HTS Technical Advisor - JSI Research & Training Institute

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) a leader in global hea'th. is a non-profit public health management consulting and research organisation dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world,

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 be to provide support to the 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 the 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 USAID through the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) beginning in October 2019.

JSI seeks to recruit the following positions:

Position:             HIV Testing Services (HTS) Technical Advisor

Reports to:       Clinical Director

Location:          Takoradi

Job Summary

The HIV Testing Services (HTS) Technical Advisor will be responsible for developing innovative strategies and monitor the implementation of HIV Testing Services at all community sites and project supported health facilities, in line with National guidelines and organisational strategic objectives. Provide technical assistance, oversight and support of HTS being provided by Civil Society organisations and other partners. S/he will ensure collaboration with the Ghana Health Services/National AIDS Control Programme and partners and the use of national and internationally-recognised HTS best practices to establish tight linkages between HIV Testing and Counselling and other areas of HIV clinical cascade. S/he will identify training needs and lead to coordinate HTS training, including Index Testing and Partner Notification Services activities for staff and partner organisations, including ensuring that HTS commodity supply needs of counsellors/sites are being met by the project.

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Responsibilities & Duties

• Required to work collaboratively with the Senior Programme Specialist and other Advisors in providing the training and HTS supervisory and oversight needs of Nurse Assistants co-located and working in community and supported health facility sites of the project.
• Provide technical support and ensure provision of quality HIV Testing Services (HTS) in supported facilities. Strengthen index chest testing within supported facilities through know your family/partner status and other initiatives.
• Coordinate with Gender & Equity Advisor in the referral of survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) identified during HIS to receive care.
• Lead to conduct ongoing training needs assessment and facilitation of HTS, trainings activities.
• Conduct supportive supervision & mentorshlp visits to all supported sites implementing HIS including HIV-
  Self Testing.
• Work jointly with HTS supervisors and counselors in supported facilities to ensure provision of quality HIV testing services to referred clients.
• Support facilities in monitoring and tracking on a monthly basis) of Rapid Test Kits (RTKs), and other supplies necessary for HTS delivery to ensure stock-outs are avoided.
• Work closely with Strategic Information team to conduct monthly HTS data analysis and compile timely reports to ensure real time data use for decision-making at slte level to monitor progress towards project targets
• Lead development of annual, quarterly and monthly HTS strategies and work plans
• Participate in joint HTS supportive supervison visits together with the Ghana Health Service/National AIDS Control Programme and other stakeholders
• Ensure that health facilities are adhering to quality control practices such as proficiency testing and sit-in observations
• Strengthen facility and community bidirectional referral and linkages

• Ensure facilities and community sites and partners do have adequate national and project level Standard Operating Procedures and algorithms for Index Testing and other HTS approaches.

   

• Participate in SIMS assessment visits and follow up remediation as is required.

• Conduct other HTS duties delegated by the line manager and the COP from time to time

Qualifications

• 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 counselling and testing, and care and support for PLHIV activities, including activity planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with the national HIV and AIDS programme is an added advantage. Past experience will include experience in HIV counselling and testing and behavioural change programmes 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 utilisation for HIS 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 organisations desirable.

Disclaimer: Roles and responsibilities are subject to change-based on Real confirmation of that particular position.