5 Job Opportunities at SHDEPHA+

5 Job Opportunities at SHDEPHA+

ORGANISATION BACKGROUND 

SHDEPHA+ is a National Non-Governmental Organization, registered on 21 November  1994 with registration number SO 8216, and have received a new compliance registration  number 00NGO/R1/00384 under the NGO act 2002. The organization aim to mobilize  resources to help people living with HIV/AIDS and to fight the spread of the Disease.  Although originally focusing on people living with HIV/AIDS, over the years SHDEPHA+  has expanded beyond HIV/AIDS and related issues to other development interventions and now covers both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS with over 10 branches  countrywide. 

SHDEPHA+ Head office is based in Kahama Municipal-Shinyanga Region with operations  office across 9 Regions in Tanzania mainland the organization has been working with  both National and International Donors, Local and Central Government and other  stakeholders toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Organization works with the Key and vulnerable Groups including Women, Children,  Youth, People with special needs; and it gives special attention to the underserved and  Marginalized populations such as People Living with HIV(PLHV). 

SHDEPHA+ VISION: A democratic Community that is free of Poverty, Hunger, and  Diseases and enjoys a good quality of education, standards of living, and social well being. 

SHDEPHA+ MISSION: SHDEPHA+ is committed to reducing income and non-income  poverty, hunger, human suffering, diseases, and the impact and spread of HIV/AIDS by  empowering marginalized and vulnerable people, most at-risk populations, and  communities in general to achieve Community-based and sustainable human  development. 

GOAL: Using SHDEPHA+ core values and mission to work toward the Millennium  Development Goals to improve the lives of marginalized and vulnerable groups, most at risk populations, and communities in general.

VACANCY DETAILS 

BACKGROUND 

SHDEPHA+ is implementing a PEPFAR-funded project funded by the Walter Reed Army  Institute of Research (WRAIR) of the Department of Defense (DoD) through HJFMRI Tanzania, as part of the HIV Prevention Care and Support Program in the Southern  Highlands (SHL). This program focuses on collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MOH),  PO-Regional Authorities and Local Government, and MCDGWSG to provide  comprehensive community-based HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services  across the Southern Highland regions, including Mbeya, Songwe, Ruvuma, Rukwa, and  Katavi. 

The partnership with HJFMRI is aligned with the goal of reaching UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets:  ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals are  on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieve viral suppression. For  FY25, SHDEPHA+ will implement this HIV/AIDS Care and Support Program in Mbeya, with  a focus on three key areas: HIV/AIDS prevention, community-based HIV services (CBHS),  and HIV testing and counselling services (HTS). 

To meet these goals, SHDEPHA+ provides services that address gender-based violence  (GBV), community HIV testing (HTS), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure  prophylaxis (PEP), especially for adolescents and youth aged 15-24. The program also  focuses on key and vulnerable populations (KVP) at higher risk for HIV. In addition to  prevention and testing, SHDEPHA+ engages in tracing clients who have missed  appointments (MISSAPs) and those experiencing interruptions in treatment (IIT) to ensure  continued care and contribute towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets.  

5 Job Opportunities at SHDEPHA+

The organization is committed to delivering comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and support  services in the Mbeya region. With this, SHDEPHA+ is therefore seeking for competent,  experienced, dynamic, and qualified candidates to fill the positions listed below: 

 

1. MONITORING AND EVALUATION OFFICER (1 POSITION) Location: Mbeya 

Reports to: Program Coordinator – HIV Prevention, Care and Support Program

Contract: 1 Year (renewable based on the performance and funds availability) 

