Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) is local registered NGO that has been operating in Malawi since 1997. As our mission, YONECO is committed to empowering youth, women and children, promoting good health, human rights and democratic culture, adapting and mitigating the impact of climate change and conducting research for evidence-based programming and advocacy. YONECO envisions a self – reliant, healthy, empowered, resilient, responsible, and inclusive society that respects democratic values and principles.

 

YONECO is inviting suitably qualified and experienced persons to apply for various positions for the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded project entitled Addressing Unmet Need in HIV Testing Services (HTS) for Men and Key Populations for HIV/AIDS Services Through Effective Delivery Models in Malawi under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project supports interventions promoting and delivering HIV prevention, testing, and care and treatment services for men and members of key populations (KPs) in Mzimba, Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mwanza, Chiradzulu, and Chikwawa districts.

YONECO intends to recruit suitable and a qualified staff for the vacant positions below:

1. CBHTS Adviser

Job Title         :           Community Based HTS (CBHTS) Adviser

Reports to      :           Chief of Party

Supervisees     :           HTS Officer, HDAs

Location         :           Zomba

 

Job Summary

The Community Based HTS (CBHTS) Adviser will be responsible for the technical design, implementation and follow up of activities aiming to reduce the number of new HIV infections and other sexually transmitted diseases among members of the target communities. S/he will provide clinical guidance and direct technical assistance to health facilities and community services supported by the project on the HIV testing services. The Adviser will provide technical and program oversight in the areas of HIV testing and linkage to HIV Prevention, Treatment Care and support, working in close collaboration with the Key Population Advisor and other project staff, key stakeholders, and also liaising with MOH HTS technical program personnel.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership in developing and adapting strategies and interventions to improve the quality and responsiveness of HIV testing and linkage services among men and Key population program
• Lead the design, development and implementation and monitoring of performance and quality improvement initiatives, including Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) interventions.
• Lead the implementation of quality assessments, quality improvement and the integration of waste management planning and reviews for facility and community sites.
• Ensure all district level QA activities are up to date and in accordance with MOH standards.
• In consultation with the project leadership develop and adapt strategies and interventions to ensure the quality and responsiveness of HTS and linkage services in the community and facilities for the district.
• Ensure that all HTS sites are implementing services in line with national and international quality standards.
• Ensure all program and quality improvement strategies are based on sound technical content, and are sustainable and place special emphasis on use of performance and quality improvement approaches in all sites and other service delivery modalities;
• Support and provide mentorship and supervision to the HDA Supervisors and HDAs to ensure implementation of quality HTS and linkage, and best practices;
• Participate in trainings needed to familiarize in PEPFAR and MOH QA standards and priorities; and provide training support for other site-level providers and MOH staff.
• Participate in SIMS assessment visits and follow up remediation as required.
• Ensure community HDAs have required HTS supplies and Standard Operating procedures to implement HTS as per National standards.
• Conduct baseline assessments of all project HTS sites in collaboration with district staff, and site-designated CQI focal persons, and develop quality improvement plans in conjunction with district staff and support implementation of quality improvement activities;
• Work closely with the Reference Lab and MOH to ensure Quality Control (QC) is performed on test kits and all HDAs perform Proficiency testing (PT);
• Attend HTS Technical Working Group meetings, and represent the organization on different fora where HTS activities are taking place;
• Provide technical guidance to partners and implementers in QA initiatives for HTS;
• Participate in developing annual work planning, implementation plans and donor reports and technical reports;
• Report any deficiencies, shortfalls, challenges in delivering on project targets and propose and implement strategic refinements to mitigate gaps;
• Conduct regular data reviews to inform HTS program: modify implementation approaches, and scale up and replicate modalities that are working effectively;
• Collaborate with the MOH District and National level supply chain management team to ensure availability of HIV rapid test kits and its related supplies.
• Work closely with the district team to ensure effective utilization of the budget and coordinate with the district team leader to ensure prompt reporting on expenditure, and resource gaps;
• Ensure compliance with financial, HR and administrative procedures, and ensure efficient use of resources;
• Manage staff performance and coordinate closely with the HR team to address performance gaps as well as recognizing high performers.
• Ensure sharing of information and knowledge with other stakeholders at all levels and contribute to systems that support knowledge management.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Competencies

• MSc in medical laboratory and / or bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, Nursing or Public Health) with more than 7 years of experience in HIV/AIDS service delivery and programming, and demonstrated current knowledge and experience of HTS in Malawi.
• Technically proficient with up-to-date skills in providing Testing professional training, mentoring and coaching.
• Ministry of Health Certified National HTS Trainer with experience in HIVST service provision.
• Strong understanding of PEPFAR and Malawian Government HIV priorities, including 95-95-95 goals and familiarity with MOH HIV and AIDS guidelines, policies and strategic priorities.
• Experience in managing and motivating teams, supervising staff, and addressing performance challenges.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office (MS word, Excel, Power Point)
• Articulate in written and spoken English with effective communication skills, and excellent interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills;
• Ability to work in a complex environment charged with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform;
• Sensitive to issues working with marginalized groups within the Malawi context;
• Motivated, passionate, and hardworking.

