Merlin VCT Supervisor Vacancy Announcement

Position: VCT Supervisor

Line Manager: Medical Coordinator-Nimule

Location: Nimule, South Sudan

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: 1 year (possible extension)

Salary: As per Merlin South Sudan salary scale but dependent on relevant experience. Plus a benefits package including accommodation, food, 3 return flights per annum.

Context

Merlin has been working in Southern Sudan since 1998 and has had a continuous presence in the country since 2004. The goal of Merlin projects in South Sudan is to address the humanitarian health needs through supporting essential primary and referral level health care interventions, increasing capacity of local health structures to deliver effective and quality health care services.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibilities

The VCT Supervisor in collaboration with the Medical Coordinator supervises the planned activities of the HIV project and is in charge of the implementation and follow-up of the VCT services in the target health facilities and communities.

Specific responsibilities

* Ensure the day to day running of the static VCT at Nimule hospital
* Ensure adequate staffing at the VCT and appropriate coverage of duties
* Ensure all the staffs working at the VCT have job descriptions and are appraised regularly
* Daily supervise staff performance at the static and mobile VCT centers
* Ensure appropriate training and certification for all staff providing VCT services
* Conduct weekly general and case conferencing meetings with counseling staff for problem solving; to develop counseling staff ability and teamwork
* Develop and implement quality assurance protocols and checklist to monitor and evaluate the quality of VCT services provided by the site
* Enforce safety precaution measures at the VCT centre
* Maintain supply inventories of test kits, IEC materials and other supplies necessary for VCT site operations
* Ensure that staff members understand referral policy including client confidentiality protocol, and have the necessary support to provide referrals
* Ensure that support groups for the PLWHA are operational and that they have monthly meetings where they support one another, receive BCP and food rations
* Ensure that post test clubs are formed and are operational within the area of operations
* Work closely with the laboratory team to ensure blood safety for transfusion
* Work closely with the midwife in-charge of maternity and ANC services at the Nimule hospital to ensure that all pregnant women receive PMTCT services
* Work closely with the PHC Supervisor to ensure that the STI clinic is operational weekly
* Work closely with the Clinical Officer in-charge of the ART centre to ensure that all the clients testing positive at the VCT are staged and those qualifying receive ARVs and drugs for OIs
* In collaboration with the Health Promotion Officer, ensure that the mobile VCT is operational in the key areas where there is need
* Work closely with the Health Promotion Officer to ensure community mobilization, IEC, BCC and adequate condom distribution
* In collaboration with the Medical Coordinator ensure that all the clients testing positive at the VCT are screened for TB and all the TB patients are referred for VCT
* Ensure appropriate data collection using standard tools provided by the CDC and/or MOH
* Monitor VCT site activities; review data, conduct needs assessments at intervals, and evaluate services
* In collaboration with the Medical Coordinator compile timely monthly and quarterly reports
* Coordinate with other agencies providing HIV services through monthly meetings

C. Qualifications / Profile of candidates

Essential

* The VCT Supervisor will be a qualified nurse with more than five years working experience
* S/he should have had formal training in VCT
* Formal training in VCT supervision
* Formal training in PMTCT
* Previous experience in VCT supervision
* Previous experience in provision of PMTCT services
* Should have ability and demonstrated experience in training, mentoring and coaching other health workers. Those who have had training as trainers of trainers will have an added advantage
* Candidates with interest in public reproductive health activities working with communities especially those outside the health sector will be preferred
* Candidates should have good organization skills, capable of working in a team and able to supervise other staff
* Should be able to use computer, write reports and able to train people within the community
* Fluency in English
* Reasonably computer literate
* Priority will be given to qualified Southern Sudanese applicants
* Experience working in Southern Sudan
* Experience working with humanitarian agencies
* Willingness to work in an insecure environment under security guidelines

Applications should be e-mailed to hr.officer@merlin-southsudan.org or hand delivered at Merlin SS Country office located at Block 3K South Plot No.461, Tomping, Juba - Southern Sudan. Closing date for receipt of application will be 30th September 2010.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position Merlin will short list continually and may interview and offer the position prior to the closing date.

Merlin South Sudan is an equal opportunities employer, and will not discriminate on the basis of tribe, gender, race, creed, religion, pregnancy and colour.