HIV Testing Services (HTS) Technical Advisor at JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.

Job Description

Preamble
JSI has submitted an application to USAID to implement an HIV and AIDS project in the Western Region of Ghana. If awarded, the goal of this project will be to provide support tthe Government of Ghana (GOG) and to accelerate Ghana's progress in attaining the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets by achieving epidemic control in one high HIV burdened region by scaling up evidence based interventions. Activities will include active case finding of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in Western Region (WR), putting and retaining them on treatment, and ensuring they are virally suppressed. The potential project, if awarded, is expected to be funded by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID beginning in October 2019.

Job Summary

This is a full-time position that will be based in Takoradi, Ghana. The Clinical Director is responsible for working with district teams through to the regional Ghana Health Service to build on current program strengths and accomplishments, taking into account the donor priorities, national priorities, existing stakeholders, and programming opportunities. The Clinical Director will be responsible for maintaining a high level of expertise and innovation in particular the area of antiretroviral treatment (including adherence and retention, roll-out of viral load monitoring, treatment monitoring including treatment failure, differentiated service delivery models, and other related issues).

The Clinical Director will report to the Chief of Party or his delegate. S/he will oversee an HIV services Unit which includes the Snr. Advisor eMTCT, Advisor HIV Testing Services (HTS) and the Snr. Program Specialist and Nurse Assistants. Working closely with the GHS, s/he will be responsible for the strategic direction and management of HIV service delivery activities within the project and serve as advisor to clinicians at the project supported facilities and community ART service points in the Western Region. S/he will ensure the use of the latest evidence-based national and international clinical guidelines and standards as well as conduct regular technical updates for program staff and partners to ensure that services are of high quality at both facility and community levels

Responsibilities and Duties

• In conjunction with the regional health directorate and the National AIDS Control Program, provide technical guidance and support to monitor implementation of HIV prevention and clinical treatment in each district of the project.
• Develop, adapt, adopt, pilot and spearhead the implementation of current and applied clinical program components such as HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and HIV Self-Testing as will become necessary.
• Provide advisory support to clinicians in the project supported facilities in each district and community distribution sites by ensuring that all required clinical standards are adhered to.
• Spearhead the formation and sustainability of clinical mentorship teams in ART and appropriate quality assurance standards and practices in conjunction with the regional health directorate
• With other specialists and advisors, attend the monthly coordinating and cascade analysis meetings at the collaborating facilities and provide technical content support to discussions.
• Supervise the service team to optimize high quality HIV testing services at community and facility levels and linkage to care (ART) practices.
• Ensure the application of index testing strategy (including index case finding, index contact elicitation, tracing, testing and linkage to ART) at both community and facility levels including among Key Populations.
• Support to provide technical assistance, training, and mentoring to the Care Continuum’s Nurse Assistants’ activities at all Community and Facility sites of the project. Provide updates on new development and mentorship to project staff in eMTCT;
• Support the development/update of supplementary training materials, SOPs and supporting tools needed by facilities and community ART distribution points in the region. Supporting new business opportunities, including concept development, technical writing, technical review of new business concepts and proposals
• Any other related duty assigned by the Chief of Party.

Required Skills or Experience

• Advance Nursing or other Clinical qualification with an MPH or other Master’s degree in a health-related field.
•  A minimum of five years of work experience in HIV counseling and testing, and care and support for PLHIV activities, including activity planning, implementation, and evaluation.
•  Experience with the national HIV and AIDS program is an added advantage. Past experience will include experience in HIV counseling and testing and behavioral change programs that indicates the ability to consult and collaborate effectively with all levels both health facility and in the community. 
• Experience as National HIV & AIDS Trainer is an added advantage 
• Experience with supply chain management (quantification, forecasting, and utilization for HTS commodity) is desirable
• Demonstrated skill in providing mentorship, oversight and technical expertise in a non-governmental setting is an added advantage.
• Results oriented with a demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines with competing tasks
• Experience working with PEPFAR/USAID Missions, host country governments, USG health agencies and / or USAID partner organizations desirable.