2. Key Population Adviser

Job Title         :           Key Population Adviser

Reports to      :           Chief of Party

Location         :           Zomba

 

Job Summary

Provide technical oversight, strategic direction and ensure appropriate support for the implementation of program activities in HIV prevention for key and vulnerable populations, including integration of TB/HIV services for co-infected patients and lead the design of structural interventions to prevent HIV among key populations, including those that address gender inequalities, stigma and discrimination and the legal rights and status of key populations, and economic barriers. The KP Technical Lead will lead the KP team to implement targeted and high-quality interventions that achieve project goals, objectives and project targets. S/he will identify opportunities for innovation and address bottlenecks. S/He will ensure that KP-friendly, innovative services are provided that meet the target population. S/he will use project data to inform development and adaptation of best practices. S/he will be responsible for representing the YONECO’s KP program interventions in donor, partner and MoH meetings; for ensuring alignment with their priorities and guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management for the Key Population program component in the project to ensure that implementation of activities for KP are in accordance with work plans designed to meet targets and deliverables; 
• Provide technical assistance, capacity building, support and supervision to district staff on KP activities
• Work closely with the local sub grantees, monitor their performance, provide timely feedback, and support them to meet targets and deliverables. Inform Project leadership of any gaps and challenges the sub-partner is facing that impedes their ability to perform
• Work with district teams to map and identify key populations in selected districts.
• Develop strategies to improve linkage and referral of key populations for services at both facility and community level.
• Together with KP provider partner, build the capacity of health facilities to provide services for HIV cascade to all KPs and improve linkages and referral to support networks.
• Manage the KP activity budget and ensure staff adhere to budget lines. Coordinate with the project manager to ensure prompt reporting on expenditure, and resource gaps;
• Recruit and train Peer Educators (PEs) to ensure implementation of activities related to HIV/AIDS, TB, SRH, STI management and PMTCT.
• Track key performance indicators and strategies to determine progress in achievement of targets and innovations across supported districts
• Together with KP service partners, conduct targeted site supervision visits to supported health units in the district to provide technical assistance, capacity building and mentorship of health worker
• Ensure that supplies and commodities for the KPs are available at all times, and reports submitted timely. Spearhead strategies to address condom and lubricant accessibility and acceptability.
• Promote strategies that improve adherence, retention and viral load suppression among KPs
• Identify and address bottlenecks that impact on access to health services by KP
• Support networks of people living with HIV among the KP
• Perform other related duties as requested by your supervisor.
• Work closely with the project Manager, Finance and Admin staff, and HR team to ensure compliance with financial, HR and administrative procedures, and ensure efficient use of project resources;
• Manage staff performance and coordinate closely with the HR team to address performance gaps as well as recognizing high performers;
• Work closely with the district team to ensure effective utilization of the budget and coordinate with the district team leader to ensure prompt reporting on expenditure, and resource gaps;
• Ensure compliance with financial, HR and administrative procedures, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Comply with YONECO policies, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• All staff irrespective of their position are expected to comply with and follow YONECO operational procedures and policies, and codes of conduct.

Communication and Knowledge Management

• Represent KP project progress, achievements and lessons learned to CDC and PEPFAR, coordinating with the CDC Malawi KP focal person;
• Collaborate with key stakeholders in PEPFAR and non-PEPFAR funded programs and other related program activities;
• Maintain excellent relationships with the donor, MOH, partners and stakeholders;
• Maintain effective internal communications to ensure that all relevant departments functions are kept informed of strategies;
• Document successes, lessons learned and challenges in implementation,
• Support drafting of project reports and results to the donor, including routine monthly, quarterly, annual and other reporting requirements as requested; and ensure sharing of information and knowledge with other country programs, and with the donor, to contribute to systems that support knowledge management;
• Author/co-author abstracts presentations, manuscripts, and success stories; collaborate with the communications specialist to develop stories for internal/ external use, and work with the communications specialist to deliver on the project’s communication plan, and ensure consistent utilization of the organization’s brand.

