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State Clinical Mentor – Rivers State (2 Positions)

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa and beyond.

The National AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections Control and Hepatitis Programme (NASCP) is a Department of Public Health division in the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). Its mandate is to coordinate the formulation and effective implementation of the Nigerian government policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures to prevent new HIV infections and improve the existing treatment, care, and support for those already infected and affected by the virus. In collaboration with the USG, NASCP is implementing the first phase of National Clinical Mentoring in the HIV program in 19 Nigerian States for improved HIV service delivery.

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), in collaboration with SASCP, is seeking to recruit qualified persons in Rivers Stateto fill the following critical positions necessary for program implementation, as indicated below:

Job TitleState Clinical Mentor
Employment TypeFull-Time
LocationsRivers State (2 Positions)

Opening Date:       18th October 2024

Closing Date:         1st November 2024

Description and objectives:

Under the supervision of the Director of Public Health, the State clinical mentor will provide mentorship to healthcare workers in assigned facilities. S/He is expected to build the capacity of frontline Healthcare workers to provide quality HIV clinical services as part of a comprehensive package of care in both public and private facilities and communities. The candidate must be domiciled in the State and be conversant with the terrain.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide on-site clinical training to healthcare workers on HIV treatment according to the national guidelines, including adult and paediatric ART and treating tuberculosis and other opportunistic diseases.
  • Provide training through clinical consultation, assisting local healthcare workers in identifying key bottlenecks affecting patients’ access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and helping them with direct patient care as needed.
  • Provide continuous medical education (CME), which may include didactic training sessions for health professionals, as needed. All training will be in accordance with the national guidelines.
  •  Provide health worker capacity-building sessions using various methodologies (including project ECHO and low bandwidth video conferencing).
  • Assist, as requested, with facilitating sessions on the weekly ECHO videoconferencing sessions with health workers from various sites in the states.
  • Develop standard operating procedures for HIV clinical care at the health facility in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. This may include troubleshooting problems with the patient flow, tracking defaulters, or clarifying referral pathways by developing appropriate algorithms.
  • Submit a monthly report on training and technical assistance activities, as well as findings and recommendations for strengthening services in the health facility and compliance with the national treatment guidelines.
  • Perform other duties related to clinical mentoring as assigned.

Required competencies

  1. Core requirements:
  2. Demonstrated coaching and mentoring ability.
  3. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people of different backgrounds.
  4. Ability to apply problem-solving skills to ongoing challenges.
  5. Strong organizing, planning, and prioritizing skills
  6. Sensitivity to different cultural working environments
  7. Ability to analyze and interpret data and write reports.
  8. Capacity to operate as a team player in large, diverse teams and individually.
  9. Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
  10. Proficiency in computers and software/applications such as presentation software, spreadsheets, and video conferencing.
  • Education and experience

Academic training:

  • Must possess a degree in Medical Sciences (MBBS or equivalent).
  • Postgraduate qualification/Masters level training in Public Health, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Obstetrics will be an advantage.
  • Must be registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and have evidence of current practising license.
  • Experience:
  • At least 3-5 years experience with clinical HIV and AIDS care, including the provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART)
  • Must have at least two years’ experience with program planning, assessment, and implementation of HIV clinical care programs.
  • Experience in the provision of HIV clinical training
  • Previous experience in HIV-related operational research is an advantage.
  • Good knowledge of current trends and normative guidance (national and international) in HIV clinical care and service delivery
  • Experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary HIV clinical teams for effective service delivery.
  • Willingness to travel to clinics and hospitals in assigned geographical areas within the State.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Mode of Application:

Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, through this email address:[email protected].This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This advert closes 14 days from the date of this publication, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

20th Anniversary: IHVN Celebrates Milestones in Research

The Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Prof. Alash’le Abimiku has revealed that the Institute has joined the search for a HIV vaccine in partnership with organizations from eight countries.

Prof. Abimiku stated this at a press briefing to mark IHVN’s 20th anniversary in Abuja.

“For 30 years, Nigeria has not been involved in vaccine research to ensure that the vaccine that finally comes out will be relevant to Nigeria. So IHVN for the first time has put Nigeria and the whole of West Africa on the map. This is a big breakthrough in ending a pandemic that has affected millions of people with a significant number of people on lifelong medications,” she said.

The IRCE Executive Director said that the Institute is currently sequencing the viruses that come from Nigeria and West Africa, Sub-type G, and CRF- O2 to ensure that those sequences are part of a vaccine construct. She noted that the research will go through different phases that may take five to ten years.

“We are at the initial stages of the project with funding from USAID for the first five years. We are designing the construct to make sure that it has sequences of our viruses, so that is the first step. Whatever we test must take into consideration the viruses existent in our country,” she added.

She explained that IRCE is involved in clinical trials to test new drugs and concepts.

“We have a clinical trials unit. This differentiates us from other NGOs.  This is why we can test candidate HIV vaccines and evaluate new platforms for diagnostics. Even during COVID, we tested if we could give individuals antibodies from other individuals that have recovered – individuals that were able to fight it.”

Prof. Abimiku said that IRCE’s vision is to tackle local challenges.

“It is not unusual that a lot of what we’ve done has focused on HIV, TB, malaria but we’ve also gone into non-communicable diseases that have been ravaging our population”

Also at the press briefing, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum commended the media for partnering with the Institute to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research.

“Our celebration is mainly a celebration of life for the contributions that we have made. It is not just about the number of people we have provided services to, behind every number is a human being whose quality of life has improved,” he said.

