CHAPS is one of the largest and proudly South African non-government organisations (NGO) focused HIV prevention on the African continent. Through its pioneering work in the research and promotion of biomedical interventions, CHAPS has successfully implemented and disseminated sustainable evidence-based health solutions throughout South Africa and the region.
CHAPS seeks to appoint a Clinical Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Technical Specialist to be based in South Africa.
The purpose of the position is to provide technical leadership and project oversight in the areas of VMMC service provision, quality assurance, and quality improvement for an anticipated USAID-funded voluntary medical male circumcision program for HIV prevention in Namibia. The Technical Specialist will provide support to the Direct Service Delivery Teams and partners in terms of policy directives, guidance documents and knowledge management. The Technical Specialist will ensure compliance with USAID requirements as well as provide technical oversight, strategic direction and definition of appropriate project activities. This position will be based in Windhoek, Namibia and will report to the Chief of Party of Abt-Namibia.
Responsibilities:
Establish and implement a system to ensure technical quality of project activities
Develop and/or update evidence-based training materials, standards, job aids, and curricula, supervisory systems needed for implementation of the Project to meet the needs of USAID, CHAPS, and the Government of Namibia
Provide mentoring and capacity building at the individual and organizational level in specific areas of expertise in VMMC
Provide technical assistance for conducting site assessments and strengthening referral systems, in-service and/or pre-service education, and supportive supervision
Support the formulation of innovative approaches for scale-up of targeted in VMMC services
Actively participate in relevant technical advisory/working groups and professional forums representing CHAPS and Abt Associates
Work with health-care providers, local authorities, community members and project team members to identify clinical service delivery issues that impede access to care and uptake of services
Identify and implement appropriate facility- and community-based strategies to address VMMC service delivery gaps
Identify training needs for clinical and community healthcare providers and assist in the design and implementation of measures to address those needs
Work closely with the Program Manager and Chief of Party on setting project priorities and directions, and responding to requests for support from local counterparts
Work with M&E staff to design, implement a plan to track data/results related to VMMC to inform adjustments in project implementation
Collaborate with all local stakeholders and implementing partners, especially the Ministry of Health and other US and international implementing partners, to ensure that all activities conform to the requirements and regulations
In collaboration with Program Manager, document successes, lessons learned and challenges in implementation as well as reports of project activities and results to the project and donor, including routine quarterly and annual reports and other reporting requirements as requested
Document and maintain an inventory of successful tools and approaches for VMMC
Author/co-author abstracts, presentations, and articles for journals and conferences
Supervise technical staff
Maintain excellent relationships with USAID and in-country stakeholders and develop rapid responses
Provide technical leadership to the development the project strategic plan, work plan, and project monitoring, in close collaboration with MOH and other USG implementing partners to ensure timely implementation and compliance to the requirements and regulations of the award
Required:
A Medical Degree (doctor or nursing), and Master of Public Health preferred, with authorization to practice medicine in Namibia
At least 7 years’ experience implementing and/or providing technical assistance in HIV prevention, care and treatment, especially VMMC
At least 7 years’ experience in implementing and/or providing technical assistance of $10-12 million per year in donor-funded projects and in the design and implementation of overseas health projects; preferably in the East and Southern Africa region
Demonstrated experience training clinical and community-based healthcare workers on VMMC
Demonstrated experience providing capacity building assistance at individual and organizational levels
Skilled in at least two or more of the following technical areas: strengthening service delivery projects; training; pre-service education; performance and quality improvement; monitoring and evaluation
Demonstrated experience with a mix of practical technical skills in HIV prevention, care and treatment necessary for strengthening VMMC service delivery at the regional, national, clinical and community-level
Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the Namibian healthcare system, particularly the public health system, experience living and working in Namibia preferred
Familiarity with USAID’s administrative, management and reporting procedures and systems
Proven track record managing a project team composed of several technical experts and fostering team work
Excellent diplomacy skills and a proven ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and professional relationships with USG, host-country counterparts and representatives from other key stakeholders such as NGOs, CSOs, and the private sector
Expertise in research to practice—identifying and adapting best practices to specific project contexts
Excellent verbal, written interpersonal and presentation skills in English
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Ability to travel nationally to project sites
Please state in the subject line of your application, the position you are applying for.
To apply, submit CV to [email protected].
To apply, submit CV, cover letter to [email protected].
For more about Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention Studies, refer to www.chaps.org.za