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of the M&E Officer is to design, implement, and  manage a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track and assess the progress and impact of the HIV Care and Support Project. The M&E Officer will ensure accurate  data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making, improve program  outcomes, and contribute to the achievement of UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets. This role will involve continuous evaluation of program activities, identification of best practices, and  recommendations for improvement to enhance HIV prevention, care, and treatment  services. Additionally, the M&E Officer will support the project’s accountability to  stakeholders by ensuring compliance with donor requirements and fostering a data driven approach to achieving program goals. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Work with the project team to design and implement Monitoring and Evaluation  (M&E) systems for collecting, managing, and disseminating data, reporting  progress towards program objectives.
• Ensure timely availability of routinely collected data presented in user-friendly  formats for program monitoring.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on all indicators for both donor and  organizational purposes.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments and joint supportive supervision with  Regional and Council Health Management Teams (R/CHMT) to maintain the  highest standards of program data quality.
• Maintain security of data tools, ensuring confidentiality of records and data.
• Evaluate system performance and suggest improvements in software, hardware,  and data storage.
• Track referral forms and verify completed referrals and linkage outcomes through  facility registers and databases.
• Develop and implement procedures for effective data management, formulate  techniques for quality data collection, establish data sharing rules, and support  others in utilizing data systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor both from SHDEPHA+ and  HJFMRI.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in health informatics, Information technology, computer  science, statistics or related field.
• Proficiency in data dissemination, interpretation, and presentation.
• Over 3 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing health  monitoring and evaluation activities, under PEPFAR programs.
• Experience in primary collection of clinical data, form design, data collection  instruments, and analysis.
• Familiarity with MOH/MCDGWSG/PEPFAR data systems including DHIS (HMIS  Tanzania), CTC2 Database, HJF Data Warehouse and DATIM.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Access and Excel, and one or more statistical analysis  packages (SAS, SPSS, STATA).
• Excellent communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.

2. HIV TESTING SERVICES (HTS) COUNSELLOR (3 POSITION) Location: Mbarali /Mbeya 

Report to: Prevention & HTS Focal Person – HIV Prevention, Care and Support Program

Contract: 1 Year (renewable based on the performance and funds availability) 

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of the HIV Testing Services (HTS) Counsellor is to  provide high-quality, client-centered counseling and testing services to individuals at risk  of or affected by HIV. The HTS Counsellor will be responsible for delivering pre-test, post test, and ongoing psychosocial support to ensure informed decision-making, promote  behavior change, and encourage linkage to HIV care and treatment services for those  testing positive. Additionally, the HTS Counsellor will contribute to the achievement of  UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets by ensuring accurate and confidential testing, effective  communication of results, and timely referral to appropriate services, while maintaining  a stigma-free and supportive environment. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered pre-test, post-test, and follow-up counseling to  individuals seeking HIV testing.
• Conduct HIV testing in accordance with national guidelines, ensuring accurate  and timely delivery of test results.
• Offer comprehensive information on HIV prevention, risk reduction, and the  importance of regular testing and care.
• Ensure that individuals testing positive for HIV are linked to appropriate care,  treatment, and support services, including antiretroviral therapy (ART). v. Facilitate referrals to community-based support services, ensuring follow-up for  clients who test positive.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers and case managers to ensure a seamless  transition from testing to treatment and care.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information, ensuring adherence to  ethical standards and privacy regulations.
• Accurately document all testing sessions, counseling services, and client  outcomes in accordance with organizational and national reporting requirements. ix. Report data on HIV testing services to the M&E team for monitoring program  outcomes and improving service delivery
• Provide ongoing emotional and psychosocial support to individuals diagnosed  with HIV, helping them cope with the diagnosis and reduce stigma
• Address issues of mental health, gender-based violence (GBV), and other  challenges that may affect the client’s ability to seek or adhere to treatment. xii. Educate clients on HIV transmission, prevention methods (including Pre-Exposure  Prophylaxis – PrEP), and the importance of early diagnosis.
• Promote safer sexual practices, condom use, and other risk reduction strategies. xiv. Conduct awareness and outreach activities within the community to encourage  testing, particularly for key and vulnerable populations (KVP)
• Ensure adherence to national and international guidelines on HIV testing and  counseling, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.
• Participate in training and capacity-building activities to stay updated on best  practices and emerging trends in HIV testing and counseling.
• Engage with local communities to raise awareness of HIV testing services and  reduce stigma around testing and treatment.
• Work closely with community health workers, peer educators, and outreach teams  to expand the reach of HIV testing services, particularly to underserved  populations.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience  

• Diploma in clinical Medicine, Nursing, or other health-related field.
• Must have a valid practicing license (A certificate for HIV testing is an added advantage).
• At least three (3) years of experience in working in community HIV Programs  and experience in working with Key and vulnerable groups will be an advantage to this position.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects
• Ability to work both individually and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate fluently in both English and Kiswahili.
• Candidates from preferred locations will be an added advantage.