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah stressed that the Institute’s achievements have been a result of partnerships and funding support of more than 300 million USD through grants from Global Fund, USAID, United States National Institutes of Health amongst other agencies.  

Program Officer, GBV – Rivers State

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, this advert is therefore seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

PositionProgram Officer, GBV
DepartmentPrevention Care and Treatment
Reports toTechnical Lead/Project Director
LocationRivers State

Opening Date: 16th October, 2024

Closing Date: 22nd October, 2024

Description and objectives

Under the supervision of the Project Director and Technical Lead, he/she will ensure the implementation of high-quality Gender Based Violence and Gender diversity programs according to the National Gender Policy as well as work to ensure that programs align with PEPFAR Gender priority. She/He will provide technical expertise in implementing high-impact interventions to ensure quality service delivery across all program areas. She/He will lead the day-to-day implementation of all GBV programs in the assigned health facility and guide program implementation according to the National GBV Guidelines.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical support in the implementation of GBV program activities about HIV prevention, care & treatment including vulnerable populations in the states.
  • Support, design, and implement a Gender-Based Violence Program according to the PEPFAR Gender Strategy to achieve targets for all supported facilities in the state.
  • Ensure that the quality of GBV services across the states meets the basic minimum standards and that at least the minimum basic package of GBV prevention and care are implemented in the facilities.
  • Working with health facility staff focal persons and colleagues to effectively address program challenges.
  • Interphase with GON, USG, CBOs, and other relevant stakeholders on GBV at the state level to support program coordination and enhance sustainability
  • Closely monitor the activities of the GBV CBOs in the state and provide mentorship to the Community-Based Organizations in the implementation of GBV program
  • Submit Monthly/Quarterly and annual reports to the supervisor, State Technical Leads, Program Area leads, and Director Prevention Care and Treatment Department for an effective program implementation.
  • Develop a GBV work plan for the state and implement the program across the supported facilities
  • Coordinate biweekly meetings with GBV focal persons in supported states.
  • Provide capacity building for the facility GBV focal persons
  • Ensure that the integration of GBV into other treatment areas is maintained.
  • Represent IHVN in state meetings and work as liaison between GoN in the state and IHVN
  • Provide mentoring to all state staff on Gender-Based Violence/sexual diversity programming.
  • Serve as Liaison between central and state offices on issues of Gender-Based Violence.
  • Perform other roles or assignments as directed by supervisors, program area leads, and the Director of the Prevention Care and Treatment Department.
  • Ensure that GBV data are correctly reported on all the approved reporting platforms
  • Ensure that all the required program area deliverables are met in the state within the allotted timelines and track all program data and report as necessary.
  • Facilitate in tracking implementation and reporting of program achievement of all GBV Key performance indicators and unit deliverables.
  • Facilitating the use of the GBV Quality Assurance Tool to conduct assessments for facilities and design GBV quality improvement projects, report writing and collation, and data analysis.
  • Carrying out any other duties/ assignments as directed by supervisors, program area leads, and the Director of the Prevention Care and Treatment Department.

Experience, skills, and competencies

  • At least 2-5 years’ experience working with Gender Based violence and HIV and AIDS care.
  • Must have working experience in PEFAR Priorities for Gender Program and Gender Diversity
  • Possess the capacity to build interagency cooperation for efficient service delivery.
  • Must have at least two years’ experience with program planning, assessment, and implementation of GBV programs.
  • Must have working knowledge and experience in conducting GBV LIVES training.
  • Previous experience in HIV-related operational research is an advantage.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary HIV clinical teams for effective service delivery.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in the English language (oral and written) and good inter and intrapersonal communication and facilitation skills.
  •  Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages, presentation skills, and video conferencing are required.
  • Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing, data evaluation, and excellent report writing.
  • Staff must be knowledgeable in the use of WHO gender Quality assessment tools.
  • Ready to work with other program staff as needed to achieve program and organizational goals.
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet organizational targets/goals.
  • Excellent persuasive skills, and good stakeholders’ management track record. Fundamental skills in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Must be proactive and deliver quality work on time.

Safeguarding (PSEAH):

As an organization, IHVN takes the issue of Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) seriously, because safeguarding the people we interface with in all our programmatic work is of the utmost importance to us. 

IHVN only recruits’ representatives who are suited and abides to the strict responsibility of SEAH.

By applying to this role, you are agreeing to IHVN carrying out a background check on you with respect to SEAH records and you also confirm that not before or after being hired will you breach the IHVN policy on SEAH.

Educational qualifications and experience

  • Must be a registered nurse, a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Psychology, sociology and any related field.
  • The applicant must be registered under the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and must possess a valid practicing license.
  • Master’s degree in public health will be an advantage.
  •  Diploma in Gender studies will be an advantage.

Equal employment opportunity statement

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Mode of Application:

  • Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • This advert is open from 22nd October 2024, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

IHVN Celebrates September Employees of the Month

In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognise “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership & interpersonal skills, punctuality and adherence to company values and principles amongst others.

For September 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Clare Ohunayo, Emmanuella Emmanuel, Oluwayemisi Asiozi, Lem Kwem Imasuen, Oluwatoyin Awoyemi, Oluwakemi Akinyede, Elizabeth Ejura Ali, Johnbull Egharevba, Abdulmojeed Akande, Muhammed Usman, Lojah Pascal Nyam, Isaac Bakzak, Sanusi Abiodun, Rayi Oluwagbemi, Ebenezer Ajayi, Anderson Ricketts and Odola Oluwafemi, whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our September star performers!