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 AlDS 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 positions in Lilongwe.

Job Title: HIV Testing Services Officer

Location: Mzuzu

Reporting to: Project Manager

Position Summary

The HIS Officer reports to the Project Manager and is responsible for coordinating HTS activities in the district under the CDC-funded IMPACT Project: Addressing the Unmet Need in HTS through Effective Delivery Models in Malawi under PEPFAR. The project aims to increase utilization of HTS in selected districts in Malawi to support the attainment of the 95-95-95 goals, in alignment with PEPFAR and Malawian Government priorities. This includes increasing access and demand for HTS, improving linkages from HTS to other services, and improving the quality of HIS. Approaches include community based HTS targeted testing, index testing, and HIV self-testing approaches. The HTS Officer will coordinate Community Based HIV testing services including community distribution of HIVST kits, conventional testing, and linkage to care of clients who test HIV positive.

Coordinate quarterly meetings involving HTS providers and stakeholders at the district level. He/She will ensure that HTS is delivered to the target populations through appropriate models and strategies.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, laboratory technology, Public Health, clinical or Nursing.
• Must have successfully completed both the National HIV Testing and Counselling Supervisors and the National HIV Self-Test Distribution courses as evidenced by possessing both certificates.
• At least 5 years of experience in health sector programs, with a focus on community-based HIV Testing service delivery.
• Sound understanding of PEPFAR and Malawian Government HIV priorities, including 95-95-95 goals and demographic targeting, Malawi’s health sector policies, and program frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to work with NGOs/CBOs
• Experience in managing and motivating teams, supervising staff, and addressing performance challenges.
• Competent computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point Outlook Email, etc.)
• Articulate in written and spoken English with effective communication skills, and excellent interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills.
• Experience in supporting the community-based provision of health services.
• Valid motorbike license

Responsibilities

• Provide district-level leadership and technical guidance on HTS strategies including CBHTS and HIvST distribution strategies in accordance with work plans designed to meet targets and deliverables.
• Overall responsibility for managing the implementation of all CBHTS interventions, including community mobilization and community mapping of high-risk populations.
• Regularly update the DHMT and district-based stakeholders on the observations from the field visits and identify corrective actions as required in consultation with MoH staff.
• Develop and coordinate networks of providers and hold quarterly meetings involving HTS providers and stakeholders at district and central levels.
• Always ensure the availability of HIVST kits through tracking of the stock levels amongst the distribution teams.
• Designing a supervisory plan and schedule for supervisory sessions with HDA supervisors.
• Sets individual performance objectives with the HDA Supervisors so that they know what is expected of them.
• Ensuring adequate coverage of HIS service delivery points through proper HTS Provider’s leave planning and timely flagging of coverage gaps with the HTS supervisors.
• Be innovative in identifying gaps in HTS implementation, Collaboration, and Partnership
• Support the development of SOPs, training materials for HTS and deliver training to HTS Providers/supervisors.
• Conducts systematic analyses of data information for feedback, interprets the information, and documents the results.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly progress reports on HTS activities in his/ her district.
• Promotes a spirit of teamwork among the HTS team and enhances a sense of individual responsibility and commitment for the provision of quality HIV Counselling and testing services to all clients.
• Oversees monitoring of logistical supplies systems ensuring an adequate and consistent supply of reagents and supplies.
• Participate in district-level planning and review meetings.
• Manage the relationship between the IMPACT project and district level actors: District Health office, and concerned management teams (DHMT, District Executive Council), partners to lead a coherent and coordinated HTS response in the district.
• Manage staff performance and coordinate closely with the HR team to address performance gaps as well as recognize high performers.
• Perform any other program-related duties as assigned by the supervisor which will facilitate the accomplishment of program objectives.

All staff irrespective of their position are expected to comply with and follow MACRO operational procedures and policies, and codes of conduct.

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: dreamsliteproject@yahoo.com with subject line clearly indicating the position being applied for. Closing date for receiving applications is Monday, 20th May, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.