3. LINKAGE AND RETENTION OFFICER (1 POSITION) 

Location: Mbeya 

Report to: Program Coordinator – HIV Prevention, Care and Support Program

Contract: 1 Year (renewable based on the performance and funds availability) 

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of the Linkage and Retention Officer is to facilitate the seamless connection of individuals diagnosed with HIV to care and  treatment services, while ensuring long-term retention in these services. This role  focuses on supporting clients in initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), reducing loss to  follow-up, and improving adherence to treatment. The officer will work closely with  healthcare providers, counselors, and community health workers to monitor and track  clients, provide psychosocial support, and address barriers to retention. The goal is to  contribute to the achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by strengthening linkage  systems and ensuring clients remain engaged in care until viral suppression is  achieved. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure newly diagnosed HIV-positive clients are promptly linked to HIV care and  treatment services, including antiretroviral therapy (ART)
• Coordinate with HIV Testing Services (HTS) counselors and healthcare providers  to facilitate seamless referrals from testing to treatment initiation.
• Assist clients with navigating healthcare systems, ensuring they understand  available services and where to access care
• Monitor clients enrolled in care to ensure ongoing engagement, with a particular  focus on those at risk of loss to follow-up
• Provide ongoing support to individuals to encourage adherence to ART, promoting  consistent treatment and care visits
• Work with community health workers to track and re-engage clients who have  missed appointments or experienced interruptions in treatment (IIT). vii. Tailor linkage and retention strategies to address the specific needs of key and  vulnerable populations (KVP)
• Collaborate with peer educators, community health workers, and other  stakeholders to create supportive environments that reduce stigma and  encourage retention in care among high-risk groups
• Conduct community-based follow-up for clients who have missed appointments  or dropped out of care (MISSAPs)
• Utilize various tracking mechanisms, including CHWs networks, phone calls, and  home visits, to trace clients and re-engage them in care
• Provide counseling and psychosocial support to clients who have interrupted  treatment, addressing any barriers they face in maintaining their HIV care. xii. Provide adherence counseling to clients to ensure they understand the  importance of maintaining ART for viral suppression.
• Help clients address challenges to adherence, such as stigma, side effects,  transportation issues, or social barriers.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to monitor clients’ treatment progress,  ensuring that ART regimens are effective, and any issues are quickly addressed. xv. Accurately record client information and follow-up activities in the project’s  monitoring and evaluation system.
• Track key indicators related to linkage, retention, and adherence, ensuring that  the project meets its performance targets, particularly in relation to the UNAIDS  95-95-95 goals.
• Regularly report on client linkage and retention rates, identifying trends,  successes, and areas for improvement.
• Train and mentor community health workers and peer educators on effective  linkage and retention strategies.
• Foster collaboration between different health service providers (clinics,  hospitals, community-based services) to create an integrated approach to client  retention
• Participate in coordination meetings with health facilities and stakeholders to  review progress and improve service delivery.
• Identify and address social, economic, and cultural barriers that prevent clients  from accessing and staying in care.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience  

• Required Education, Medical trained personnel with a diploma or Bachelor in:  Nursing, clinical medicine, Sociology and other health-related disciplines. 
• 3+ years relevant experience years’ experience in HIV Programs under PEPFAR. 
• Experience with utilization of MS applications and use in data analyses and  implementing protocols for data quality. 
• Ability to interact well with all targeted groups and peer outreach workers by  facilitating a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory, and non-stigmatizing  environment in the program. 
• Advanced skills in Database programming, and analytical software are added advantage. 
• Ability to work independently and Fluent in English.

HOW TO APPLY: 

If you meet the criteria given above and interested in the vacancies, please send an  application letter and CV combined in as one document indicating your  present/recent employer and position, daytime telephone contact, names and  addresses of three referees. 

In addition, it is mandatory to fill in the form provided in the link below:  https://forms.gle/QBJbt9NBrtetx1Pf6 

DEADLINE 

To be considered, your application must be received by 17.00 HOURS on Monday 15th October 2024 the subject line of your job application email should mention the job  position that you are applying as it appears in this advertisement. Failure to do that  your application may not easily be retrieved. 

All correspondences and applications should be emailed to:  [email protected] 

Disclaimers 

1. SHDEPHA+ is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its  selection and employment practices based on Age, Race, Color, Religion,  Sex, National origin, Political affiliation, Marital status, Disability,  Membership in an employee Organization, or other non-merit factors.
2. SHDEPHA+ is committed to the principles of safeguarding in workplace and  will not tolerate any form of abuse, wherever it occurs or whoever is  responsible”
3. Any Applicant attempting to communicating to SHDEPHA+ Management or  Staff through phone calls, SMS, text emails and other means will  automatically be disqualified from this opportunity. All communications  should be channeled to the provided official correspondence email above
4. No application fee will be required to apply for this position. 5. SHDEPHA+ regrets that only short-listed candidates will be contacted

For more information about the organization, please visit https://shdepha.org/