Vacancies @ ARFH - Association for Reproductive and Family Health

The Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) is seeking experienced candidates for a new funding opportunity in Nigeria.  The purpose of this program is to support local and indigenous Nigerian service delivery facilities, both public and private (for-profit and 419 Scam-based) to provide comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment activities.  Specifically, the program will provide and expand community-and facility-based HIV/AIDS services, including prevention, care and support, and treatment in public and private facilities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  The position may require frequent travel throughout the country and the candidate may be required to work in any State approved by the clients.

JOB TITLE: SENIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER: PREVENTION, CARE AND SUPPORT OFFICER
LOCATION: Abuja

The Senior Technical Officer-Prevention, Care and Support Officer will support the Deputy Chief of Party in the design and implementation of evidence based HIV/AIDS treatment, care and prevention interventions. The officer will be responsible for conducting analysis and understanding emerging research to inform the strengthening of existing biomedical, behavioral and structural HIV prevention interventions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the Deputy Chief of Party in design and implementation of evidence based prevention strategies and interventions.
Plan and execute the HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support component of the project.
Contribute to the development of annual work plans, compiling reports, developing proposals and disseminating findings.
Monitor closely the timely implementation of project milestones and achievement of project indicators and goals.
Maintain adequate records, files and documentation relevant to the project.
Participate in research regarding effective HIV Prevention, Care and Support interventions.
Identify problems, opportunities and potential threats to the project, initiate corrective action.
Promote collaborative working relationships with governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as with bilateral, multi-lateral and private sector agencies involved in project related activities.
Participate in the development and implementation of HIV prevention, care and support training.
Provide technical support to facility staff to build technical skills in HIV prevention, care and support as well as strengthening organizational capacity to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of services.

Qualifications and Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Social sciences, public health or health related degrees and MPH or similar qualifications.
5-7 years experience in HIV Prevention, Care and support in large HIV/AIDS programs at national or international level; sound knowledge of statistics and public health; experience in working with local partners, including host Governments, NGOs and CBOs; knowledge of the Nigerian local context is an asset, as well as the familiarity with U.S. Government’s PEPFAR programs.

JOB TITLE: SENIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER – LABORATORY SERVICES
LOCATION: Abuja
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Senior Technical Officer, Laboratory Services will provide technical expertise and leadership in implementing high quality laboratory services within the care and treatment project in Nigeria, including laboratory capacity development at project health facility sites.
Coordinate the design, planning and implementation of the laboratory component of HIV testing and counselling, HIV/AIDS care and treatment and early infant diagnosis, including collaboration with state and community level project clinical staff, laboratory specialists and laboratory health facility staff.
Develop guidelines, tools and recommendations related to the implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of laboratory services for HIV/AIDS care and treatment in collaboration with technical staff within ARFH and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.
Develop guidelines, tools and recommendations related to the implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of laboratory services for OI and TB care and treatment in collaboration with technical staff within ARFH and at national, state and local agencies in Nigeria.
Provide technical assistance in capacity building for laboratory services at health facilities and other settings as appropriate.
Facilitate the implementation of the injection safety and waste management guideline and policy and ensure adequate screening of blood and blood products in the laboratories at health facilities.
To carry out quality control functions/ activities, in collaboration with the facility staff, including quality control inspection schedules and the collection of quality control records, ensure the availability of quality records and documents.
To develop and monitor quality control and quality assurance activities of the laboratory in order to determine conformity with established policies, national regulations, or accreditation requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Masters level degree in laboratory sciences, biological science or related field with 5-7 years experience or Doctoral level degree with 4-5 years post national youth service in practical settings and a minimum of 3 years experience in laboratory services including a minimum of 2 which must be on an HIV laboratory management support donor funded program.
Certification / license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is a plus. Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health system, donor agencies, NGOs and CBOs is also required.

Mode of application
Applicants should send their comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and cover letter in as an attachment (MSWord document) explaining suitability for the job to programs2011@arfh-ng.org.