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Yearly Archives: 2024

Senior Program Officer, Health Product Management (GF-PCU)

Scope of Work

PositionSENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, HEALTH PRODUCT MANAGEMENT (GF-PCU)
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)

Reports To: Assistant Director-HPM

Operational Contacts: HIV lead, TB lead,Program Management Team, Project Director.

Project Overview

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), through funding from The Global Fund (GF), will be implementing the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant, a combined TB &HIV effort pivotal to transforming TB & HIV programs. Under the leadership and coordination of the National AIDS and STDs Control Program (NASCP), the National TB and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), this Project will increase the identification of all forms of TB cases in the community and ensure prompt access to high-quality, patient-centred prevention and treatment through a Nationwide coverage of TB Public-Private Mix active TB case finding effort, and Community TB testing. The HIV component of the grant will focus on four states (Ebonyi, Anambra, Kwara, and Gombe) for end-to-end HIV comprehensive services, community PMTCT scale-up in all states, PrEP in the four GF-supported states and in other states where PEPFAR IPs will be operating, and support harm reduction program (specifically needles and syringes) in 12 states. Other focus areas include Health Systems Strengthening/Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and National level support activities.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the AD-HPM, the Senior program officer-HPM will provide technical, strategic advice and programmatic direction for the capacity building of government agencies in developing and implementing the grant’s logistics and supply chain aspects.

Description and objectives:

Under the supervision of the AD-HPM, the Senior program officer will work with the AD in the implementation of all pharmacy and supply chain activities under the grant. S/He will ensure

Internal capacity among the various departments, implementing agencies (IAs) and all government tiers in all procurement and supply management aspects, including health products management. S/he will provide technical support and leadership to Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen the supply chain process to reduce stock-outs, lower costs, and eliminate wastage and expiries.

Position Overview

Job Title: Senior program officer-HPM

Employment Type: Full Time
Locations: Central Office/HQ-Abuja (Two positions)

Advert Opening Date: April 3rd 2024

Advert Closing Date: April 17th 2024

Responsibilities:

  • Analyse stock reports of all health products, RUTF, mama kits and provide feedback for management decisions.
  • Identify supply chain capacity gaps in managing health products RUTF, mama kits etc) at the SR level and design and implement action plans to address them.
  • Participate in biannual National stock taking of health products, RUTFs and others.
  • Monitor 4PL performance contracts, including delivery, receipt, warranty, damages, and insurance (develop and maintain trackers) and provides reports that will inform payment of the 4PL.
  • Coordinates sample movement in 4 states; ensuring timely pickups and drop-offs of samples to designated laboratories in collaboration with the lab SPO.
  • Design and maintain a tracker for sample movements and provide weekly updates to the laboratory and HPM teams.
  • Generate and maintain a tracker for the HPM work plan and ensure implementation aligns with the plan.
  • Track facilities consumption data to ensure an adequate stock level of products; health products RUTFs, mama kits.
  • Participate in the vendor selection process for local procurements of health products.
  • Represents IHVN at relevant stakeholder engagement through meetings and conferences.
  • Prepares weekly and monthly project updates, reports, and monthly activity plans.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required competencies:

Core requirements:

  • Demonstrated coaching and mentoring ability.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people of different backgrounds.
  • Good communication (oral and written) and facilitation skills.
  • Proficiency in the use of MS Office – (Word, Spreadsheet, and PowerPoint), HPMT, other applicable software, and video conferencing are required.
  • Ability to evaluate and interpret data and prepare quality program reports.
  • Considerable knowledge of general health and development programs in developing countries and Nigeria.
  • Sound understanding of inventory control systems.
  • Experience must include managing health commodity logistics information systems, including forecasting/quantification.
  • Experience coordinating logistics of health products or samples shipment from one location to another will be an added advantage.
  • Be familiar with developing PSM indicators and issues surrounding monitoring and evaluation of the PSM.
  • Familiarity with technical and health management approaches relevant to the work of the National AIDS & STI Control, National TB Control Programs, National Malaria Control Program and RH, especially at the state, LGA and community levels.
  • Knowledge of the fundamental principles and approaches to Health systems strengthening.
  • Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding HIV programs.
  • Ability to evaluate the relevance of data or information and work with staff to resolve differences in interpretation of information.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time, with minimal supervision and under pressure of tight deadlines.
  • Sound knowledge and experience regarding M&E, statistics and quality assurance/quality improvement and their specificities for developing countries.
  • Ability to represent the project to donors, government officials and the NGO community.
  • Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
  • Well-developed computer skills.

