FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

EpiC Botswana Project Description:

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is a five-year global project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). EpiC is dedicated to achieving and maintaining HIV epidemic control and the project provides strategic technical assistance (TA) and direct service delivery (DSD) to break through barriers to 95-95-95 and promote self-reliant management of national HIV programs by improving HIV case-finding, prevention, and treatment programming. FHI 360 through EpiC is building on the successes of previous programming to expand HIV case finding in the community (including through self-testing), optimize treatment initiation (same-day or fast track initiation), and support treatment continuity including through multi-month dispensing and implementing decentralized drug distribution models. For HIV prevention, EpiC will increase the uptake of PrEP and provide HIV care to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Additionally, EpiC support the rollout and launch of the National Guidelines for Implementation of Integrated Community-Based Health Services through close coordination with USAID/Botswana and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The program targets services to key (men who have sex with men, people in prison, female sex workers, transgender people, and people who inject drugs) and priority populations (including adolescent girls and young women and at-risk men) in ten districts in Botswana: Greater Gaborone, Francistown, Ngamiland, Chobe, Selibe-Phikwe, Palapye/Serowe, Boteti, Kweneng East, South East and Ghanzi.

We are currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Technical Officer-Care & Treatment for the EpiC project in Gaborone, Botswana.

Suitably qualified candidates openly living with HIV and/or who are representative of key populations affected by HIV are also actively encouraged to apply.

Job Summary:

The Technical Officer (TO) will work closely with the EpiC technical team to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of Care and treatment and support activities in the EpiC Botswana workplan. This includes, but not limited to: provide technical guidance and mentorship to the sub-partners to ensure technical fidelity of these interventions, ensures that targets set by funders on Care and Treatment are met and reported in line with donor demands and, enhance capacity of implementing partner organizations to provide standard HIV comprehensive services and TB care and treatment activities, along with other EpiC HIV prevention, care and treatment activities in the region.

Accountabilities:

  • Provides TA and capacity building including support to local partners funded by EpiC implementing HIV Care and treatment and Support activities in Botswana for key and vulnerable populations.
  • Strengthens referrals between community clinical partners and public health facilities for Care and Treatment services.
  • Provides technical assistance and mentorship to sub partners on GBV clinical services
  • Provides TA to sub partners on promotion and delivery of PrEP services in collaboration with the prevention and GBV/DREAMS Technical Officer.
  • Strengthens treatment continuity and minimize treatment interruptions among PLHIV at community clinics and TA facilities.
  • Scale up differentiated service delivery models, such as decentralized distribution of drug (DDD), multiple months dispensing (MMD)
  • Scale up community VL testing, monitoring and reporting for all EpiC sub partners, liaising with public and private laboratories
  • Integrate and scale up TB /HIV activities including TB preventative therapy among PLHIV and children exposed to TB.
  • Strengthen HPV infection screening, Cervical cancer prevention and early detection among adult key populations
  • Provides timely and regular supervision of Drop-in centres and community clinics to ensure implementation is done with fidelity according to the workplan and EpiC strategies.
  • Works with the Strategic Information team and Senior Technical Advisor to monitor the progress and to track programmatic performance and to implement corrective actions where interventions and strategies do not deliver the anticipated outcomes;
  • Strengthen EpiC’s relationships with local stakeholders and District Health Management Teams to enhance collaboration for service delivery and to ensure that EpiC activities are well-coordinated and feed into national and regional programs, plans and achievements ;.
  • Strengthening coordination and referral mechanisms with other PEPFAR implementing partners at district level, to ensure that beneficiaries reached have access to DREAMS and OVC programs;
  • Work closely with EpiC subpartners to ensure technical deliverable deadlines are met and deliverables are of high standards;
  • Works closely with the EpiC Program team to translate program priorities for local partner implementation;
  • Serve as an advocate and communicator for the EpiC Botswana program, amplify USAID/Botswana’s work with key stakeholders including the MoHW, and share program results and outcomes to advance the objectives of the program, and HIV programming, in Botswana;
  • Under the guidance of the Senior Technical Advisor, work with CBOs, CSOs, other KP partners, local health centers and the MOH to increase the uptake of HIV and other health and wellness related services both at a community and clinic level, and in line with National HIV Strategic Plan;
  • Participate in technical working groups on key populations, treatment and PrEP guidelines at the national level
  • Work closely with the Senior Technical Advisor (community) to cascade Community Health worker Guidelines to districts and local partners and advocate with district health management teams to integrate guidelines into programming;
  • Develop and/or contribute to technical briefs, reports, guidelines and publications to showcase EpiC work in local and international forums. ;
  • Identify training opportunities for EpiC CSO and clinical staff within the districts and provide capacity building to implementing partners
  • Responsible for quality management and quality improvement plans for the partners, ensuring that partners adhere to minimum clinical standards

    Applied Knowledge & Skills:

    • Knowledge of health and development programs in Botswana including familiarity with the national HIV guidelines, standards and protocols. Familiarity with Botswana public health sector at multiple levels (community and facility); experience working with GoB stakeholders.
    • Familiarity and experience with USAID/PEPFAR-funded programs.
    • Demonstrated ability through previous experience to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders.
    • Experience in technical capacity building of Botswana non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), especially those working with key populations and priority populations.
    • Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
    • Excellent communication, writing, and oral presentation skills in Setswana and English.
    • Moderate knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures by providing technical support for research studies.
    • Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
    • Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required.
    • Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
    • Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
    • Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent Setswana and English.
    • Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
    • Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.
    • Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.
    • Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.

      Competencies:

      There are 31 FHI 360 development competencies, of greatest focus for this particular job will be:

      • Project Management (Planning and Time Management) - Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks (sets objectives/goals/measures). Breaks down work into steps, schedules, task/people assignments. Marshals people, time, and resource efficiently. Arranges information in a useful manner and orchestrates multiple activities at once.
      • People Management (Making Others Great) – Facilitate professional development of staff by providing challenging, learning assignments and opportunities. Shares and solicits feedback monthly at the very least. Helps establish compelling development plans. Assigns responsibility and accountability for tasks/decisions. Monitors process, progress, and results. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.
      • Creating and Managing Systems and Processes – Recognizes the need for standardization and balances client and organization need in systems design. Anticipates the effects of process change on people while optimizing task efficiency and simplicity.
      • Employees are expected to possess or have high potential for development of these three fundamental competencies.

        Problem Solving & Impact:

        • Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.
        • Exercises good judgment with selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
        • Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a department.
        • Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff
        • Networks with key internal and external personnel.
        • Decision may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.

          Supervision Given/Received:

          • Has no supervisory responsibility.
          • Receives methods and procedures on new projects and assignments.
          • May provide guidance to other lower-level staff.
          • Reports to an Technical Advisor or Associate Director or Director.

            Education: **

            • Diploma or its International Equivalent in Nursing, Social Sciences or Related Field.

              Experience: **

              • Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience in the provision of ART services (Prescribing and dispensing). Previous experience working with key populations and priority populations is an added advantage.
              • Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private company.

                Typical Physical Demands:

                • Typical office environment.
                • Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
                • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
                • Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

                  Technology to be Used:

                  • Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

                    Travel Requirements:

                    • 10% - 25%

                      Date Revised: 09/13/2021

                      This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

                      FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

                      FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

                      FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

                      Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.

This vacancy is archived.

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