New Program Development

• Identify strategic opportunities for the project and potential areas for expansion of existing projects in YONECO’s portfolios and make recommendations to pursue these opportunities;
• Facilitate the development of innovative project approaches and interventions;
• Support the development/review of strategies, including technical direction for achieving program goals as well as management effectiveness.
• All staff irrespective of their position are expected to comply with and follow YONECO operational procedures and policies, and codes of conduct.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Master’s in Public Health, Nursing, Gender, Community Development and or related advanced degree with at least three years’ experience in programming, preferably HIV/AIDS programs, with increasing responsibilities;
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Gender, Community Development plus a minimum of 7 years’ experience working in HIV/Programming with at least 2 of these in programs with key and priority populations
• Understanding of KP programming and evidence-based approaches; awareness of prevention packages and MOH priorities in this area
• Sensitive to needs of special populations and a commitment and passion for working with KP
• Familiarity with the administrative structures and knowledge of who comprises the key stakeholders in a community
• Strong understanding of PEPFAR and Malawian Government HIV priorities, and familiarity with MOH guidelines, policies and strategic priorities
• Able to demonstrate innovative thinking in programming Understanding of evidence-based programming
• Articulate in written and spoken English with effective communication skills, and excellent interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills;
• Ability to meet work plan deadlines and targets, at times under pressure
• Able to coach and mentor others and share skills within the team
• Excellent organizational skills and able to work independently with strong problem-solving skills.

 

3. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer 2 Positions)

Job Title         :           Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

Reports to      :           Strategic Information Manager

Location         :           Zomba

Job summary

The Monitoring & Evaluation Officer will provide Monitoring & Evaluation technical support to the program team and give capacity building support to project staff, KP implementing partners and local government partners. The M&E Officer will support the development and implementation of data collection systems, ensure data quality and accurate reporting in a timely manner. The M&E Officer will also support the team to use data to build evidence for improved programming and advocacy with government, CSO and private sector partners

 

Responsibilities:

• Develop monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework for the program and ensuring data systems established can measure progress against impact.
• Support the implementation and ongoing of all MEL processes, systems and guidance including leading the design and rolling out of reporting initiatives of the program.
• Update and review the Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan (EPMP) on annual basis to ensure all M&E needs and requirements are documented and adhered to. 
• Develop internal Database for all activity tools by working closely with the database developer or the M&E Assistant.
• Maintenance of the databases: conduct Quarterly Data Quality Assessments to ensure accuracy and consistency in the data.
• Share programmatic reports with management and partners
• Conduct training to relevant project stakeholders and staff on how to use data management systems and capture data using the data collection.
• Lead on the consolidation of monitoring data for reporting against the performance indicators for donor reporting and internal program review.
• Review and analyze project monitoring data and generate user –friendly analyses thereof, including the use of graphics;
• Conduct support supervision visits to implementing partners to observe, monitor and provide guidance and quality feedback on the use of data collection tools.
• Work closely with the Project Director, M&E Lead and other program staff to develop data collection plans and methodologies;
• Review / develop the data collection tools for various programs to enable the field team collect quality data for project indicators.
• Provide M&E support to the senior management team for the compilation and completion of donor reports.
• Share performance monthly reports with staff and management to support management decision making and take lead in reflections about performance with the team.
• Build capacity of local communities, partners and staff on the Results framework, data management (specifically record keeping and management) and results‐oriented programming; and report writing techniques; and requirements to ensure compliance.
• Support the M&E assistant to ensure accurate, timely reports are produced.
• Support partners in compilation of monthly and quarterly progress reports.
• Share Key Populations MIS data with respective district KP officers on a quarterly basis
• Conduct quarterly routine monitoring of activities and ensure work plans are being implemented.
• Conduct bi-annual analysis of progress against program targets and sharing across program and partner teams through quarterly technical reviews

 

Minimum Qualifications, Experience, Specific Knowledge, Skills and abilities Required 

• Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in an M&E position responsible for implementing M&E activities of international development projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, demographics, public policy, international development, Social Sciences, economics, or related field. Master’s degree or Bachelor plus an advanced training in M&E, statistics, or economics preferred.
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating project M&E systems from project initiation to closeout stages.
• Experience designing and managing beneficiary monitoring and database systems.
• Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and/performance monitoring plans.
• Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.
• Experience in planning and managing surveys, developing data collection tools, and data quality assessments and oversight.
• Experience in capacity building for Monitoring and Evaluation
• Ability to facilitate and serve as a project liaison for evaluations and external data quality assessments.
• Good working knowledge of major databases and at least 2 analytical programs including MS access, MS excel, STATA, SPSS and Epi Data, and GIS.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Fluent in oral and written English and excellent writing skills
• Ability to work in a challenging environment, under high pressure and tight deadlines
• PEPFAR M&E experience will be an added advantage

 

 

 

4. Statistical Clerk (6 Positions)

Job Title         :           Statistical Clerk

Reports to      :           M&E Officers

Location         :           Blantyre, Lilongwe, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Mwanza and Mzimba

Job summary

Responsible for data governance, report management and patient registration to ensure accurate reporting of health facility data. Maintain primary patient/ client records using standard MOH tools; Meticulous and confidential filing of primary patient records. Routine review of data quality and active data cleaning; Timely abstraction and aggregation of health service data for scheduled reporting.

