OFFICE: Lesotho
POSTING: Maseru
REPORTS TO: Associate Director TB/HIV Program implementation, Lesotho
Status: Full time
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Foundation’s Lesotho office works closely with the USG team and partners and the Ministry of Health in Lesotho to support comprehensive, HIV prevention, care and treatment services in eight districts of Lesotho. The Foundation’s approach is to support the Ministry of Health in increasing access to family focused high quality comprehensive HIV prevention care and treatment programs based on the 95,95,95 approach.
The Retention Advisor is the technical focal point for the all efforts towards retention (the 3rd 95) for EGPAF Lesotho and s/he will work closely with the existing Foundation staff in Lesotho, as well as with the in-country collaborating partners including Foundation’s sub-grantees, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies. The Foundation’s emphasis is on increasing access to HIV prevention and care and treatment services for mothers, children and families while strengthening overall HIV outcomes. S/He will provide in-country technical support to the Lesotho office, and support the implementation of the national HIV Programs. Specifically, the Retention Advisor will work to support the national AIDS care and treatment program to improve adherence and retention towards viral load suppression.
The incumbent will work with other EGPAF Advisors in reviewing ensuring that innovative approaches towards retention are sufficiently included in national guidelines and protocols and advise ministry on favorable policy in support of retention.
Essential Duties:
- Under the leadership of the Associate Director TB/HIV Program implementation, Retention Advisor will be the focal point for retention for both the PUSH and the STAR-L program and ensure that retention activities under both work plans are implemented according to set timelines
- The candidate will be responsible for providing input into work plan activities towards the 3rd 95
- Retention Advisor will compile and submit to the Associate Director TB/HIV Program monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual or ad-hoc reports on retention efforts for the Foundation
- Work with other technical team members to support the MOH to develop a strong comprehensive national response towards supporting retention, including DSD models for stable patients
- Provide technical assistance and support to EGPAF Sub Grantees and the MOH on development of strong facility community linkages, including establishment and maintenance of Community ART Groups
- Participate in the development of an overall retention strategy for all populations living with HIV, including PBFW, children, key and priority sub groups .
- Develop training materials, job aides and SOPs towards retention and participate in training relevant staff
- Support, mentor and provide site supportive supervision to Retention Case Managers and other staff focusing on retention
- Participate in all relevant planning meetings in country as part of the middle management team.
- Participate in Care and Treatment forums, including MOH (Pediatric) Care and Treatment Taskforce.
- Any other activity as requested by the Country Director
Working station
The position is based in Maseru, and frequent travel (30%) to other parts of the country is a core requirement of this position.
Required Qualifications and experience
- Social Science degree or related qualification
- At least 5 years working in TB/HIV programs
- Experience in community engagement and mobilization activities required
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated skills and knowledge in community facility linkages
- Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure while working as part of a team.
- Energetic, independent, self-motivated
Desirable Skills and Knowledge
- Understanding of the health structure in Lesotho and/or similar environment, including the policy and management structures at national and District level.
- Knowledge of other partners in Lesotho, contributing to extended ART/PMTCT components, e.g. training of HTS counselors, community care and support, care of orphans and vulnerable children, etcetera
- Knowledge of principles and practices governing USAID and/or other federal grant programs an advantage