Education and Experience:

Academic training:

  • A degree in B.Pharm /Pharm D, MSc, or similar degree with more than five years post National Youth Service experience with at least three years progressive experience in managing a PSM cycle, including rational health commodities selection, forecasting/quantification, quality assurance spanning the PSM cycle, warehousing/storage, distribution, and LMIS.
  • S/He must have at least five years’ experience in supply chain management of TB, HIV/AIDS medicines, and commodities.
  • Familiarity with the Nigerian public sector health system, NGOs, and CBOs is highly desirable.
  • A Postgraduate qualification/Masters level training in Public Health will be an advantage.
  • Registered with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria and have evidence of current practicing license.
  • Must be familiar with the NHLMIS platform and monitoring and interpreting supply chain indicators.
  • Knowledgeable on Pharmacovigilance and the available reporting channels.
  • Experience in the provision of LMIS and Pharmaceutical care training.
  • Must have at least five years’ experience with program planning, assessment, and implementation of HIV programs.
  • Previous experience in HIV-related operational research is an advantage.
  • Good knowledge of current trends and normative guidance (national and international) in HIV clinical care and service delivery.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws. IHVN also has zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment.

Mode of Application:

Please submit your application letter and detailed curriculum vitae as one Microsoft Word document to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, through this email address: [email protected].

IHVN Set to Commemorate World TB Day 2024

Every year, the world commemorates World Tuberculosis Day on March 24th to raise awareness about tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. The global theme for this year’s activities is “Yes We Can End TB” with the national theme being, “Yes We Can End TB…No Gree for TB.”

Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) will be joining the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP) and other organizations for community outreaches, a road walk, press briefings, amongst other activities.

IHVN Director of Programs, Special Projects, Dr. Aderonke Agbaje, states that “219 out of every 100,000 Nigerians have tuberculosis and each person with tuberculosis could infect 12-14 close contacts in a year.”

Dr. Agbaje called on Nigerians to take advantage of the free tuberculosis services available at health facilities and through community outreaches.

“Nigerians should pay attention to the information being provided about their health. Walk to the nearest health facility, State Ministry of Health, or local government health service provider to seek information and to be properly directed to where they can get tuberculosis services,” she said.

To address tuberculosis in Nigeria, IHVN implements the USAID/Nigeria Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TB-LON 3), a five-year project to scale up tuberculosis services and find missing TB cases. It started in April 2020 and is engaging stakeholders to strengthen a resilient system for sustainable TB control in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states.

IHVN is also funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria as a Principal Recipient to implement the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant. The grant is a combined effort for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV and is focused on ensuring early diagnosis of TB and HIV while providing comprehensive care for affected individuals. The grant, which runs from January 2024 to December 2026, will increase the provision of tuberculosis services in the community and through public-private partnerships. Other grant objectives include expanding HIV testing for all pregnant women in communities and strengthening laboratories and supply chain management.

Program Officer – Kano TBRL

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

The GF-TB Project seeks to improve access to diagnostic and treatment services by implementing intensified case-finding activities, undertaking diagnostic network optimization activities leveraging existing diagnostic services, optimal use of GeneXpert and other TB molecular diagnostic platforms for case detection, and private sector engagement.

