HIV Diagnostic Assistants (11)

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”.

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

Role: HIV Diagnostic Assistants (11)

Position Overview 

The HIV Testing Diagnostics Assistant will play a vital role in advancing HIV epidemic control and contributing to the achievement of UNAIDS 95:95:95 targets by delivering high-quality and ethical HIV testing and counselling services in both health facilities and community settings. The HDA will focus on identifying individuals living with HIV through targeted testing approaches, ensuring timely linkage to care, and supporting the re-engagement of clients who have disengaged from treatment. Additionally, this role will emphasize maintaining high standards in testing procedures Participating in CQI Projects, managing resources such as tablets and pushbikes for facilities using bikes, and ensuring effective stock management of HIV testing supplies.

Qualifications

  • MSCE and Certified HIV Testing Services providers (HTC Counsellors)
  • At least 1-2 years of experience in HIV testing services or a related field.
  • Proficiency in using tablets and electronic health record systems for data entry and reporting.
  • Knowledge of HIV testing algorithms, protocols, and testing strategies such as Index Case Testing and PITC.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.

Knowledge and Skills  

  • Strong interpersonal and counselling skills.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to ride and maintain pushbikes for client tracing and facility visits.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Fluency in local languages and English is an advantage.

Responsibilities 

  • Case Management and Linkage to Care
  • Ensure prompt linkage of all HIV-positive individuals to care and treatment services.
  • Track HIV-positive clients, collaborating with health facility staff to ensure follow-up and retention in care
  • Work closely with facility-based case managers to support the reengagement of clients who have disengaged from care.

Resource and Stock Management

  • Manage office resources, including tablets and HIV testing kits, ensuring their proper use, security, and availability.
  • Use tablets for accurate and timely data collection, documentation, and reporting of HIV testing activities.
  • Maintain and properly use pushbikes for ICT, SNS PACE Testing for Facilities using Push Bikes
  • Monitor stock levels of HIV testing commodities, ensuring efficient use, preventing stock-outs, and maintaining proper records of resource use.

Quality Assurance

  • Implement quality assurance measures to ensure that all HIV testing, counselling, and linkage services adhere to national protocols and the highest standards.
  • Ensure that testing procedures follow national HIV testing algorithms to maintain accuracy and reliability.
  • Participate in data quality assessments to ensure accurate reporting and contribute to continuous improvement of services.
  • Participate in Quality Controls and Proficiency testing in line with the Malawi HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B testing

Reporting and Data Quality

  • Collect, document, and report all HIV testing and linkage data according to established protocols, ensuring data integrity.
  • Regularly update client records which includes scan form registers.
  • Participate in reporting and feedback sessions to improve service delivery and ensure high-quality HIV testing services.
  • Participate in scan form data cleaning

Community Engagement

  • Collaborate with Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), treatment Supporters (TS), and other key stakeholders to strengthen community-based HIV testing and referral systems.
  • Support community outreach initiatives (under-five testing) and engage with HSAs to increase awareness and demand for HIV testing services.

All interested applicants for the above position are requested to submit their application, CV, educational qualifications, names and contact telephone numbers of at least three traceable referees to The Executive Director, Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organization through email to: dreamsliteproject@yahoo.com  

The closing date for receiving applications is Monday, 2nd December, 2024.  Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.