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Senior Program Officer-Treatment – Abuja

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 vision of the Institute is to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the position below:

PositionSenior Program Officer-Treatment
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
Reports toTreatment Lead and Head of Department
LocationCentral, Abuja

Opening Date: 3rd October 2024

Closing Date: 16th October 2024

Description and objectives

Under the supervision of the Director of Prevention Care and Treatment Department and the Treatment Lead, he/ she will ensure high-quality HIV and TB services in line with the 95-95-95 UNAIDS goal. She/He will provide technical expertise in implementing high-impact interventions to ensure quality service delivery across all program areas. She/He will coordinate the day-to-day implementation of all ART services in the assigned health facility and guide program implementation according to the National Treatment Guidelines.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Supervise treatment activities while ensuring that evidence-based, high-impact, cost-effective interventions to prevention care and treatment activities across all thematic areas (Pharmacy, Adult ART, NCD, Pediatric and Adolescent HIV and TB-HIV) services, including but not limited to TB and HIV prevention services, case finding, contact tracing, treatment, and integration of TB, HIV and NCD services.
  • Carry out close coordination, collaboration, advocacy, alignment, and integration to improve services.
  • Provide technical guidance to healthcare providers to render effective and efficient quality of care to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) across all the treatment areas.
  • Support staff stationed in facilities (ESM leads) who offer mentorship to healthcare providers to improve and maintain the standard of care through ongoing performance assessment and feedback.
  • Provide technical guidance for effective and efficient TB, HIV and NCD prevention and treatment services.
  • Ensure that routine mentorship is offered to healthcare providers and volunteers to build their capacity to make effective referrals and linkages.
  • Data analysis and interpretation for management decision
  • Participate in the donor progress report writing, continuation application, quarterly review report writing, and presentation.
  • Ensure project reports are developed and submitted on time and are of good quality and that the evidence they contain is accurately captured and submitted monthly.
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders- Government of Nigeria, Global Fund, US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and other Implementing Partners and ensure representation at meetings as appropriate.
  • Any other duties the Head of Department, or Chief Executive Officer assigns.

Required competencies.

  1. Core requirements
    1. Good communication (oral and written) and facilitation skills with proficiency in computer programming – Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation skills, and video conferencing are required.
    1. Proficiency in data analysis and good inter and intrapersonal communication skills.
    1. Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing.
    1. Ability to work under pressure to meet organizational targets/goals.
    1. Ability to evaluate data and prepare quality reports, often under pressure and in complex situations.
    1. Being goal-oriented with the ability to plan and organize, make decisions, manage time, and practice critical thinking.
    1. Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
    1. High impact influencing and persuasive skills, and able to represent the organization to donors and other stakeholders.

Education and experience

  • Academic training:

Must possess a bachelor’s degree in medicine. Master’s level/Postgraduate qualification in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a relevant field is an added advantage.

  • Experience
    • At least four years of experience working with the HIV/TB programs at various levels, planning and managing projects.
    • Experience in building capacity at individual and organizational levels.
    • Excellent personal communication skills in written and verbal English,
    • Fundamental skills in project planning, design, implementation, and monitoring.
    • Ability to work independently and deliver quality work on time.
    • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
    • Ability to deliver under pressure with minimal guidance.
    • Ability to meet deadlines according to lead-down rules.
    • Stakeholder management skills and ability to appropriately represent the organization by engaging with donors and other stakeholders.
    • Good experience using Ms. Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applicable software related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Excellent leadership and self-sufficiency.
  • Communication skills in English.
  • Ability to work well as part of a team.
  • Demonstrate organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent computer skills with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Safeguarding (PSEAH):

As an organization, IHVN takes the issue of Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) seriously, because safeguarding the people we interface with in all our programmatic work is of the utmost importance to us. 

IHVN only recruits’ representatives who are suited and abide by the strict responsibility of SEAH.

By applying to this role, you are agreeing to IHVN carrying out a background check on you for SEAH records and you also confirm that you will not breach the IHVN policy on SEAH (before or after being hired).

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:

  • Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • This advert closes 14 days from the date of this publication, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

University of Abuja Students Pay Courtesy Visit to IHVN

University of Abuja Students Pay Courtesy Visit to IHVN

About 100 Medical Laboratory Science students from the University of Abuja have paid a courtesy visit to the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) Campus to gain firsthand insights into healthcare research. During the visit, the students toured the campus and participated in interactive sessions with laboratory and research experts at the Institute.

Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) Prof. Alash’le Abimiku shared the history of IHVN and urged the students to work hard.

 “We started as a small organization with about ten staff but now, we have a capacity of over 600 staff. That is just to tell you the power of new beginnings. If you have a passion, pursue it. This is a moment of partnership; partnership is important in growth and this visit to the institute will build your resilience to continue to chase your dreams” she added.

IHVN Deputy Director of Laboratory Services, Mrs. Petronilla Ozumba highlighted some of the successes of the Institute in the country including, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, promoting quality diagnosis, enhancing capacity building in Nigeria and beyond, and implementing interventions to strengthen laboratory diagnostics and surveillance. Mrs Ozumba added that IHVN has also supported health facilities for integrated HIV/TB and priority disease diagnosis for patient management, supported the establishment of six Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratories, a National Equipment Calibration Canter, and provides technical assistance to the External Quality Assurance center.

The students toured various laboratories to learn about ongoing research projects, disease surveillance methods, and the technologies used in testing and diagnosis. One of the students, A first-year student, Isah Aisha Sophia said she is inspired by the work done in the Institute  “This experience has shown me how important research and technology are in tackling public health challenges in real-time. I also love the beautiful structure IHVN has here.”

Another student, Yusuf Mulikat Onize said the visit is a great learning experience. “I love the equipment and the work that goes on in the laboratories, I have been inspired to work hard and pass so I can work in a laboratory when I am done with school”

During the interactive session with IHVN staff, the students discussed the institute’s partnerships with international health organizations, the challenges of managing large-scale public health interventions, and the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. The discussion also explored career opportunities for young professionals interested in health research and public health management.

The Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Science at the University of Abuja, Prof Khadijat Toyin was represented by the Deputy Dean of the Faculty, Dr Chinedum Ahaiweh during the visit. She commended IHVN for its contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. “This visit has been educational and eye-opening for our students. The critical work being done here serves as a beacon of hope for future healthcare practitioners,” she remarked.

 The Head of Department of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Charity Ndidi, and some lecturers were also in attendance.

IRCE Engages Community Stakeholders on HIV Vaccine Project

The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has met with community-based organizations to discuss the BRILLIANT HIV Vaccine Consortium project.

The BRILLIANT Project is funded by USAID and seeks to spearhead HIV vaccine development, and conduct pre-clinical studies to determine promising vaccines and finally conduct clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines in humans. The project runs from 2023-2029 in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa.

At the meeting, the community stakeholders in Abuja, the Nigerian Project’s Principal Investigator, and IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku stressed the need for accurate information dissemination about HIV Vaccines.  She said that Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) have a role to play in advocating for HIV prevention strategies such as abstinence and safer sex practices.

The Principal Investigator elaborated that the project has a multi-phasic approach from Phase 1 to Phase 4 starting with low-risk populations as initial participants to test safety and immunogenicity, and progressively and extending to high-risk populations in subsequent phases to assess how well the vaccine protects against infection.

She indicated that the prevalent HIV subtypes in West Africa, which is sub-type G and CRF02 recombinant, will be considered during the development of the vaccine candidates.

The meeting was also to assess the capacity and organizational structure of the community-based organizations for partnership while establishing pathways for the implementation of additional activities emerging from the BRILLIANT consortium.

The Country Lead for the Community Engagement Advocacy and Communications (CEAC) Workstream, Mr. Musa Aminu, guided the community-based organizations through strategic approaches aimed at enhancing community engagement and effective science communication. He explained that strategic approaches to be identified include, mobilization of gatekeepers, and creation of communication materials in local languages, including resources adapted from the broader consortium CEAC.

The six (6) CBOs present included the International Centre for Advocacy on Rights to Health (ICARH), Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in NIGERIA (NEPHWAN), Catholic Action Committee on HIV/AIDS (CACA), AFRIhealth Optonet Association (AHOA), Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), and Jomurota Community Care Initiative (JCCI). Each CBO provided an overview of their history in HIV prevention programs and clinical trials, enabling the BRILLIANT study team to inquire about their experiences, capacities, and the specific populations targeted for the BRILLIANT study.

