Position Summary
Since 2004, ICAP at Columbia University (ICAP) has actively supported the National Department of Health (NDOH) and its partners to strengthen HIV services in South Africa through provision of direct support, technical assistance and support for diverse research and program evaluation projects. In 2017, ICAP launched a multi-country learning network aimed at enhancing the coverage, quality and impact of HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The HIV Coverage, Quality and Impact Network (CQUIN) aims to enhance HIV programs by supporting health ministries and departments to scale up ‘Differentiated Service Delivery’ (DSD) program models. CQUIN is designed to foster south-to-south exchange and provide technical assistance to Ministries of Health and other partners engaged in the design, implementation, and evaluation of differentiated service delivery.
The Differentiated Service Delivery Advisor, seconded to the National Department of Health, will support NDOH to expand high-quality DSD services in South Africa. The individual will work as part of the Operation PHUTHUMA team within the Department of Health with a focus on supporting the expansion of DSD services. The individual will also support NDOH with roll out of the new HIV treatment guidelines. Reporting to the Operation Phuthuma Lead s/he will liaise closely with ICAP CQUIN staff in South Africa and Eswatini, supporting the global CQUIN Project team when necessary in efforts to successfully implement the learning network and to disseminate results.
Grant funded position
Roles and responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of the Differentiated Service Delivery Advisor shall include, but are not limited to the following:
• Support implementation of the 2019 National Consolidated Guidelines for the Management of HIV in Adults, Adolescents, Children and Infants and Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV and Adherence guidelines, working with relevant stakeholders to develop implementation plan, job aides, SOPs and communication strategies, with a special focus on DSD.
• Revive and convene the National Differentiated Service Delivery sub-TWG to provide technical guidance and coordination for the national roll out of DSD services.
• Orient Provincial and District Health Management Teams and stakeholders on DSD, assisting with development and monitoring of DSD scale up plans
• Liaise with Phuthuma staff, NDOH M&E staff, and CQUIN strategic information staff to optimize DSD monitoring and evaluation indicators and tools and ensure that variables are captured and routinely reported from the Tier.net database and other relevant sources
• Spearhead DSD Knowledge Management for NDOH
• Regularly review published and “grey” literature on DSD
• Maintain electronic files/resources related to DSD
• Liaise with countries in the CQUIN network (and elsewhere) to stay abreast of policies, training resources, case studies, and best practices
• Document case studies, best practices and lessons learned in South Africa
• Periodically brief the Steering Committee on innovations and evidence
• Coordinate NDOH participation in the CQUIN network, including: convening key stakeholders to complete the annual CQUIN dashboard exercise; participating in in-person and virtual CQUIN meetings; representing South Africa in the CQUIN DSD Coordinator Community of Practice calls; liaising monthly with the CQUIN Project Director; identifying areas of interest for South Africa to learn from other CQUIN network countries; and identifying resources for South Africa to share with other CQUIN network countries
• As needed, support CQUIN’s south-to-south knowledge exchange, hosting colleagues from other network countries if/when they visit South Africa
• Develop work plans and submit quarterly reports of activities and other reports as requested;
• Maximize opportunities to integrate DSD with other NDOH priorities e.g., NCD and services for most at risk populations e.g., adolescents and key populations
• Facilitate QI projects aimed at increasing DSD coverage
• Carry other duties within Phuthuma when needed
Desired experience and qualification
- Degree in Medicine/Nursing and Master’s degree or equivalent in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Health Systems Strategies or related field
- Minimum ten (10) years’ experience working in the area of HIV/AIDS treatment, including experience managing and implementing health programs
- Proven expertise in program planning, management and evaluation, including use of data for decision making
- Demonstrable experience working within the South African health system
- Excellent written and verbal English-language communications skills; ability to interact professionally in English
- Available to travel frequently within the country and internationally (approximately 25% travel to CQUIN supported countries)
Interested applicants should send their comprehensive CV’s and letter of motivation to [email protected] with the job title in the subject line on or before 29 September 2019