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Program Officer - Heid Services

Title: Program Officer - HEID SERVICES
Report to: Regional Program Coordinator

Location: Shinyanga Field Office

Purpose of the Post

Program officer for HEID services is a self-motivated, hardworking and committed individual who is responsible in implementing and monitoring all activities related to HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (HEID) including DBS sample transportation system. The transportation system of DBS samples includes preparation of quality DBS samples, sample transportation, processing and results back to the facilities. He/she will also provide clinical advice and assist supported sites to scale up EID services and improve DBS results TAT in Shinyanga and Simiyu regions. He/she will also work closely with PO- Pediatric in improving identification of HIV exposed infants as well as infected infants/children and early ART initiation to infected children.

Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee the implementation of EID activities in AGPAHI supported sites.
Assist in the development and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation systems of Early Infant Diagnosis in supported sites.
Provide clinical advice and on-site mentorship to service providers on Early Infant
Diagnosis, presumptive diagnosis and treatment to infants.

Collaborate with RHMTs, CHMTs and HMT to design, implement innovative strategies for improving the HEID services in AGPAHI supported sites.
Work closely with DNA PCR laboratory in ensuring timely delivery and process of DBS samples submitted from all facilities of Shinyanga, Simiyu and Geita regions.
Identify and communicate immediately on rejected and wrongly packed samples to Program officer for laboratory for sample recollection.
Liaise with Program officer- laboratory services and Regional Program Coordinator to ensure effective communication with the EID sites for sample recollection and transportation to Zonal Lab.
Work closely with RCH-PMTCT coordinator, POLS, PC-SCM and RPC and ensure adequate communication and collaboration with them to timely address issues/challenges that may arise.
Work closely with Program coordinator pharmaceutical management and supply chain in monitoring availability of DBS kits in all supported sites.
Ensure all DBS results from Shinyanga and Simiyu are entered into DBS data base at
Zonal laboratory.

Ensure that DBS results are timely received at AGPAHI supported sites through different means such as EMS, SMS printers, EID messaging etc.
Work with EID data clerk at Zonal lab and make sure SMS printers are functioning well.
Identify and communicate the DBS positive results to the respective facilities as soon as they are identified.
Organize and coordinate trainings/workshops/orientation related to HEID services at regional and district level in collaboration with CHMTS and RHMT.
Provide monthly report on the DBS samples sent to Zonal laboratory and results back to facilities.

Minimum Qualification

Advance diploma or degree in Medical related field,
Minimum three years in HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs
Knowledge of work-streams related to health systems strengthening, HIV testing diagnostics, treatment, and strengthening sustainable health supply chain systems;
English language fluency, both written and verbal required.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

AGPAHI is an equal opportunities employer and these positions are open to all, but ONLY qualified candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter explaining how the experience detailed in the CV will contribute to the requirements of the position and references to AGPAHI. For those who will send e-copies please send cover letter and CV saved in your names.

Submissions may be sent to:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AGPAHI

P.O. BOX 38252

Plot 373, Mtitu Street, East Upanga

Dar es Salaam,

Tanzania.