 

Responsibilities

• Register clients/patients and record details in OPD and other project registers as assigned by the head of facility
• Prepare page and monthly summaries as per instructions
• Compile data from the various registers, other facilities and the community
• Receive reports from the community and other facilities within the catchment area
• Aggregate key data elements in the registers and provide aggregated data sheet showing performance of each section/department
• Maintain a tracking chart showing reporting status for each department/section of the health facility
• Analyze data from various registers, other facilities and the community
• Prepare and update graphs and charts for key health indicators and display in strategic places within the health facility
• Prepare monthly reports and present the reports to facility management team
• Perform monthly and when necessary daily and weekly monitoring and disseminate information to relevant health facility staff and other stakeholders
• Provide feedback to the sections and departments, health facilities and community where the data originates
• Undertake training of HSAs and other health workers in data collection and report writing
• Participate in Planning and Monitoring Evaluation & Research activities at facility level through coordination of monthly facility reviews
• Maintain data base at facility level
• Submit reports to the designated supervisor and Assistant Statistician at District Health Office
• Any other duties as assigned by the health facility on timely basis

 

Minimum qualifications, experience, specific knowledge, skills and abilities required

• MSCE plus credits in English and Math
• Certificate in Computer Studies, Statistics and/or M&E
• Competency in Word, Excel
• Typing and advanced numeracy
• Data management including active documentation and filing of paper records
• Support inventory management of stationery and basic clinic consumables
• Maintaining client appointment schedules, data abstraction, aggregation and reporting
• Detailed oriented with ability to multitask
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Basic IT network and app troubleshooting and support of point of care systems

 

5. Key Population Officer (4 Positions)

Job Title         :           Key Population Officer

Reports to      :           KP Advisor

Location         :           Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Mwanza and Mzimba

Job summary

The KP Project Officer will work with the district teams to implement the KP project Key Populations (KP) components of the project. This will include ensuring that KP-friendly, innovative services are provided that meet the target population. S/he will support health care workers and Peer Educators (PEs) in providing KP HIV interventions and other services in order to improve KP access to a HIV prevention package at both community and health unit levels.

 

Responsibilities

 

• Work under the leadership of the KP Advisor to provide support for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Comprehensive HIV prevention program, HIV testing services and linkage for key population.
• Initiate and encourage best practices in the field of comprehensive HIV prevention program, HIV testing services and linkage services to key populations.
• Support partner sites, collaborating NGOs / CSOs and other partners to provide comprehensive HIV prevention program, HIV testing services and linkage services, in accordance with policies and guidelines and internationally recognized best practices.
• Support Community facilitators, Outreach Workers and Case managers to conduct sessions and provide HTS services in the communities with linkage.
• Facilitate referral and linkages of all HIV positive children of KPs to ART treatment, care and support services.
• Carry out initiatives to enhance retention in care and reduce loss to follow of HIV positive KP clients
• Ensure quality ART adherence services to HIV positive C-KP
• Facilitate STI screening and syndromic management of C-KP beneficiaries
• Encourage proper documentation using recommended tools both at community and facility levels
• Work with other program staff including the district KP focal person and thematic areas to map out strategies to achieve set program objectives and cover gaps identified.
• Work with key population networks and other organizations to advance advocacy priorities of key populations living with HIV
• Facilitate viral load monitoring and testing for all HIV positive KPs in the program who are on ART and are eligible.
• And any other delegated task that enhances your skills.

 

 

Required Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in health related field with evidence of further study
• 5-6 years’ experience working in HIV/Programming with at least 2 of these in programs with key populations
• Understanding of KP programming and evidence-based approaches; awareness of prevention packages and MOH priorities in this area
• Sensitive to needs of special populations and a commitment and passion for working with KP
• Familiarity with the administrative structures and knowledge of who comprises the key stakeholders in a community
• Previous experience working with PEPFAR funded programs an advantage
• Able to demonstrate innovative thinking in programming
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills in English and interpersonal skills (Chichewa)
• Ability to meet work plan deadlines and targets, at times under pressure
• Understanding of evidence-based programming
• Able to coach and mentor others and share skills within the team
• Excellent organizational skills and able to work independently with strong problem-solving skills.

 

If you are interested in any of the positions, email your application letter, CV (with three traceable referees) and copies of your certificates to: recruitments@yoneco.org.mw . Please indicate the position you are applying for as the subject of your email.

 

You can also send by post to:

The Executive Director,

Youth Net and Counselling,

P.O Box 471,

Zomba

The deadline for applications is November 8, 2022. Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged and invited for interviews.

Youth Net and counselling (YONECO) is an equal opportunity employer, has safeguarding measures in place and special groups are encouraged to apply.