IHVN is seeking a qualified candidate for the following position:

PositionProgram Officer-Kano TBRL
Reports ToHOD Lab.  GC7 TB/HIV Unit Heads
Operational ContactsRegional/State Manager Kano, GF Coordinator, and GF Project Director.
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
GrantGF-GC7
Employment TypeFull
LocationTBRL Kano
Number of PositionsOne

Opening Date: March 14, 2024

Closing Date:  March 28, 2024

Position Overview

The Program Officer Kano TBRL has the requisite tuberculosis technical expertise and is skilled in TB diagnostics. She/He will be required to coordinate and provide technical guidance to the TB Reference Laboratories. She/He will liaise with the relevant National and State TB program stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Perform the following TB diagnostic tests: GeneXpert, Truenat, TB-LAMP, LF-LAM, Genotypic tests (Molecular Line Probe Assay for 1st and 2nd line assays) and phenotypic tests (TB Culture, Drug Susceptibility Testing)
  • Coordinate the TB Logistic Management System in the Reference Laboratory
  • Provide Technical Assistance to staff at the TB Reference Laboratory
  • Adhere to the Quality Management System to enhance laboratory quality systems, encompassing the creation of a quality manual, safety manual, audits, testing, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and partner with the National Tuberculosis Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) Laboratory Team to develop national documents.
  • Support TB reference laboratories to attain international laboratory standards towards accreditation using the Global Laboratory Initiative’s (GLI) stepwise process towards accreditation with other tools and checklists for implementing quality management systems.
  • Conduct capacity building on mycobacteriology.
  • Collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to ensure prompt sample movement from facility and community levels to the testing laboratories, and results retrieval.
  • Collate and review facility reports (site visits, monthly/quarterly narrative, data, mentoring and supervision, etc.)
  • Flag and report TB laboratory challenges and follow up on the execution of prompt interventions.
  • Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of laboratory activities of IHVN.
  • Ensure timely submission of laboratory deliverables and reports.
  • Collate/review the GeneXpert QRRIF report/ensure distribution of cartridges.
  • Summarize mentoring and supervision reports; collate finalized TB Reference laboratory’s deliverables.
  • Keep an inventory of, and manage TB laboratory supplies, providing support to the Headquarters Supply Chain Management team to create a list of supplies for procurement.

Required Competencies

  1. Core requirements:
    1. Ability to supervise and mentor others.
    1. Strong interpersonal skills.
    1. Fluent in verbal and written English.
    1. Ability to communicate well.
    1. Basic computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint proficiency.
    1. Ability to work independently and consistently to produce timely and high-quality work.
    1. A team player.
    1. Proficient in high impact influencing and persuasive techniques, able to represent the organization to donors and other stakeholders.
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of guidelines and policies related to TB molecular diagnostic laboratories.
  • Education and Experience:
  • Academic training: Should possess B.MLS or its equivalent with a current practicing license from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria
  • A Master’s degree in Public Health or its equivalent is an added advantage.
  • Experience: At least three years of experience working with TB diagnostic laboratory

Equal employment opportunity statement:

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Mode of Application:

Please submit your application letter and detailed curriculum vitae as one single Microsoft Word document to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, through this email address: [email protected].

Program Officer-Amachara Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (TBRL)

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

The GF-TB Project seeks to improve access to diagnostic and treatment services by implementing intensified case-finding activities, undertaking diagnostic network optimization activities leveraging existing diagnostic services, optimal use of GeneXpert and other TB molecular diagnostic platforms for case detection, and private sector engagement.

IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:

PositionProgram Officer-Amachara Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (TBRL)
Reports ToHOD Lab.  GC7 TB/HIV Unit Heads
Operational ContactsRegional Manager Delta, GF Coordinator, and GF Project Director.
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
GrantGF-GC7
Employment TypeFull
LocationTBRL Amachara, Abia State
Number of PositionsOne