Senate Committee on Health Expresses Commitment to Preventing Stillbirths

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Distinguished Senator Ipalibo Harry-Banigo has expressed her commitment to using data on stillbirths in Nigeria to advocate for and enforce forward-thinking policies to positively shape the future of maternal and child health care in Nigeria.

Senator Harry-Banigo stated this at an event hosted by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) to launch a still-births dashboard developed and published on the Federal Ministry of Health website by the Improving Nigeria’s Capacity to Use Data of Registered Stillbirths for Decision Making Project (SPEED Project) implemented by the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at IHVN.

She revealed her delight in partnering with IHVN to use registered stillbirth data in Nigeria for decision-making.

“The dashboard is a vital resource for decision makers to strategically respond to still-birth needs and trends with precise interventions. Every baby deserves a chance to life. Every baby has a destiny to fulfill, that is why we are here to support this wonderful initiative,” she said.

Senator Harry-Banigo added that she would utilize her oversight duties to ask the necessary questions for stillbirths to be prevented. “Together we can embark on this journey. It is a multi-sectoral project that will involve communities,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, SPEED Principal Investigator, Ms Oghome Emembo said that the project utilized quantitative data from 2014-2023 on the FMoH DHIS database from Primary Health Centers across the country.

Findings from the data analysis revealed that Nigeria’s stillbirth rate is currently twice the expected target per Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) global target of 12/1000 total births by 2030. It also showed that the majority of reported stillbirth occurrences are in the Northwestern part of Nigeria with high rates in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kano States. Additionally, only Ogun and Osun states have achieved a stillbirth rate below the 12/1000 total births in Nigeria.

Ms Emembo urged states to act immediately to address stillbirths in Nigeria. “Approach the issue with a learning strategy. There has to be consultation, knowledge transfer, and learning from Osun and Ogun states. There are reasons why the rates there are much better,” she said.

Officials from FMOH, the National Primary Health Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization, and Civil Society Organizations gave remarks on action plans in utilizing the analyzed data to prevent stillbirths in health facilities and communities.  

Co-Implementing partners of Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health programs, stakeholders, and the media also attended the launch which held at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.

SPEED Project is funded by Vital Strategies Inc – Bloomberg Philanthropies Data 4 Health Initiative. It is tasked with collaborating with FMOH to translate stillbirths data for policy impact. One of the outputs of the project is to publish a stillbirths dashboard on the FMOH website as a Digital Analytics and Visualization tool to improve visibility and accessibility to stillbirth data for decision-making.

IRCE Engages Youths on Data Science for HIV and COVID-19 Management

The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has partnered with The Young Missionary Movement (YOMM) of Nigeria to launch an initiative to equip young people from the 36 states of Nigeria with vital data science skills to advocate for HIV and COVID-19 prevention and management.

The event was part of community engagement activities under the INFORM Africa project and was themed, “Youth Data Science Champions: Empowering Young Leaders on the Importance of Data Science.” About 500 youths participated in the program which was held at Christ the King College in Gwagwalada. It featured a drama presentation, talks, and discussions.

Young Missionary Movement of Nigeria (YOMM) Lead Dr. Peter Adubi emphasized the event’s focus on empowering youth through data science education. The INFORM Africa Project leveraged on the YOMM annual National Youth Cultural Congress.

The feedback from the young people was overwhelmingly positive. Esene Anita appreciated the event’s storytelling aspect, which demonstrated how data can help control infections and aid government preparedness for future pandemics. Tersoo Ikpah, another participant said that the “Data Science and Visualization” workshop has taught how to effectively communicate data insights and create engaging narratives on health issues like HIV and COVID-19.

IHVN INFORM Research Hub Assistant Mrs. Adeola Ann Nicholas explained that the INFORM Africa Project aims to lay the groundwork for improved pandemic surveillance and response across Africa, particularly by exploring the interactions between COVID-19 and HIV.

Mrs. Nicholas said the project brings together a diverse team of experts in data science, epidemiology, geospatial statistics, and bioinformatics.

 “This team will focus on research projects that investigate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 in Nigeria and South Africa. Key goals include establishing comprehensive data streams, developing geospatial tools for pandemic surveillance, and expanding data science capacity to enhance public health outcomes,” she said.