HIV Diagnostic Assistant 

Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organization (MACRO)

Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organization (MACRO) is a locally registered nongovernmental organization (NGO) established in 1995 to complement Government’s efforts in in the fight against HIV and AIDS and other health related issues.

MACRO’s Vision is “Malawi populace free of ill-Health” and its Mission is “Transform lives of Malawians through provision of high-quality HIV and AIDS, and other health related services”.

With funding from CDC, MACRO is implementing the IMPACT Project whose purpose is: To strengthen effective measures to address unmet needs for HTS among men, AGYW and KP/PP and HIV services for KP in CDC supported districts towards the attainment of 95-95-95 goals.

Therefore, MACRO is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant position in Lilongwe.

Post: HIV Diagnostic Assistant 

Duty Station: Lilongwe

Reports to: HDA Supervisor

Position Summary

The HIV Diagnostic Assistant will provide HIV testing and counselling services at the community level following index client testing and approaches targeting key/at risk populations such as Men, youth, adolescents, young women etc under IMPACT-DREAMS project. She/he works under close guidance and support from the HDA Supervisor and HIV Testing Officers to support the DHMT in implementing quality HIV testing services in the community and linkages between HIV testing services and care and treatment services.

Responsibilities

  • Overall responsibility for conducting client and group education, pre-test and post-test counseling for the individuals or families using standard protocols outlined in the MoH HTS and HIVST guidelines including the 5 Cs.
  • Distribution of HIVST kits using approved distribution channels and protocols.
  • Conducting HIVST distribution and conventional HIV Testing using approved HIV testing and Counselling Algorithms.
  • Assisting clients in performing the HIVST including direct observation to ensure correct interpretation of the test results.
  • Provide individual client and group education, pre-testing counselling, HIV Testing and post-test counselling using standard protocols outlined in the approved MoH HTS guidelines.
  • Provide accurate and timely information to clients about HIV treatment availability, benefits and importance of partner testing.
  • Adopt targeted community HIV Testing strategies to reach HIV high-risk population including index case testing, social networking strategy, HIVST, and moonlight testing.
  • Ensuring effective client referral and linkages to other supportive services including ART treatment and care, STI services, VMMC, PrEP, cervical cancer screening.
  • Comply with IMPACT data collection and reporting guidelines, including submission of daily, weekly and monthly reports.
  • Document best practices in HIV Testing services in collaboration with the HDA Supervisor
  • Follow stock management practices to ensure adequate and consistent availability of HIV test kits, infection prevention supplies and other HTS supplies for community testing services.
  • Work with community-based stakeholders on HIV related service delivery including HTS providers, HSAs, CBOs, CBDAs, Expert clients and VHCs.
  • Perform any other program related duties as assigned by the supervisor, which will facilitate accomplishment of program objectives.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Competencies

  • MSCE certificate is required. Additional related professional qualifications could be an advantage.
  • Successful completion of the nationally recognized HTS Counsellor Training Course; and HIVST Distributors training. Completion of integrated testing services training is an added advantage.
  • Must have a valid Motorcycle riding license.
  • Minimum 1-year experience working in the health sector with a focus on HTS
  • Sound understanding of HIV/HTS services including understanding of the health sector policies and program frameworks pertaining to HIV/HTS;
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills; fluent in relevant local languages
  • Demonstrated experience working with various community and facility structures such as DHOs, VHC, ADCs, and CBOs will be an advantage.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team as well as independently.
  • Working literacy in Word, Excel and Email (Outlook).
  • Ability to work in a complex environment charged with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform
  • Motivated, passionate, and hard working.

All interested applicants for the above positions are requested to submit their application, CV, educational qualifications, names and contact telephone numbers of at least three referees addressed to The Executive Director, MACRO, by email to: macrorecencyproject@gmail.com with subject line clearly indicating the position being applied for. Closing date for receiving applications is Friday, 22nd March, 2024.  Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.