Opening Date: March 14, 2024

Closing Date: March 28, 2024

Position Overview

The Program Officer Amachara TBRL has the requisite tuberculosis technical expertise and is skilled in TB diagnostics. She/He will be required to coordinate and provide technical guidance to the TB Reference Laboratories. She/He will liaise with the relevant National and State TB program stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Perform the following TB diagnostic tests: GeneXpert, Truenat, TB-LAMP, LF-LAM, Genotypic tests (Molecular Line Probe Assay for 1st and 2nd line assays) and phenotypic tests (TB Culture, Drug Susceptibility Testing).
  • Coordinate the TB Logistic Management System in the reference laboratory.
  • Provide technical assistance to the other staff at the TB reference laboratory.
  • Adhere to the Quality Management System to enhance laboratory quality systems, encompassing the creation of a quality manual, safety manual, audits, testing, and the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and partner with the NTBLCP Laboratory Team to develop national documents.
  • Support TB reference laboratories to attain international laboratory standards towards accreditation using the Global Laboratory Initiative’s (GLI) stepwise process towards accreditation with other tools and checklists for implementing quality management systems.
  • Conduct capacity building on mycobacteriology.
  • Collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to ensure prompt sample movement from facility and community levels to the testing laboratories and results retrieval.
  • Collate and review facility reports (site visits, monthly/quarterly narrative, data, mentoring and supervision, etc.)
  • Flag and report TB laboratory challenges and follow up the execution of prompt interventions.
  • Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of laboratory activities of IHVN.
  • Ensure timely submission of laboratory deliverables and reports.
  • Collate/review the GeneXpert QRRIF report/ensure distribution of cartridges.
  • Summarize mentoring and supervision reports; collate finalized TB Reference laboratory’s deliverables.
  • Keep an inventory of and manage TB laboratory supplies, providing support to the headquarters Supply Chain Management team to create a list of supplies for procurement.

Required competencies

  1. Core requirements:
    1. Ability to supervise and mentor others
    1. Strong interpersonal skills
    1. Fluent in verbal and written English
    1. Ability to communicate well
    1. Basic computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
    1. Ability to work independently and consistently to produce timely and high-quality work
    1. A team player
    1. Proficient in high-impact influencing and persuasive techniques, able to represent the organization to donors and other stakeholders.
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of guidelines and policies related to TB molecular diagnostic laboratories.
  • Education and Experience:
  • Academic training: Should possess B.MLS or its equivalent with a current practicing license from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.
  • A Master’s degree in Public Health or its equivalent is an added advantage.
  • Experience: At least three years of experience working with TB diagnostic laboratory

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Mode of Application:

Please submit your application letter and detailed curriculum vitae as one single Microsoft Word document to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, through this email address: [email protected].

EQUAL Research Reveals Factors Impacting Maternal Health in Yobe State

Findings from the Ensuring Quality Access and Learning for Mothers and Newborns in Conflict-Affected Contexts (EQUAL) project being implemented by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) have shown that gender, cultural, and religious beliefs affect care seeking for mothers and their babies.

EQUAL Principal Investigator in Nigeria, Dr. Emilia Iwu stated this at an event in Abuja organized by the project to disseminate research findings from key informant interviews and literature reviews.

“EQUAL project is funded by the UK International Development from the UK Government. The research is working to generate evidence on effective approaches for delivering life-saving maternal and newborn health (MNH) in countries affected by conflict. The duration of the project being conducted in Yobe State is from July 2021 to April 2026,” she said.

She added that findings have revealed that women encounter violence, sexual abuse, and limited healthcare access resulting in preventable maternal deaths and psychological stress.

“While MNH services are generally accepted, cultural norms such as women requiring spousal permission to access medical care and the religious beliefs that home births are divinely sanctioned hinder the timely seeking of maternal and newborn health services,” Dr. Iwu said.   

She noted that despite existing maternal newborn health policies and initiatives in Yobe State, persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, equipment and health workers hinder effective implementation of the policies.

Dr. Iwu urged the government and partners to increase funding dedicated to free medical care to address inadequate financing and capped number of beneficiaries.

“Boko Haram insurgency in Yobe State has disrupted MNH services. There has been destruction of health care facilities, theft of medical equipment, displacement of staff, heightened risks of abduction and murder of health care workers.”

The Principal Investigator said that addressing determinants of care seeking through investments in the health system, creation of awareness, social behavior change and improved quality and coverage of care will improve access to health services by women and children.

Assistant Director of Education at the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Mr. Tinbuak Yanai, who was also at the dissemination event, said that “Proper training and scaling up of training of health care workers will improve the health of mothers and newborn babies in Yobe state.”

Stakeholders from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), USAID, Integrated Health Program (IHP) and others participated in the dissemination event.

The EQUAL consortium consists of partners such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), the John Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, the Somali Research and Development Institute (SORDI), and the Catholic University of Bukavu (UCB).