AFENET and makes presentations at professional meetings and conferences related to Monitoring and Evaluation.
• Remain informed of current issues regarding HIV/AIDS/STI/TB fields by review of current literature; be alert to any implication of such research for project and program activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Resident Advisor.

Minimum Qualifications
Education/Experience:

• A university degree in Medicine with an MPH or its equivalent, with 7-10 years relevant experience in HIV/AIDS programs including deep knowledge of Strategic Information (operational research, monitoring and evaluation and HIV Surveillance).
• A sound understanding of HIV/AIDS programs with provision of PMTCT and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in resource constrained settings.
• An experience with the NFELTP program will be an added advantage
• Adequate experience with the National/ State/PEPFAR/ Global Funds HIV and Systems is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in the leadership, design, implementation, management and tracking/monitoring of HIV programs and events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good understanding of the PEPFAR and National HIV/AIDS systems and thematic areas
• Experience working with a wide range of implementing partners in Nigeria
• Must be familiar with the various National, PEPFAR and WHO guidelines for treatment, care and support, PMTCT, Strategic information and other key HIV programs
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices, methods, tools and guidelines
• Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data, and present findings in both oral and written forms effectively to technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office package applications and a statistical package such as Epi info, SPSS, SAS or STATA
• Knowledge of and experience in health information management systems and database maintenance.
• Knowledge of and practical experience in health-related research and ethical requirements.
• Excellent (fluent) English writing and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal skills.
• Team player with ability to work without supervision.
• Have a clear understanding of the health system structure in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria environment within the country.
• Have a supportive attitude towards processes of strengthening local partners and building local capacities for self-management.
• Be willing to undertake regular field visits with a team approach to program implementation and be able to manage several major activities simultaneously
• Ability to interact with and engage stakeholders at different levels.
• Flexible, willing to travel and work on weekends

Salary
Competitive based on qualification and experience.

Application Closing Date
15th December, 2015.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Candidates should submit their applications addressing the minimum requirements as per the advertisement and current curriculum vitae with details of their referees in a single file format. Any other documentation (e.g. publications, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position will be required if shortlisted.
• Candidates should indicate appropriate position in their application letter.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.